2 Kings 4:16 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

About this season.At this set time.

According to the time of life. — Rather, at the reviving time — i.e., next spring; or, when the time revivesi.e., in the following year: a phrase occurring in Genesis 18:10; Genesis 18:15. Böttcher renders, “when the year has revolved,” assuming the ground meaning of the term “life” to be something joined in a circle.

Thou shalt embrace.Thou art about to embrace.

Do not liei.e., raise no delusive hopes. (Comp. Isaiah 58:11.) We can imagine the emotion with which this would be said. (Comp. the incredulity of Sarah, Genesis 18:12-13.)

2 Kings 4:16

16 And he said, About this season,c according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.