2 Kings 4:8
New International Version
One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat.

New Living Translation
One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat.

English Standard Version
One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.

Berean Standard Bible
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.

King James Bible
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

New King James Version
Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food.

New American Standard Bible
Now a day came when Elisha went over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she urged him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, that he turned in there to eat food.

NASB 1995
Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she persuaded him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat food.

NASB 1977
Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she persuaded him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat food.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she prevailed upon him to eat food. Now it happened, as often as he passed by, that he turned in there to eat food.

Amplified Bible
Now there came a day when Elisha went over to Shunem, where there was a prominent and influential woman, and she persuaded him to eat a meal. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he stopped there for a meal.

Christian Standard Bible
One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat.

American Standard Version
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

Contemporary English Version
Once, while Elisha was in the town of Shunem, he met a rich woman who invited him to her home for dinner. After that, whenever he was in Shunem, he would have a meal there with her and her husband.

English Revised Version
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One day Elisha was traveling through Shunem, where a rich woman lived. She had invited him to eat [with her]. So whenever he was in the area, he stopped in to eat.

Good News Translation
One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a rich woman lived. She invited him to a meal, and from then on every time he went to Shunem he would have his meals at her house.

International Standard Version
Some time later, Elisha went to Shunem, where he met a prominent and wealthy woman who persuaded him to have a meal with her. As a result, whenever he was in the area, he stopped by to eat with her.

Majority Standard Bible
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.

NET Bible
One day Elisha traveled to Shunem, where a prominent woman lived. She insisted that he stop for a meal. So whenever he was passing through, he would stop in there for a meal.

New Heart English Bible
It fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman; and she persuaded him to eat bread. So it was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a distinguished woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

World English Bible
One day Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman; and she persuaded him to eat bread. So it was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the day comes that Elisha passes over to Shunem, and there [is] a great woman, and she lays hold on him to eat bread, and it comes to pass, at the time of his passing over, he turns aside there to eat bread,

Young's Literal Translation
And the day cometh that Elisha passeth over unto Shunem, and there is a great woman, and she layeth hold on him to eat bread, and it cometh to pass, at the time of his passing over, he turneth aside thither to eat bread,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be the day, and Elisha will pass through to Shunem, and a great woman there; and she will lay hold on him to eat bread. And it will be as often as he passed by, he will turn aside there to eat bread.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there was a day when Eliseus passed by Sunam: now there was a great woman there, who detained him to eat bread; and as he passed often that way, he turned into her house to eat bread.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now it happened that, on a certain day, Elisha passed by Shunem. And there was a great woman there, who took him to eat bread. And since he frequently passed by there, he turned aside to her house, so that he might eat bread.

New American Bible
One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who pressed him to dine with her. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he would stop there to dine.

New Revised Standard Version
One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass on the morrow, Elisha went and came to Shiloh, where was a wealthy woman; and she constrained him to eat food. So that whenever he passed by, he turned in there to eat food.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was the day after, and Elisha came, and he passed by to Shiloh, and a great woman was there and she compelled him that he would eat bread, and whenever he passed, he turned aside there to eat bread.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And a day came, when Elisaie passed over to Soman, and there was a great lady there, and she constrained him to eat bread: and it came to pass as often as he went into the city, that he turned aside to eat there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Shunammite Woman
8 One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. 9Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God.…

Cross References
1 Kings 17:9-24
“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” ...

Luke 10:38-42
As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...

Genesis 18:1-8
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Matthew 10:40-42
He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. / Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Acts 16:14-15
Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

1 Samuel 25:2-8
Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. / His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. / While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. ...

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

2 Samuel 6:10-11
So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. / Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household.

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

Acts 9:36-39
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. / At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” ...

1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

Philemon 1:7
I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.


Treasury of Scripture

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

it fell on [heb] there was

2 Kings 4:11,18
And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there…

2 Kings 4:12
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

Joshua 19:18
And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

1 Samuel 28:4
And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

a great woman

2 Samuel 19:32
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

Job 1:3
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Job 32:9
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Genesis 19:3
And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Judges 19:20
And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.

Proverbs 7:21
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Jump to Previous
Bread Constrained Distinguished Eat Elisha Eli'sha Fell Food Great High Hold House Layeth Meal Oft Often Passed Passeth Passing Persuaded Position Prominent Shunem Stopped Thither Time Turned Turneth Urged Wealthy Whenever
Jump to Next
Bread Constrained Distinguished Eat Elisha Eli'sha Fell Food Great High Hold House Layeth Meal Oft Often Passed Passeth Passing Persuaded Position Prominent Shunem Stopped Thither Time Turned Turneth Urged Wealthy Whenever
2 Kings 4
1. Elisha multiplies the widow's oil
8. He obtains a son for the good Shunammite
18. He restores her son when dead
38. At Gilgal he heals the deadly pottage
42. He satisfies a hundred men with twenty loaves














One day
This phrase sets the stage for a specific event in the life of Elisha, the prophet. In the Hebrew context, "one day" often signifies a divinely appointed time, a moment when God's providence intersects with human history. It reminds us that God orchestrates events in our lives according to His perfect timing.

Elisha
Elisha, whose name means "God is salvation," was a prophet and the successor of Elijah. His ministry was marked by miracles and acts of compassion, reflecting God's power and mercy. Elisha's journey to Shunem is part of his broader mission to bring God's word and presence to the people of Israel.

went to Shunem
Shunem was a town in the territory of Issachar, located in the northern part of ancient Israel. Archaeological findings suggest it was a fertile area, conducive to agriculture. The journey to Shunem indicates Elisha's itinerant ministry, moving from place to place to serve God's people.

a prominent woman
The Hebrew term used here can be translated as "great" or "notable," indicating her social status and influence. This woman is not named, yet her actions speak volumes about her character. Her prominence suggests she had resources and authority, which she used to support God's prophet.

who lived there
This phrase emphasizes her rootedness in the community of Shunem. Her willingness to serve Elisha reflects her commitment to her community and her openness to God's work in her midst. It challenges us to consider how we can be instruments of God's grace in our own communities.

persuaded him to have a meal
The act of persuasion indicates her determination and hospitality. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and respect. Her invitation to Elisha is an expression of her faith and recognition of God's presence in him.

So whenever he passed by
This phrase suggests a recurring relationship between Elisha and the woman. It highlights the importance of consistent hospitality and support for those who serve God. Her ongoing generosity is a model of faithful stewardship and partnership in ministry.

he would stop there to eat
Elisha's acceptance of her hospitality signifies mutual respect and gratitude. It underscores the importance of community and the role of laypeople in supporting God's work. This relationship between Elisha and the Shunammite woman exemplifies how God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

(8) And it fell on a day.--Rather, And it came to pass at that time. Literally, during that day, referring to the period of the miracle just related. Perhaps, too, the contrast of the poor and rich woman is intentional.

Passed.--Crossed over--scil., the plain of Jezreel, which he would have to do, whether he went from Samaria, or from Carmel to Shunem, which lay on the slope of Little Hermon, about midway between the two.

A great woman--i.e., of high rank, or rich (1Samuel 25:2; 2Samuel 19:33). Rabbinic tradition identifies her with Abishag the Shunammite of 1Kings 1:3 (!). In that case she must have been at this time more than 200 years old.

So it was.--It came to pass.

Passed by.--Crossed over, as above.

He turned in.--He would turn aside (frequentative). For the phrase, see Genesis 19:2. . . .

Verses 8-37. - 2. The promise of a child to the Shunammite woman, and the restoration of the child to life. Verse 8. - And it fall on a day, that. The expression seems to be archaic. It occurs only here and in the opening chapters of the Book of Job (Job 1:6, 13; 2:1). The most literal rendering would be, and the day came when. Elisha passed to Shunem. Shunem was a village of Galilee, situated in the territory assigned to Issachar (Joshua 19:18). It is reasonably identified with the modern Solam, at the south-eastern foot of the Gebel Duhy, or "Little Hermon," a "flourishing village encompassed by gardens" (Porter), and "in the midst of the finest corn-fields in the world" (Grove), on the edge of the Plain of Esdraelon. Elisha, in his progression to different parts of the northern kingdom, happened to come on one occasion to Shunem. Where was a great woman. Houbigant strangely translates, "a tan woman," maintaining that a woman would not be called "great" in the sense of "wealthy" during her husband's lifetime; but no other commentator has accepted his view. The meaning seems to be that she was a woman of substance, one well-to-do, perhaps one that had brought her husband the bulk of his wealth. And she constrained him to eat bread; i.e. she invited him in as he passed her house, and would take no denial. Compare Lot's pressing hospitality, as related in Genesis 19:1-3. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. Elisha, it appears, had frequent occasion to pass through Shunem on his way from Carmel to visit the cities of Galilee, or versa. It became his habit, on these journeys, to eat his meals at the house of the rich Shunammite. Hence arose a kindly feeling on both sides and a close intimacy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One day
הַיּ֜וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

Elisha
אֱלִישָׁ֣ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

went
וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Shunem,
שׁוּנֵ֗ם (šū·nêm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7766: Shunem -- a city in Issachar

and a prominent
גְדוֹלָ֔ה (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

woman
אִשָּׁ֣ה (’iš·šāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

who lived there
וְשָׁם֙ (wə·šām)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

persuaded
וַתַּחֲזֶק־ (wat·ta·ḥă·zeq-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

him
בּ֖וֹ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

to have a meal.
לֶאֱכָל־ (le·’ĕ·ḵāl-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

So whenever
וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

he would pass by,
עָבְר֔וֹ (‘ā·ḇə·rōw)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

he would stop
יָסֻ֥ר (yā·sur)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

there
שָׁ֖מָּה (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

to eat.
לֶאֱכָל־ (le·’ĕ·ḵāl-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:8 It fell on a day that Elisha (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 4:7
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