2 Kings 4:3

3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.

2 Kings 4:3 in Other Translations

3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

3 Then he said, "Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few.

3 And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors.

3 "Here's what you do," said Elisha. "Go up and down the street and borrow jugs and bowls from all your neighbors. And not just a few - all you can get.

3 Then he said, "Go and borrow empty containers from everyone-from all your neighbors. Do not get just a few.

2 Kings 4:3 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 4:3

Then he said, go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy
neighbours
For he perceived that she had none:

even empty vessels;
which they might more readily lend her:

borrow not a few;
but as many as she could get; the prophet, under a divine impulse, was directed to say this to her, foreseeing, by a spirit of prophecy, that a large quantity of oil would be given her.

2 Kings 4:3 In-Context

1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.

4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.