2 Kings 4:38
New International Version
Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets.”

New Living Translation
Elisha now returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. One day as the group of prophets was seated before him, he said to his servant, “Put a large pot on the fire, and make some stew for the rest of the group.”

English Standard Version
And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

Berean Standard Bible
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.”

King James Bible
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

New King James Version
And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

New American Standard Bible
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting in front of him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

NASB 1995
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

NASB 1977
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his young man, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

Amplified Bible
Elisha came back to Gilgal during a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting before him, and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook stew for the sons of the prophets.”

Christian Standard Bible
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting before him. He said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and make stew for the sons of the prophets.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet. He said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and make stew for the sons of the prophets.”

American Standard Version
And Elisha came again to Gilgal. And there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Contemporary English Version
Later, Elisha went back to Gilgal, where there was almost nothing to eat, because the crops had failed. One day while the prophets who lived there were meeting with Elisha, he said to his servant, "Prepare a big pot of stew for these prophets."

English Revised Version
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Elisha went back to Gilgal, there was a famine in the country. [One day,] while the disciples of the prophets were meeting with him, he told his servant, "Put a large pot on the fire, and cook some stew for the disciples of the prophets."

Good News Translation
Once, when there was a famine throughout the land, Elisha returned to Gilgal. While he was teaching a group of prophets, he told his servant to put a big pot on the fire and make some stew for them.

International Standard Version
Elisha returned to Gilgal during a time of famine in the land. While the Guild of Prophets were having a meal with him, he instructed his attendant, "Put a large pot on the fire and boil some stew for the Guild of Prophets."

Majority Standard Bible
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.”

NET Bible
Now Elisha went back to Gilgal, while there was famine in the land. Some of the prophets were visiting him and he told his servant, "Put the big pot on the fire and boil some stew for the prophets."

New Heart English Bible
Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, "Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Elisha came again to Gilgal. And there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.

World English Bible
Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Get the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Elisha has turned back to Gilgal, and the famine [is] in the land, and the sons of the prophets are sitting before him, and he says to his young man, “Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Elisha hath turned back to Gilgal, and the famine is in the land, and the sons of the prophets are sitting before him, and he saith to his young man, 'Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Elisha turned back to Gilgal. And the famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets sitting before him: and he will say to his boy, Place the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Eliseus returned to Galgal, and there was a famine in the land, and the sons of the prophets dwelt before him. And he said to one of his servants: Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Elisha returned to Gilgal. Now there was a famine in the land, and the sons of the prophets were living in his sight. And he said to one of his servants, “Set out a large cooking pot, and boil a soup for the sons of the prophets.”

New American Bible
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. Once, when the guild prophets were seated before him, he said to his servant, “Put the large pot on, and make some vegetable stew for the guild prophets.”

New Revised Standard Version
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the company of prophets was sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Put the large pot on, and make some stew for the company of prophets.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Elisha returned to Gilgal; and there was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his disciple, Set on the great pot, and cook pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Elisha returned to Galgala, and famine was in the land, and the sons of the Prophets were dwelling before him. And he said to his disciple: “Cook a great pot and boil stew for the sons of the Prophets.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Elisha came again to Gilgal; and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said unto his servant: 'Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Elisaie returned to Galgala: and a famine was in the land; and the sons of the prophets sat before him: and Elisaie said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elisha Purifies the Poisonous Stew
38When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.” 39One of them went out to the field to gather herbs, and he found a wild vine from which he gathered as many wild gourds as his garment could hold. Then he came back and cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were.…

Cross References
2 Kings 2:19-22
Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.” / “Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him, / and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” ...

2 Kings 6:1-7
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. / Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha. / Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. ...

1 Kings 17:8-16
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “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.” ...

Exodus 15:23-25
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) / So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” / And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,

Exodus 16:4-5
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”

Numbers 11:4-9
Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? / We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. / But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!” ...

1 Samuel 9:6-8
“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”

1 Kings 18:21-24
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. / Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. / Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. ...

Matthew 14:15-21
When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” / “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.” / “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. ...

Matthew 15:32-38
Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” / The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” / “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” ...

Mark 6:35-44
By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. / Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” ...

Mark 8:1-9
In those days the crowd once again became very large, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called the disciples to Him and said, / “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. / If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a great distance.” ...

Luke 9:12-17
As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” / (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” ...

John 6:5-13
When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” / But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. / Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” ...

Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. / A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. / All the believers were together and had everything in common. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Elisha

2 Kings 2:1
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

1 Samuel 7:16,17
And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places…

Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

a dearth

2 Kings 8:1
Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

Leviticus 26:26
And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Deuteronomy 28:22-24,38-40
The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish…

the sons

2 Kings 2:3
And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

1 Samuel 19:20
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

were sitting

Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Luke 2:46
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Luke 8:35,38
Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid…

Set on the great pot

Mark 6:37
He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

Mark 8:2-6
I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: …

Luke 9:13
But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

Jump to Previous
Boil Company Cook Dearth Elisha Famine Fire Food Gilgal Great Large Meeting Pot Pottage Prophets Region Seated Seethe Servant Sitting Soup Stew Turned
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Boil Company Cook Dearth Elisha Famine Fire Food Gilgal Great Large Meeting Pot Pottage Prophets Region Seated Seethe Servant Sitting Soup Stew Turned
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














When Elisha returned to Gilgal
The name "Elisha" in Hebrew means "God is salvation," reflecting his role as a prophet who brings God's word and works to the people. Elisha's return to Gilgal, a significant location in Israel's history, underscores the continuity of God's work through His prophets. Gilgal was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River, symbolizing new beginnings and God's faithfulness. This setting reminds us of God's enduring presence and provision, even in times of hardship.

there was a famine in the land
Famine in the biblical context often signifies more than just a lack of food; it can represent spiritual desolation or a period of testing. Historically, famines were common in the ancient Near East due to climate variability and agricultural dependency. In Scripture, famines often serve as a backdrop for God's miraculous interventions, highlighting His sovereignty and the need for reliance on Him. This famine sets the stage for Elisha's demonstration of God's provision.

As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him
The "sons of the prophets" were a group of disciples or followers of the prophets, akin to a prophetic school. This phrase indicates a community dedicated to learning and living out God's word. Their presence with Elisha suggests a setting of instruction and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of communal faith and mentorship in the life of believers. It reflects the continuity of God's revelation through His chosen messengers.

he said to his servant
Elisha's interaction with his servant highlights the role of servanthood and obedience in God's work. The servant acts as an intermediary, carrying out the prophet's instructions, which mirrors the relationship between God and His people. This phrase underscores the importance of humility and readiness to serve in fulfilling God's purposes.

Put on the large pot and cook some stew
The "large pot" symbolizes preparation for communal nourishment, both physical and spiritual. In ancient times, a communal meal was a sign of fellowship and unity. The act of cooking stew, a simple yet sustaining meal, reflects God's provision through ordinary means. It serves as a reminder that God often works through the mundane to accomplish His divine purposes, providing for His people in unexpected ways.

for these sons of the prophets
This phrase emphasizes the care and provision for those dedicated to God's service. The sons of the prophets, as learners and future leaders, represent the continuation of God's work through successive generations. Elisha's concern for their well-being highlights the importance of nurturing and sustaining those who are called to serve God, ensuring that they are equipped both physically and spiritually for their mission.

(38-44) Elisha among the sons of the prophets at Gilgal during the famine.

(38) And Elisha came again.--Now Elisha had returned, commencing a new narrative. The word "return" refers to the prophet's annual visit. (Comp. 2Kings 4:25, and 2Kings 2:1, Notes.) The story is not put in chronological sequence with the foregoing.

And there was a dearth.--And the famine was.

The sons of the prophets were sitting before him.--As disciples before a master; probably in a common hall, which served for lecture, work, and dining-room. (Comp. 2Kings 6:1; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 14:1; Acts 22:3.) . . .

Verses 38-41. - 3. The healing of the unwholesome pottage. Verse 38. - And Elisha came again to Gilgal; i.e. revisited Gilgal, where he had been previously with his master (2 Kings 2:1), either casually, or perhaps on one of his regular circuits (Keil) to visit the schools of the prophets. And there was a dearth in the land - probably the dearth again mentioned in 2 Kings 8:1 - and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him. Some translate "the sons of the prophets dwelt with him" (Vulgate, Luther, Bishop Hersley); but our version is probably correct. The LXX. give ἀκάθηντο; and Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 16:1; Ezekiel 33:31; with Zechariah 3:8, show that ישׁבים לפני may have the meaning of "sitting in the presence of a person." And he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot - i.e. the one great pot that there would be in the house - and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. Even in a famine there would be some vegetables produced on which life might be sustained.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Elisha
וֶאֱלִישָׁ֞ע (we·’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

returned
שָׁ֤ב (šāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to Gilgal,
הַגִּלְגָּ֙לָה֙ (hag·gil·gā·lāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1537: Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine

there was a famine
וְהָרָעָ֣ב (wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458: Famine, hunger

in the land.
בָּאָ֔רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

As the sons
וּבְנֵי֙ (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of the prophets
הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים (han·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

were sitting
יֹשְׁבִ֖ים (yō·šə·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

at his feet,
לְפָנָ֑יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

he said
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to his attendant,
לְנַעֲר֗וֹ (lə·na·‘ă·rōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

“Put on
שְׁפֹת֙ (šə·p̄ōṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8239: Put -- to set (on the fire)

the large
הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה (hag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

pot
הַסִּ֣יר (has·sîr)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 5518: A pot, a thorn, a hook

and boil
וּבַשֵּׁ֥ל (ū·ḇaš·šêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1310: To boil up, cooking, to ripen

some stew
נָזִ֖יד (nā·zîḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5138: Something sodden or boiled, pottage

for the sons
לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of the prophets.”
הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃ (han·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:38 Elisha came again to Gilgal (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 4:37
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