The Widow’s Oil Multiplied
2 Kings 4:1-7
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2 K.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- מנשי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- צעקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- אישי: NOUN,m,sg,pr1s
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- ידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והנשה: ADV
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- ילדי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,1cs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לעבדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:2-4 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Elisha instructs the widow how to raise money to pay her debts so her sons will not be taken as servants; directly resolves the crisis introduced in 4:1.
- 2 Kings 4:8-37 (thematic): Another narrative in the same chapter focusing on a woman connected to Elisha (the Shunammite). Shares the broader theme of a prophet's special relationship with a vulnerable woman and divine intervention on her family's behalf (including the motif of threat to family and miraculous restoration).
- 1 Kings 17:8-24 (thematic): Elijah's interaction with the widow of Zarephath parallels Elisha's aid: a prophet ministers to a destitute widow, provides for her household, and even restores her son to life in one version—common motifs of prophetic care for vulnerable households.
- Leviticus 25:39-55 (thematic): Legal background on poverty and servitude: laws concerning Israelites sold into servitude because of poverty and the duty of kinsmen to redeem them. Illuminates the social-legal context for the widow's fear that her sons will be taken as servants for unpaid debts.
- Deuteronomy 15:12-18 (thematic): Regulation about Hebrew servants being released in the seventh year and the need to treat them fairly. Provides background on Israelite debt-servitude practices and the hope/possibility of eventual release, which frames the crisis of children being taken as bondservants in 2 Kings 4:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- A certain woman, one of the women of the company of the sons of the prophets, cried to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves."
- A woman, one of the wives of the sons of the prophets, cried to Elisha, saying, “Your servant’s husband is dead; and you know that your servant feared the LORD, and a creditor has come to take my two sons to be his slaves.”
2 K.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הגידי: VERB,hiph,impv,2,f,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- לשפחתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,f,sg
- כל: DET
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- אסוך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.17:12-16 (thematic): Elijah and the widow of Zarephath: a widow with only a little meal and oil whose last provisions are miraculously multiplied by a prophet — closely parallels the widow’s ‘jar of oil’ and divine provision in Elisha’s story.
- 2 Kgs.4:3-7 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Elisha tells her to borrow vessels and pour out the oil until they are filled — direct resolution of the need introduced in 4:2.
- 2 Kgs.4:13-17 (verbal): Parallel episode with the Shunammite: Elisha again asks (or is asked) ‘What shall be done for her?’ and then grants a miraculous blessing — same prophetic formula and pattern of generous divine response.
- Mark 12:41-44 (thematic): The poor widow who gives her last resources: thematic resonance with a needy widow whose small possession (here a jar of oil) becomes the focal point for God's care and a prophet’s/Jesus’ attention to the vulnerable.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what is in your house?" She said, "Your servant has nothing in the house but a little oil."
- Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what is there in your house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a small jar of oil.”
2 K.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- שאלי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מן: PREP
- החוץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאת: PREP
- כל: DET
- שכניך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,f,sg
- כלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רקים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- תמעיטי: VERB,qal,imperf,2,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 4:4 (structural): Direct continuation of the same episode — the widow follows Elisha’s instruction and borrows many vessels from her neighbors, which are then filled with oil.
- 1 Kgs 17:12-16 (thematic): Elijah’s encounter with the widow of Zarephath: a prophet’s stay with a destitute widow and the miraculous, sustained supply of meal and oil (a jar and a cruse that do not run out) — closely parallels the motif of divine provision through oil.
- John 6:9-13 (thematic): A small provision miraculously multiplied to feed many and result in abundant leftovers (the baskets collected) — parallels the theme of miraculous multiplication and abundant provision that fills many containers.
- Ps 23:5 (thematic): The image of a cup overflowing depicts abundant provision and blessing; thematically resonates with the overflowing supply of oil and divine generosity in the Elisha story.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "Go, borrow vessels for yourself from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not take only a few."
- He said, “Go, borrow vessels for yourself from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not ask for only a few.”
2 K.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובאת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- וסגרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- הדלת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בעדך: PREP,2,m,sg
- ובעד: PREP
- בניך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+POSS,2,m,sg
- ויצקת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- והמלא: ADJ,m,sg,def
- תסיעי: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kgs. 4:3 (verbal): Immediate context/instruction: the previous verse commands the widow to borrow many vessels — verse 4 continues the same command to shut the door and pour into the gathered vessels (close verbal and structural continuity).
- 2 Kgs. 4:6-7 (structural): Direct narrative outcome: these verses report that the oil filled all the vessels and the widow set aside the full ones, completing the action commanded in 4:4 (same episode, fulfillment of the instruction).
- 1 Kgs. 17:8-16 (thematic): Elijah and the widow of Zarephath: a prophet provides miraculous, never-failing provision of oil and meal for a destitute widow — a close thematic parallel of divine provision through a prophet for a widow via an unending supply of oil.
- Matt. 14:19-20 (thematic): Jesus multiplies loaves (and fish) to feed thousands and the disciples collect the leftovers into baskets: thematically similar miracle of multiplying limited resources and distributing/collecting them into containers (vessels/baskets).
Alternative generated candidates
- Then go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour into all those vessels; and when one is full, set it aside."
- “When you come in, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour from your jar into all these vessels; and when one is full, set it aside.”
2 K.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מאתו: PREP
- ותסגר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- הדלת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בעדה: PREP,3,f,sg
- ובעד: CONJ,PREP
- בניה: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- מגשים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- והיא: CONJ+PRON,3,f,sg
- מוצקת: VERB,qal,part,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:12-16 (thematic): Widow of Zarephath and Elijah: a prophet institutes an unending supply of oil/flour for a needy woman—same motif of miraculous, sustained provision of oil for a widow.
- 2 Kings 4:3 (structural): Immediate setup within the same episode: Elisha instructs her to borrow many empty vessels so she can pour the oil—this verse prepares the action of shutting the door and pouring in v.5.
- 2 Kings 4:6 (verbal): Direct continuation: the vessels keep coming and she keeps pouring until they are all filled—repeats the pouring imagery and completes the miracle begun in v.5.
- 2 Kings 4:7 (thematic): Result of the miracle: she is able to sell the oil, pay the debts, and live—shows the providential outcome corresponding to the pouring/filing action in v.5.
Alternative generated candidates
- She went from him and shut the door behind her and behind her sons; they brought the vessels to her, and she poured.
- She went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who were bringing the vessels to her; and she poured.
2 K.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כמלאת: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- בנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,3,f,sg
- הגישה: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עוד: ADV
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- עוד: ADV
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- השמן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.17:14-16 (verbal): Elijah's miracle for the Zarephath widow: her jar of meal and cruse of oil did not run out—closely parallels the persistent supply of oil in Elisha's miracle (shared vocabulary of oil not failing).
- 2 Kgs.4:3 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same narrative: Elisha's instruction to fill vessels from surrounding houses sets up verse 6 (the vessels becoming full and the oil stopping).
- Luke 4:25-26 (allusion): Jesus alludes to Elijah's care for the widow of Zarephath as precedent for prophetic provision to a widow—thematically connects prophetic miracles that sustain widows.
- Mark 6:41-44 (thematic): Feeding-miracle motif: loaves are multiplied and containers (baskets) are filled/collected—similar theme of miraculous multiplication and filling of vessels.
- Prov.3:10 (thematic): Imagery of agricultural/household abundance—'your barns will be filled, your vats will overflow' echoes the motif of vessels being filled as a sign of providential blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the vessels were full, she said to her son, "Bring me yet another vessel." He said to her, "There is not another vessel." Then the oil ceased.
- When the vessels were full she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” He said to her, “There is not another vessel.” Then the oil stopped.
2 K.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותגד: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- מכרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- השמן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושלמי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נשיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2f
- ואת: CONJ
- ובניך: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:2,ms
- תחיי: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- בנותר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (thematic): Elijah provides for the widow of Zarephath with an unending supply of meal and oil so she and her son survive—close thematic parallel of prophetic intervention producing sustenance for a destitute widow.
- Luke 4:25-26 (allusion): Jesus cites the story of the widow of Zarephath and Elijah to illustrate prophetic care for a foreign widow—an explicit New Testament allusion that links prophetic provision narratives like 2 Kgs 4:1–7 to Jesus’ teaching.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain; this miracle narrative parallels Elisha’s broader sequence (including provision and later restoration of her son) in 2 Kings, highlighting prophetic power to reverse a widow’s calamity.
- Psalm 68:5 (thematic): ‘Father of the fatherless and protector of widows’ expresses the theological theme behind 2 Kgs 4:7—YHWH’s special concern and provision for widows manifested through his prophets.
Alternative generated candidates
- She came and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil, and pay your debts; you and your children may live on the remainder."
- She came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debts; you and your children may live on what remains.”
A certain woman, one of the wives of the sons of the prophets, cried to Elisha, saying, “My husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. Now the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”
Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a small jar of oil.”
He said, “Go, borrow vessels for yourself from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not borrow just a few.”
“When you have gone in, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour into all these vessels; and as each is filled, set it aside.”
She went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they brought the vessels to her, and she poured.
When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” He said to her, “There is no more vessel.” Then the oil stopped flowing.
She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, pay your debts, and you and your sons may live on the remainder.”