2 Kings 8:3
New International Version
At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to appeal to the king for her house and land.

New Living Translation
After the famine ended she returned from the land of the Philistines, and she went to see the king about getting back her house and land.

English Standard Version
And at the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to appeal to the king for her house and her land.

Berean Standard Bible
At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass at the end of seven years that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, and she went to make an appeal to the king on behalf of her house and on behalf her field.

King James Bible
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

New King James Version
It came to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to make an appeal to the king for her house and for her land.

New American Standard Bible
Then at the end of seven years, the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to appeal to the king for her house and for her field.

NASB 1995
At the end of seven years, the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went out to appeal to the king for her house and for her field.

NASB 1977
And it came about at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went out to appeal to the king for her house and for her field.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went out to cry out to the king for her house and for her field.

Amplified Bible
At the end of the seven years the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to appeal to the king [of Israel] for her house and for her land.

Berean Annotated Bible
At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines (immigrants), she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land.

Christian Standard Bible
When the woman returned from the land of the Philistines at the end of seven years, she went to appeal to the king for her house and field.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the woman returned from the land of the Philistines at the end of seven years, she went to appeal to the king for her house and field.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

Contemporary English Version
Then she returned to Israel and immediately begged the king to give back her house and property.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At the end of seven years, the woman came home from Philistine territory but left again to make an appeal to the king about her house and land.

Good News Translation
At the end of the seven years she returned to Israel and went to the king to ask that her house and her land be restored to her.

International Standard Version
At the end of the seven years, the woman returned from the territory of the Philistines and went to the king in order to file an appeal regarding her house and her grain field.

NET Bible
After seven years the woman returned from the land of the Philistines and went to ask the king to give her back her house and field.

New Heart English Bible
It happened at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines. Then she went forth to cry to the king for her house and for her land.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry to the king for her house, and for her land.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land.

World English Bible
At the end of seven years, the woman returned from the land of the Philistines. Then she went out to beg the king for her house and for her land.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman turns back from the land of the Philistines, and goes out to cry to the king for her house and for her field.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass at the end of seven years that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, and she went to make an appeal to the king on behalf of her house and on behalf her field.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman turneth back from the land of the Philistines, and goeth out to cry unto the king, for her house, and for her field.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be from the end of seven years, and the woman will turn back from the land of the rovers, and come to cry to the king for her house and for her field.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the seven years were ended, the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines, and she went forth to speak to the king for her house, and for her lands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the seven years had ended, the woman returned from the land of the Philistines. And she departed, so that she might petition the king on behalf of her house and on behalf of her fields.

New American Bible
At the end of the seven years, the woman returned from the land of the Philistines and went out to the king to appeal for her house and her field.

New Revised Standard Version
At the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she set out to appeal to the king for her house and her land.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And at the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went forth to cry to the king for her house and for her field.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And after seven years she returned and came from the land of the Philistines, and she went to cry before the King for her house and for her field.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines; and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass after the expiration of the seven years, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines to the city; and came to cry to the king for her house and for her lands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Shunammite's Land Restored
2So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. 3 At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. 4Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.”…

Cross References
At the end of seven years,

Genesis 41:53-54
When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, / the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt.

Genesis 29:27-30
Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.” / And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. / Laban also gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant. …
when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines,

1 Samuel 29:10-11
Now then, get up early in the morning, along with your master’s servants who came with you, and go as soon as it is light.” / So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Ruth 1:6-7
When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had attended to His people by providing them with food, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab. / Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road leading back to the land of Judah.
she went to the king

Esther 8:3-6
And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. / The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. / “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. …

2 Samuel 14:4-11
When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” / “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. …
to appeal for her house and her land.

Ruth 4:3-10
And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. / I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied. / Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” …

Numbers 27:1-11
Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached / the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, / “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. …

Leviticus 25:23-28
The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me. / Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land. / If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. …
2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. …

2 Kings 4:8-37
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. / 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. / Please 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.” …

2 Kings 4:38-44
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.” / One 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. / And they poured it out for the men to eat, but when they tasted the stew they cried out, “There is death in the pot, O man of God!” And they could not eat it. …

2 Kings 5:1-14
Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” …

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. …

2 Kings 6:8-23
Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. …

2 Kings 7:1-20
Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’” / But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” / Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? …


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry to the king for her house and for her land.

A.

2 Kings 8:6
And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

2 Kings 4:13
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

2 Kings 6:26
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

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2 Kings 8
1. The Shunammite, having left her country seven years, to avoid the famine,
5. for Elisha's miracle's sake has her land restored by the king.
7. Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad and succeeds him
16. Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah
20. Edom and Libnah revolt
23. Ahaziah succeeds Jehoram
25. Ahaziah's wicked reign
28. He visits Joram, being wounded, at Jezreel












At the end of seven years
The seven-year period refers to the time of famine prophesied by Elisha in 2 Kings 8:1. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in the Bible, as seen in the creation week (Genesis 1) and the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 1:4). This period of famine was a divine judgment and a test of faith for the people of Israel.

when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines
The woman is the Shunammite whose son Elisha had previously raised from the dead (2 Kings 4:8-37). Her return from the land of the Philistines, a region often at odds with Israel, signifies a journey from a place of exile back to her homeland. The Philistines were a significant presence in the coastal regions of Canaan, and their interactions with Israel were marked by conflict and cultural exchange. Her return can be seen as a type of restoration, akin to the Israelites' return from Babylonian exile.

she went to the king
Approaching the king indicates the woman's boldness and faith. In ancient Israel, the king was the highest authority, and seeking his intervention was a significant step. This action reflects the biblical principle of seeking justice and the role of the king as a judge (1 Kings 3:16-28). It also foreshadows the believer's access to the King of Kings through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).

to appeal for her house and her land
The appeal for her property highlights the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society, which was tied to family identity and God's covenant promises (Leviticus 25:23-28). The loss and restoration of land can symbolize spiritual restoration and the reclaiming of God's promises. This act of appealing to the king for justice parallels the believer's appeal to God for restoration and redemption through Christ, who is our advocate (1 John 2:1).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Woman
This is the Shunammite woman who had previously shown hospitality to the prophet Elisha. Her account is a testament to faith and obedience.

2. The Land of the Philistines
A region where the Shunammite woman and her family resided during the seven-year famine, indicating a time of trial and reliance on God's provision.

3. The King
The ruler of Israel at the time, to whom the Shunammite woman appeals for the restoration of her property.

4. Elisha
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Elisha's earlier prophecy and relationship with the Shunammite woman are crucial to understanding her actions and faith.

5. The Famine
A seven-year period of scarcity that led the Shunammite woman to leave her homeland, demonstrating God's sovereignty over natural events.
Teaching Points
Faith in Action
The Shunammite woman's journey back to her homeland after the famine is a powerful example of faith in action. She trusted in God's timing and provision, which can inspire us to act in faith even when circumstances seem uncertain.

God's Sovereignty
The seven-year famine and the woman's return highlight God's control over history and events. We can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over our lives and circumstances.

Restoration and Hope
Her appeal to the king for her property symbolizes hope and restoration. In our lives, God offers restoration and hope, even after periods of loss or trial.

Obedience to God's Word
The Shunammite woman followed Elisha's prophetic advice to leave during the famine. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's guidance through His Word and His messengers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 8:3?

2. How does 2 Kings 8:3 illustrate God's faithfulness in restoring what was lost?

3. What can we learn about God's timing from the woman's return in 2 Kings 8:3?

4. How does the woman's experience connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 30:3-5?

5. In what ways can we trust God for restoration in our own lives?

6. How does the woman's persistence in 2 Kings 8:3 inspire our faith and actions?

7. How does 2 Kings 8:3 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 8:3?

9. How does the Shunammite woman's return in 2 Kings 8:3 reflect God's providence?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 8?

11. Who was King Ahaziah in biblical history?

12. If Psalm 72:8 predicts dominion 'from sea to sea,' why doesn't history confirm any Israelite king ruling so extensively?

13. In Deuteronomy 33:7, what historical proof supports Judah's deliverance as proclaimed, given the absence of direct records?

14. Psalm 122:1: How could David have gone to the 'house of the LORD' if the temple was built later under Solomon?
What Does 2 Kings 8:3 Mean
At the end of seven years

“ At the end of seven years ” signals the precise conclusion of the famine Elisha foretold (2 Kings 8:1).

• God had set a clear boundary: hardship would last exactly seven years, no more, no less—much as He limited the famine in Joseph’s day to seven years (Genesis 41:27-30) and later fixed a seventy-year exile for Judah (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

• This reminds us that “My times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:15). The Lord who permits adversity also decrees its finish, underscoring His sovereign control and covenant faithfulness (Leviticus 26:42).

• Obedience sustained the woman through the entire period, echoing Deuteronomy 8:3 where God uses famine to teach dependence on His word.


when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines

Her return shows prompt trust in God’s timing.

• She had lived among the Philistines, historical enemies of Israel (1 Samuel 13:19-20), yet God preserved her family there, much like He sheltered Isaac in Philistine territory during another famine (Genesis 26:1-3).

• The verb “returned” links to Ruth 1:6, where Naomi came back when “the LORD had attended to His people.” In both accounts, God ends famine and brings the faithful home with renewed hope.

• Journeying home parallels Psalm 121:8—“The LORD will watch over your coming and going”—a promise literally experienced by this woman.


she went to the king

Stepping into the royal court illustrates respectful use of legitimate authority.

• Joram (or Jehoram) ruled Israel at the time (2 Kings 8:16). Though often hostile toward prophetic truth, his heart, like every ruler’s, was “a stream of water in the hand of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:1).

• Years earlier Elisha had offered to speak to the king for her benefit (2 Kings 4:13). Now she herself acts, indicating growth in faith and initiative.

• Her bold approach parallels Esther 5:1-2 and the principle of Hebrews 4:16—believers may confidently seek help where ultimate authority lies.


to appeal for her house and her land

During her absence, others had evidently occupied or claimed her property.

• The Law provided for land redemption after hardship (Leviticus 25:23-28); her appeal stood on those legal foundations.

• God orchestrated perfect timing: while she spoke, Gehazi was recounting to the king Elisha’s earlier miracle for her son (2 Kings 8:4-5). The testimony authenticated her story and moved the king to restore “all that was hers, plus all the revenue from the land from the day she left” (2 Kings 8:6).

• The scene contrasts sharply with Ahab’s theft of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21). Where unrighteous kings steal, God ensures this king restores, embodying Psalm 146:9—“The LORD upholds the widow and the fatherless.”

• Her case also foreshadows Luke 18:3-7, where a persistent widow receives justice from a judge; how much more will God secure justice for His own.


summary

2 Kings 8:3 showcases God’s meticulous governance over time, place, and authority. A woman who obeyed a prophetic word endured a divinely limited famine, safely sojourned among enemies, and returned exactly when God had arranged her vindication. By appealing respectfully to the king, she witnessed the Lord direct secular power to restore everything she lost. The verse teaches that those who trust and obey can rest in God’s sovereign timing and unfailing commitment to preserve both their lives and their rightful inheritance.

(3) At the seven years' end.--Omit the.

She went forth.--From Shunem to Samaria.

For her house and for her land.--Literally, with regard to her house, &c. She found them in the possession of strangers. The State may have occupied the property as abandoned by its owner; or, as is more likely, some neighbouring landowner may have encroached upon her rights. She therefore appealed to the king.

Verse 3. - And it earns to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines. She stayed no longer than she could help. Her own land, where she could have the ministrations of a "man of God" (2 Kings 4:23), was dear to her; and no sooner had the famine abated than she returned to it. And she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. During her prolonged absence, some grasping neighbor had seized on the unoccupied house and the uncultivated estate adjoining it, and now refused to restore them to the rightful owner. Widows were especially liable to such treatment on the part of greedy oppressors, since they were, comparatively speaking, weak and defenseless (see Isaiah 10:2; Matthew 23:14). Under such circumstances the injured party would naturally, in an Oriental country, make appeal to the king (comp. 2 Samuel 14:4; 1 Kings 3:16; 2 Kings 6:26, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
At the end
מִקְצֵה֙ (miq·ṣêh)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of seven
שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

years,
שָׁנִ֔ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year

when the woman
הָאִשָּׁ֖ה (hā·’iš·šāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

returned
וַתָּ֥שָׁב (wat·tā·šāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from the land
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ (mê·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Philistines,
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

she went
וַתֵּצֵא֙ (wat·tê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

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

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

to appeal
לִצְעֹ֣ק (liṣ·‘ōq)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim

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

her house
בֵּיתָ֖הּ (bê·ṯāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

her land.
שָׂדָֽהּ׃ (śā·ḏāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land


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OT History: 2 Kings 8:3 It happened at the seven years' end (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 8:2
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