2 Kings 4:7
New International Version
She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

New Living Translation
When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.”

English Standard Version
She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Berean Standard Bible
She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.”

King James Bible
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

New King James Version
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

New American Standard Bible
So she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

NASB 1995
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

NASB 1977
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Amplified Bible
Then she came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Christian Standard Bible
She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debt; you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debt; you and your sons can live on the rest.”

American Standard Version
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy sons of the rest.

Contemporary English Version
After she told Elisha what had happened, he said, "Sell the oil and use part of the money to pay what you owe the man. You and your sons can live on what is left."

English Revised Version
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy sons of the rest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
She went and told the man of God. He said, "Sell the oil, and pay your debt. The rest is for you and your children."

Good News Translation
She went back to Elisha, the prophet, who said to her, "Sell the olive oil and pay all your debts, and there will be enough money left over for you and your sons to live on."

International Standard Version
After this, she went and told the man of God what had happened. So he said, "Go sell the oil, pay your debt, and you and your children will be able to live on the proceeds."

Majority Standard Bible
She went and told the man of God, and he said, ?Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.?

NET Bible
She went and told the prophet. He said, "Go, sell the olive oil. Repay your creditor, and then you and your sons can live off the rest of the profit."

New Heart English Bible
Then she came and told the man of God. He said, "Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children on the remainder.

World English Bible
Then she came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And she comes and declares [it] to the man of God, and he says, “Go, sell the oil, and repay your loan; and you [and] your sons live off the rest.”

Young's Literal Translation
And she cometh and declareth to the man of God, and he saith, 'Go, sell the oil, and repay thy loan; and thou and thy sons do live of the rest.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will go and announce to the man of God, and he will say, Go sell the oil and requite thy creditor, and thou shalt live with thy sons by the rest.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And she came, and told the man of God. And he said: Go, sell the oil, and pay thy creditor: and thou and thy sons live of the rest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then she went and told the man of God. And he said: “Go, sell the oil, and repay your creditor. Then you and your sons may live on what remains.”

New American Bible
She went and told the man of God, who said, “Go sell the oil to pay off your creditor; with what remains, you and your children can live.”

New Revised Standard Version
She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your children can live on the rest.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then she came and told the prophet of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt, and live, you and your sons, on what is left over.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And she came, she told the Prophet of God. And he said to her: “Go sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons will live on what is left over.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said: 'Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy sons of the rest.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she came and told the man of God: and Elisaie said, Go, and sell the oil, and thou shalt pay thy debts, and thou and thy sons shall live of the remaining oil.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Widow's Oil
6When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another.” But he replied, “There are no more jars.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.”

Cross References
Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

1 Kings 17:14-16
for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” / So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. / The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

1 Timothy 5:3-4
Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Acts 4:34-35
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Psalm 37:25-26
I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. / They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

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

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.


Treasury of Scripture

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt, and live you and your children of the rest.

pay

Psalm 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

debt.

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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














She went and told the man of God
This phrase highlights the widow's obedience and faith. The "man of God" refers to Elisha, a prophet who served as God's mouthpiece. In Hebrew, "man of God" is "ish ha-Elohim," emphasizing the divine authority and spiritual insight Elisha possessed. The widow's action of seeking Elisha's counsel demonstrates her trust in God's provision through His prophet, a common theme in the Old Testament where prophets often acted as intermediaries between God and His people.

and he said
This phrase indicates Elisha's role as a conduit of divine wisdom. The Hebrew verb "amar" (to say) is frequently used in the Old Testament to introduce prophetic declarations. Elisha's response is not merely human advice but carries the weight of divine instruction, reflecting the belief that God speaks through His chosen servants.

Go, sell the oil and pay your debt
Here, Elisha provides a practical solution to the widow's dire situation. The instruction to "go" signifies action and faith in God's provision. The oil, miraculously multiplied, becomes a means of deliverance. In ancient Israel, oil was a valuable commodity, used for cooking, lighting, and anointing, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and blessing. The directive to "sell the oil" underscores the principle of stewardship and resourcefulness, encouraging believers to utilize God's blessings wisely.

and pay your debt
This phrase emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's obligations. In the ancient Near Eastern context, debt could lead to severe consequences, including slavery. By instructing the widow to pay her debt, Elisha upholds the biblical principle of integrity and responsibility. This reflects the broader scriptural teaching that God provides for His people, enabling them to live honorably and free from bondage.

You and your sons can live on the remainder
This final phrase highlights God's abundant provision. The Hebrew word for "live" (chayah) implies not just survival but thriving. The promise that the widow and her sons can live on the remainder of the oil signifies God's generosity and care for His people. It assures believers that when they trust and obey God, He provides not only for immediate needs but also for future sustenance. This narrative serves as an inspirational reminder of God's faithfulness and the blessings that flow from obedience and faith.

(7) Then she came.--And she went in.

He said.--LXX., "Elisha said."

Thy debt.--Right. Margin incorrect.

And live thou and thy children.--Heb., and thou--thy sons--thou mayest live. Clearly "and" has fallen out before the second word. Many MSS. and all the versions have it.

Thou.--'Atti, an archaism, perhaps retained in the dialect of northern Israel (1Kings 14:2).

Of the rest.--On what is left over--i.e., of the price of the oil.

(8?37) The Shunammitess and her son.

Verse 7. - Then she came and told the man of God; i.e. Elisha (comp. vers. 9,16, 21, 22, etc.). She did not feel entitled to make use of the oil which she had got by his instrumentality without first telling him and receiving his directions respecting it. The prophet gave them with all plainness and brevity. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. The oil in the vessels was more than sufficient for the discharge of the debt. The prophet directs the woman to sell the whole, and, after satisfying the claim of her creditor with part of the money, to support herself and her children on the remainder.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
She went
וַתָּבֹ֗א (wat·tā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and told
וַתַּגֵּד֙ (wat·tag·gêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

the man
לְאִ֣ישׁ (lə·’îš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

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

“Go,
לְכִי֙ (lə·ḵî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

sell
מִכְרִ֣י (miḵ·rî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 4376: To sell

the oil
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶן (haš·še·men)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

and pay
וְשַׁלְּמִ֖י (wə·šal·lə·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate

your debt,
נִשְׁיֵ֑ךְ (niš·yêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5386: A debt

and you
וְאַ֣תְּ (wə·’at)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person feminine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and your sons
וּבָנַ֔יִךְ (ū·ḇā·na·yiḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

can live
תִֽחְיִ֖י (ṯiḥ·yî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive

on the remainder.”
בַּנּוֹתָֽר׃ (ban·nō·w·ṯār)
Preposition-b, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:7 Then she came and told the man (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 4:6
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