2 Kings 4:42
New International Version
A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said.

New Living Translation
One day a man from Baal-shalishah brought the man of God a sack of fresh grain and twenty loaves of barley bread made from the first grain of his harvest. Elisha said, “Give it to the people so they can eat.”

English Standard Version
A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.

King James Bible
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

New King James Version
Then a man came from Baal Shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in his knapsack. And he said, “Give it to the people, that they may eat.”

New American Standard Bible
Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give them to the people that they may eat.”

NASB 1995
Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, “Give them to the people that they may eat.”

NASB 1977
Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, “Give them to the people that they may eat.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, “Give them to the people that they may eat.”

Amplified Bible
Now [at another time] a man from Baal-shalisha came and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and fresh ears of grain [in the husk] in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give it to the people [affected by the famine] so that they may eat.”

Christian Standard Bible
A man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with his sack full of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first bread of the harvest. Elisha said, “Give it to the people to eat.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with his sack full of 20 loaves of barley bread from the first bread of the harvest. Elisha said, “Give it to the people to eat.”

American Standard Version
And there came a man from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

Contemporary English Version
A man from the town of Baal-Shalishah brought Elisha some freshly cut grain and 20 loaves of bread made from the first barley that was harvested. Elisha said, "Give it to the people so they can eat."

English Revised Version
And there came a man from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of corn in his sack. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A man from Baal Shalisha brought bread made from the first harvested grain, 20 barley loaves, and fresh grain to the man of God. The man of God said, "Give it to the people to eat."

Good News Translation
Another time, a man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing Elisha twenty loaves of bread made from the first barley harvested that year, and some freshly-cut heads of grain. Elisha told his servant to feed the group of prophets with this,

International Standard Version
Later on, a man arrived from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God some bread as a first fruit offering. He had 20 loaves of barley and ripe ears of corn in his sack. So Elisha said, "Give them to the people so they can eat."

Majority Standard Bible
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. ?Give it to the people to eat,? said Elisha.

NET Bible
Now a man from Baal Shalisha brought some food for the prophet--twenty loaves of bread made from the firstfruits of the barley harvest, as well as fresh ears of grain. Elisha said, "Set it before the people so they may eat."

New Heart English Bible
A man from Baal Shalishah came, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. He said, "Give to the people, that they may eat."

Webster's Bible Translation
And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in its husk. And he said, Give to the people, that they may eat.

World English Bible
A man from Baal Shalishah came, and brought the man of God some bread of the first fruits: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give to the people, that they may eat.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a man has come from Ba‘al-Shalishah, and brings to the man of God bread of first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of grain in its husk, and he says, “Give to the people, and they eat.”

Young's Literal Translation
And a man hath come from Baal-Shalishah, and bringeth in to the man of God bread of first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in its husk, and he saith, 'Give to the people, and they eat.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And a man came from the lord of three, and he will bring to the man of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty of bread of barley, and garden fruits in his sack; and he will say, Give to the people, and they shall eat.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a certain man came from Baalsalisa bringing to the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty leaves of barley, and new corn in his scrip. And he said: Give to the people, that they may eat.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now a certain man arrived from Baal-Shalishah, carrying, for the man of God, bread from the first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and new grain in his satchel. But he said, “Give it to the people, so that they may eat.”

New American Bible
A man came from Baal-shalishah bringing the man of God twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. Elisha said, “Give it to the people to eat.”

New Revised Standard Version
A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give it to the people and let them eat.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there came a certain man from the city of giants, and brought the prophet of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and new wheat rubbed from the ears in a cloth. And he said, Give to the people, that they may eat.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a man came from the City of Giants, and he brought to the Prophet of God bread of first fruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and new corn rubbed from the ears, in fine linen, and he said: “Give to the people and they shall eat!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And there came a man from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of corn in his sack. And he said: 'Give unto the people, that they may eat.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there came a man over from Baetharisa, and brought to the man of God twenty barley loaves and cakes of figs, of the first-fruits. And he said, Give to the people, and let them eat.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Feeding a Hundred Men
42Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. 43But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’ ”…

Cross References
John 6:9-13
“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” / “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them. / Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. ...

Matthew 14:17-21
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. / “Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said. / And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ...

Mark 6:38-44
“Go and see how many loaves you have,” He told them. And after checking, they said, “Five—and two fish.” / Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. / So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. ...

Luke 9:13-17
But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” / (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” / They did so, and everyone was seated. ...

Exodus 16:4-5
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”

1 Samuel 9:7-8
“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”

1 Kings 17:8-16
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” ...

Matthew 15:34-38
“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” / And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. / Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ...

Mark 8:5-9
“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. / And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then He took the seven loaves, gave thanks and broke them, and gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And they distributed them to the crowd. / They also had a few small fish, and Jesus blessed them and ordered that these be set before them as well. ...

John 6:5-7
When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” / But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. / Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.”

Numbers 11:7-9
Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. / The people walked around and gathered it, ground it on a handmill or crushed it in a mortar, then boiled it in a cooking pot or shaped it into cakes. It tasted like pastry baked with fine oil. / When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna would fall with it.

Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Psalm 78:24-25
He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. / Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.

John 6:31-35
Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” / Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. / For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ...

1 Corinthians 10:3-4
They all ate the same spiritual food / and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give to the people, that they may eat.

Baal-shalisha

1 Samuel 9:4,7
And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not…

bread

2 Kings 4:38
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Exodus 23:16
And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Deuteronomy 12:6
And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

of barley

2 Kings 7:1,16-18
Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria…

Deuteronomy 8:8
A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

Deuteronomy 32:14
Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

the husk thereof.

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Baal Baked Barley Bread Corn Ears Eat Elisha Eli'sha First Firstfruits First-Fruits Fresh Fruits Full Grain Heads Husk Loaves New Ripe Sack Shalishah Thereof Twenty
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Baal Baked Barley Bread Corn Ears Eat Elisha Eli'sha First Firstfruits First-Fruits Fresh Fruits Full Grain Heads Husk Loaves New Ripe Sack Shalishah Thereof Twenty
2 Kings 4
1. Elisha multiplies the widow's oil
8. He obtains a son for the good Shunammite
18. He restores her son when dead
38. At Gilgal he heals the deadly pottage
42. He satisfies a hundred men with twenty loaves














Now a man from Baal-shalishah
This phrase introduces us to a man from Baal-shalishah, a location whose name suggests a connection to the Canaanite deity Baal. The name "Baal-shalishah" indicates a region that was likely influenced by pagan worship, yet this man chooses to honor the God of Israel by bringing his offering to Elisha, the prophet. This act signifies a turning away from idolatry and a recognition of the true God, reflecting a theme of faithfulness amidst a culture of spiritual compromise.

came to the man of God
The "man of God" refers to Elisha, a prophet who succeeded Elijah. In the Hebrew context, a "man of God" is someone who speaks on behalf of God, serving as a conduit for divine will and power. This title underscores Elisha's role as a spiritual leader and miracle worker, emphasizing the respect and authority he commanded among the people of Israel.

with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread
Barley was a common grain in ancient Israel, often associated with the food of the poor due to its lower cost compared to wheat. The "twenty loaves" indicate a substantial offering, reflecting the man's generosity and devotion. In the biblical narrative, bread often symbolizes sustenance and life, pointing to God's provision for His people. This offering of barley bread prefigures the miraculous feeding that follows, echoing themes of divine abundance.

from the firstfruits
The concept of "firstfruits" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where the first and best portion of the harvest is offered to God as an act of worship and gratitude. This practice acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision, and it is a demonstration of faith that He will continue to provide. By bringing the firstfruits to Elisha, the man is honoring God and seeking His blessing.

along with some heads of new grain
The inclusion of "heads of new grain" further emphasizes the offering's connection to the harvest and God's provision. In ancient Israel, new grain was a sign of renewal and hope, symbolizing the cycle of life and God's ongoing care for His creation. This detail enriches the narrative, highlighting the theme of divine sustenance and the anticipation of God's miraculous intervention.

'Give it to the people to eat,' said Elisha
Elisha's command to "give it to the people to eat" demonstrates his faith in God's ability to multiply resources and provide for His people. This directive mirrors the actions of Jesus in the New Testament, who also fed multitudes with limited resources. Elisha's instruction is an invitation to witness God's power and generosity, encouraging trust in His provision even when circumstances seem insufficient. This act of sharing reflects the biblical principle of community and the importance of caring for one another's needs through faith in God's abundance.

(42) Baal-shalisha.--Probably the same as Bethshalisha, mentioned by Jerome and Eusebius, fifteen Roman miles north of Lydda-Diospolis, and not far west of Gilgal and Bethel. (Comp. "the land of Shalisha," 1Samuel 9:4. Its name, Shalisha--as if Three-land--seems to allude to the three wadies, which there meet in the Wady Qurawa.)

Bread of the firstfruits.--Comp. Numbers 18:13; Deuteronomy 18:4, according to which all firstfruits of grain were to be given to the priests and Levites. Such presents to prophets appear to have been usual in ordinary times. On the present occasion, which was "a time of dearth" (2Kings 4:42 is connected by the construction with the preceding narrative), one pious person brought his opportune gift to Elisha.

And full ears of corn in the husk thereof.--Heb., and karmel in his wallet. The word karmel occurs besides in Leviticus 2:14; Leviticus 23:14. The Targum and Syriac render "bruised grain;" the Jewish expositors "tender and fresh ears of corn." In some parts of England unripe corn is made into a dish called "frumenty." The word ciqlon only occurs in this place. The Vulg. renders it by pera ("wallet"). The LXX. (Alex.) repeats the Hebrew in Greek letters. The Vatican omits the word. It reads: "twenty barley loaves and cakes of pressed fruit" (???????). The Syriac gives "garment." . . .

Verses 42-44. - 4. The feeding of a hundred men on twenty loaves. Verse 42. - And there came a man from Baal-shalisha. "Baal-shalisha" is reasonably identified with the "Beth-shalisha" of Eusebius and Jerome, which they place twelve Roman miles north of Diospolis, or Lydda (now Ludd). By "north" we must probably understand "northeast," since the "land of Shalisha" lay between the territories of Ephraim and Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:4). The position thus indicated would not be very far from the Gilgal (Jiljileh) of 2 Kings 2. and 2 Kings 4:38. And brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits. It is clear that the more pious among the Israelites not only looked to the prophets for religious instruction (ver. 23), but regarded them as having inherited the position of the Levitical priests whom Jeroboam's innovations had driven from the country. The firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil were assigned by the Law (Numbers 18:13; Deuteronomy 18:4, 5) to the priests. Twenty loaves of barley. The "loaves" of the Israelites were cakes or rolls, rather than "loaves" in the modern sense of the word. Each partaker of a meal usually had one for himself. Naturally, twenty "loaves" would be barely sufficient for twenty men. And full ears of corn; i.e. a few ripe ears of the same corn as that whereof the bread was made. Ears of corn were offered as firstfruits at the Passover (Leviticus 23:10), and were regarded as the most natural and becoming tokens of gratitude for God's harvest mercies. In the husk thereof; rather, in his bag, or in his sack (see the Revised Version). And he said, Give unto the people - i.e., to the sons of the prophets who dwelt at Gilgal - that they may eat.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now a man
וְאִ֨ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

from
מִבַּ֣עַל (mib·ba·‘al)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Baal-shalishah
שָׁלִ֗שָׁה (šā·li·šāh)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1190: Baal-shalishah -- 'Baal of Shalishah', a place in Palestine

came
בָּ֜א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to the man
לְאִ֨ישׁ (lə·’îš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God
הָאֱלֹהִ֜ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

with a sack
בְּצִקְלֹנ֑וֹ (bə·ṣiq·lō·nōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6861: Perhaps garment

of twenty
עֶשְׂרִֽים־ (‘eś·rîm-)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

loaves
לֶ֤חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

of barley
שְׂעֹרִ֔ים (śə·‘ō·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8184: Barley

bread
לֶ֣חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

from the first
בִּכּוּרִים֙ (bik·kū·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1061: The first-fruits of the crop

ripe grain.
וְכַרְמֶ֖ל (wə·ḵar·mel)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3759: A plantation, garden land, fruit, garden growth

“Give
תֵּ֥ן (tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

it to the people
לָעָ֖ם (lā·‘ām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

to eat,”
וְיֹאכֵֽלוּ׃ (wə·yō·ḵê·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 398: To eat

said Elisha.
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:42 There came a man from Baal Shalishah (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
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