2 Kings 4:16

And he said, About this season, 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.

Cross-references

In 2 Kings 4:28, the woman recalls this very promise and her protest, forming a key dramatic moment in the same story.

2 Kings 8:4 Historical context

2 Kings 8:4 later recounts this miracle to the king, providing the narrative sequel where the Shunammite's story is retold.

In Genesis 17:17, Abraham laughs in disbelief at the promise of a son, mirroring the Shunammite woman's skeptical response here.

In Genesis 17:21, God promises Isaac at the set time next year — the same phrasing 'at this season' used by Elisha here for the son promise.

In Genesis 18:10-14, the LORD promises Sarah a son at the appointed time — identical to Elisha's promise of a son at this season.

In Genesis 18:12-15, Sarah laughs at the promise of a son, echoing the Shunammite's disbelief here — both women doubt a miraculous birth announcement.

Genesis 18:14 Related theme

In Genesis 18:14, God asks 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?' affirming His power to fulfill the promise of a son, just as Elisha promises here.

Luke 1:13 Parallel

Luke 1:13 tells of an angel promising a son to barren Elizabeth, similar to Elisha's promise here to the Shunammite.

In Luke 1:18-20, Zechariah doubts the angel's message about John's birth and is silenced — similar to the Shunammite's disbelief here, though she only expresses it verbally.

Luke 1:31 Parallel

In Luke 1:31, the angel tells Mary she will bear a son, echoing the specific promise of a son Elisha makes here.

Judges 13:3 Parallel

In Judges 13:3, an angel announces Samson's birth to a barren woman — directly parallel to Elisha's announcement of a son to the Shunammite here.

Matthew 10:41 promises reward for receiving a prophet — the Shunammite woman's hospitality to Elisha exemplifies this principle.

In Genesis 17:19, God confirms the promise of Isaac to Abraham — the fulfillment of which the Shunammite's son echoes as a later miracle birth.

In Genesis 21:2, Sarah bears Isaac as promised — the pattern of a miraculous birth to a barren woman, which this story replicates with the Shunammite.