2 Kings 4:9
New International Version
She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God.

New Living Translation
She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God.

English Standard Version
And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God.

King James Bible
And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

New King James Version
And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly.

New American Standard Bible
And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I am aware that this is a holy man of God passing by us repeatedly.

NASB 1995
She said to her husband, “Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God passing by us continually.

NASB 1977
And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God passing by us continually.

Legacy Standard Bible
And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God passing by us continually.

Amplified Bible
She said to her husband, “Behold, I sense that this is a holy man of God who frequently passes our way.

Christian Standard Bible
Then she said to her husband, “I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then she said to her husband, “I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God,

American Standard Version
And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, that passeth by us continually.

Contemporary English Version
Some time later the woman said to her husband, "I'm sure the man who comes here so often is a prophet of God.

English Revised Version
And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
She told her husband, "I know he's a holy man of God. And he regularly travels past our house.

Good News Translation
She said to her husband, "I am sure that this man who comes here so often is a holy man.

International Standard Version
So she had a talk with her husband. "Look here! I've learned that this is a holy and godly man who comes by here on a regular basis.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the woman said to her husband, ?Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God.

NET Bible
She said to her husband, "Look, I'm sure that the man who regularly passes through here is a very special prophet.

New Heart English Bible
She said to her husband, "See now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, that passes by us continually.

Webster's Bible Translation
And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, who passeth by us continually.

World English Bible
She said to her husband, “See now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by us continually.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and she says to her husband, “Now behold, I have known that he is a holy man of God, passing over by us continually;

Young's Literal Translation
and she saith unto her husband, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have known that a holy man of God he is, passing over by us continually;

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will say to her husband, Behold now, I knew that he is a holy man of God, passing by us continually.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And she said to her husband: I perceive that this is a holy man of God, who often passeth by us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And she said to her husband: “I have noticed that he is a holy man of God, who passes by us frequently.

New American Bible
So she said to her husband, “I know that he is a holy man of God. Since he visits us often,

New Revised Standard Version
She said to her husband, “Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that the prophet of God is a holy man who passes by us continually.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And she said to her husband: “Behold, I know that he is a holy Prophet of God, and he passes by us constantly.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And she said unto her husband: 'Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, that passeth by us continually.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the woman said to her husband, See now, I know that this is a holy man of God who comes over continually to us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Shunammite Woman
8One 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. 10Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”…

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

Matthew 10:41
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.

1 Kings 17:18-24
“O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” / But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. / Then he cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?” ...

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. ...

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!” ...

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 9:6-10
“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.” ...

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

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.

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.

Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

1 Corinthians 16:15-18
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, / to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. / I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ...

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.’” ...

Acts 9:43
And Peter stayed for several days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.

2 Kings 5:8-14
Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” / So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. / Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passes by us continually.

she said

Proverbs 31:10,11
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…

1 Peter 3:1
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

this is

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1 Thessalonians 2:10
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Titus 1:8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

man of God

Deuteronomy 33:1
And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

1 Kings 13:1
And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.

1 Kings 17:18,24
And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? …

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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














Then the woman said to her husband
This phrase introduces the Shunammite woman, a notable figure in the narrative. Her interaction with her husband reflects the cultural norms of ancient Israel, where family decisions were often discussed within the household. The Shunammite woman is portrayed as perceptive and hospitable, qualities esteemed in biblical narratives. Her initiative in speaking to her husband highlights her role in recognizing and responding to the presence of God's work through Elisha.

Behold, now I know
The phrase "now I know" indicates a moment of revelation or realization. The Shunammite woman has observed Elisha's behavior and character over time, leading to her conviction. This reflects a biblical theme where God reveals His truth progressively, often through personal experience and observation. Her certainty underscores the importance of discernment in recognizing God's messengers.

that the one who often comes our way
Elisha's frequent visits suggest a relationship of trust and familiarity between him and the Shunammite family. This regular interaction provides the woman with ample opportunity to observe Elisha's conduct, reinforcing her conclusion about his character. The phrase also highlights the itinerant nature of prophets in ancient Israel, who traveled to deliver God's messages and perform miracles.

is a holy man of God
The designation "holy man of God" signifies Elisha's role as a prophet, set apart for divine purposes. Holiness in the biblical context implies moral purity and dedication to God's service. The Shunammite woman's recognition of Elisha as a "man of God" aligns with the broader biblical narrative, where prophets are often identified by their commitment to God's will and their role in conveying His messages. This acknowledgment also foreshadows the miraculous events that follow, affirming Elisha's divine authority.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Shunammite Woman
A prominent and hospitable woman from Shunem who recognizes Elisha as a man of God and offers him hospitality.

2. Elisha
A prophet of God who regularly passes through Shunem and is recognized by the Shunammite woman for his holiness.

3. The Shunammite's Husband
The man to whom the Shunammite woman speaks, suggesting they provide a place for Elisha to stay.

4. Shunem
A town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman and her husband live.

5. The Event of Recognition
The moment when the Shunammite woman discerns Elisha's holiness and decides to act on it by offering him hospitality.
Teaching Points
Discernment of God's Servants
The Shunammite woman's recognition of Elisha as a holy man of God teaches us the importance of spiritual discernment. We should seek to recognize and support those who are genuinely serving God.

The Ministry of Hospitality
Her actions remind us of the Christian call to hospitality. By opening our homes and resources to God's servants, we participate in their ministry and share in their blessings.

Faith in Action
The Shunammite woman not only recognized Elisha's holiness but also took practical steps to support him. Our faith should lead to tangible actions that reflect our beliefs.

Partnership in Ministry
By providing for Elisha, the Shunammite woman and her husband became partners in his prophetic ministry. We are called to partner with those who spread the Gospel through our support and encouragement.

The Blessing of Recognition
Recognizing and honoring God's work in others can lead to unexpected blessings, as seen later in the account of the Shunammite woman and Elisha.(9) An holy man of God.--The term "holy" is not a merely ornamental or conventional epithet of the "man of God" (i.e., prophet) as such, but denotes the special moral elevation of Elisha.

Continually.--At stated intervals, regularly.

Verse 9. - And she said unto her husband, Beheld now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God. Not all the soi-disant men of God were truly religious and God-fearing. In Elisha's time, as in all others, there were among the teachers of religion some who were "wolves in sheep's clothing:' The Shunammite woman, after a certain length of acquaintance, came to the conclusion that Elisha deserved the title which he commonly bore, was truly a "man of God," a real devoted servant of Jehovah. She therefore wished to do more for him than she had hitherto done. Which passeth by us continually; i.e. who passes through our village, and has his meals with us so frequently.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then [the woman] said
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

her husband,
אִישָׁ֔הּ (’î·šāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

“Behold,
הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

now
נָ֣א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

I know
יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the one
ה֑וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

who often
תָּמִֽיד׃ (tā·mîḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 8548: Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice

comes our way
עֹבֵ֥ר (‘ō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

is a holy
קָד֣וֹשׁ (qā·ḏō·wōš)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918: Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

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


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:9 She said to her husband See now (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 4:8
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