Definition: And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 4:17. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us about a pregnancy that happened very quickly after the death of King Hezekiah’s wife, Jezebel. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “And the woman conceived…” – This simply means a woman had a baby. “…and bare a son at that season…” – She gave birth to a boy. “At that season” refers to a specific time, likely shortly after Jezebel's death and before her son’s life began. “That Elisha had said unto her…” - This is where it gets interesting. Elisha, a prophet, was speaking to the woman. He was telling her something important. “…according to the time of life.” – This is the key part that’s causing much speculation and mystery. It means she was pregnant for a very short amount of time, likely only a few weeks or months. What does this all mean? The most common interpretation among scholars is that this verse describes a secret, perhaps even an illicit pregnancy. It suggests: A Secret Affair: Elisha was hinting at a relationship between Jezebel and someone else. A Hidden Identity: The woman might have been hiding her true identity or status from Elisha and the people of Israel. A Moment of Intense Emotion: The verse could be reflecting a very emotional moment in Jezebel's life, perhaps a deep sorrow or a moment of intense longing. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this is an interpretation based on historical context and theological understanding – we don’t know the full story. It’s a beautiful and evocative passage that invites us to ponder themes of love, betrayal, and secrets. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to: Discuss the historical context surrounding it? Explore different interpretations of its meaning? Explain why it's considered a significant story in the Bible?