2 Kings 4:11One day he came there, and he turned into the room and lay there.
The setting
The newly built upper room in Shunem, ~850 BC. Prophet Elisha enters the small chamber with bed, table, chair, and lampstand, finally having a permanent place of rest during his travels. Modern-day Sulam, Israel.
The emotion here: narrator recording with appreciation for human kindness toward God's servant
The original word
sur (סוּר) — to turn aside, depart from the main path for rest and refreshment
Why it matters
This is the first recorded instance of a prophet having a permanent lodging place during the divided kingdom period
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Kings 4:11
The simplicity of the sentence masks the profound relief — Elisha finally has a consistent place of refuge in his demanding ministry
Common misconceptionThis seems like an insignificant detail, but it represents a turning point in Elisha's ministry — having a base of operations changed how he could serve God.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Kings 4:11
Bible Genome reading
2 Kings 4:11 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Kings 4:11 comes from the book of 2 Kings, written during the Divided Kingdom period. The setting is a domestic setting. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include rest, hospitality received. Notable phrases: turned into the room; lay there.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does 2 Kings 4:11 mean to you, today?
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