2 Kings 8:1 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Elisha warns the Shunnamite woman of a coming famine and instructs her to leave with her household.
The Context of 2 Kings 8:1
This is the same woman from 2 Kings 4 whose son Elisha raised from death. Elisha speaks with prophetic knowledge of a famine sent by God that will last seven years.
What Does 2 Kings 8:1 Mean?
We meet again the Shunnamite woman who once gave Elisha food and shelter, and whose dead son he miraculously restored to life. Now Elisha comes to her with urgent counsel: gather your household and flee. A famine is coming, seven years of hunger that God himself has called down upon the land. She has experienced Gods mercy through this prophet once; now she must trust his warning voice.
Her obedience in verse 2 will show us the pattern of faith. Elisha does not ask her to understand why such judgment must fall, nor does he promise her rescue. He simply speaks what God has revealed and trusts that the woman who once recognized the Holy Spirit in her guest will recognize truth in his warning.
2 Kings 8:1 in the Original Language
sojourn (parokia / paroikos), to dwell as a stranger -- implies temporary residence, a sojourner in another land
How to Apply 2 Kings 8:1 Today
When we recognize Gods voice speaking through his servants, we move quickly to obey, even when the command seems disruptive. The woman did not bargain with Elisha or demand more detail; she trusted and acted. That same readiness to follow Gods word, without requiring perfect understanding, is our calling.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 8:1
What does 2 Kings 8:1 mean?
Elisha warns the Shunnamite woman of a coming famine and instructs her to leave with her household.
What is the context of 2 Kings 8:1?
This is the same woman from 2 Kings 4 whose son Elisha raised from death. Elisha speaks with prophetic knowledge of a famine sent by God that will last seven years.
How can I apply 2 Kings 8:1 today?
When we recognize Gods voice speaking through his servants, we move quickly to obey, even when the command seems disruptive. The woman did not bargain with Elisha or demand more detail; she trusted and acted. That same readiness to follow Gods word, without requiring perfect understanding, is our calling.