And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha's question reveals he's confused by the woman's urgency, pointing out it's not a special festival day that would demand immediate travel. Her simple, almost dismissive "All is well" is actually a profound understatement, a testament to her deep trust that God's purposes are unfolding, even in hardship.
And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha's servant is questioning a desperate woman who's rushing off to see the prophet, even though it's not a special festival day. She's clearly facing a crisis, having previously been told by Elisha that she would have a son, but then that son died, and now she's going to Elisha for help. Her cryptic reply, "All is well," hints at a deeper, more urgent need than the servant understands.
Why did the woman insist on visiting the prophet on a day that wasn't a special festival or Sabbath? What does this urgency reveal about her state of mind?
A Day Like Any Other?
The man in the passage, likely the woman's husband, questions her sudden need to visit Elisha. His question, 'Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath,' points to the cultural rhythm of Israel. Special trips or seeking counsel often happened on designated holy days or significant times like the new moon.
A Personal Crisis
Her husband's question suggests he saw no pressing reason for the visit. However, the woman's internal reality was starkly different. She was in deep distress, facing the potential loss of her son. Her need to see Elisha wasn't dictated by the calendar but by the desperation of her heart. This highlights how personal crises can make any day feel like an emergency, far outweighing the significance of appointed times.
When faced with a crisis, the woman simply says, 'All is well.' What does this powerful, yet understated, response tell us about her faith and her strategy?
A Shield of Faith
When pressed by her husband, the woman's reply, 'All is well,' is astonishing. It's not a denial of the problem, nor is it an outright lie. Instead, it's a profound act of faith.
Trusting God's Plan
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She knew the severity of her situation – her son had died. Yet, she chose to declare 'All is well' in the presence of her husband, who was unaware of the tragedy. This statement likely reflects her deep trust that God, through Elisha, could and would restore what was lost. It’s a strategic move, perhaps to avoid unnecessary panic or to maintain a semblance of peace until she could seek God’s intervention.
Understand the original words
chodesh · Hebrew Noun
The monthly festival beginning with the appearance of the new moon, associated with sacrifices and special worship in Israelite religious life.
shabbat · Hebrew Noun
The seventh day of the week, sanctified by God as a holy day of rest and cessation from labor, rooted in the creation account and later codified in the Decalogue.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew idiom ("shalom") meaning peace, completeness, soundness, welfare, or health; often used to convey that one is in a state of well-being or harmony with God and circumstances.
Hannah, facing a similar desperate situation, echoes the sentiment of 'All is well' while her heart is actually crying out to God in distress.
Proverbs 27:1This proverb highlights the folly of boasting about tomorrow, similar to how the Shunammite woman might have been trying to maintain a brave face without revealing her deep need.
Luke 8:43-44The woman with the issue of blood pressed through a crowd, believing healing was possible, similar to the faith the Shunammite woman shows by seeking Elisha despite societal norms.
John 11:3Martha and Mary send word to Jesus about their brother Lazarus, saying, 'Lord, he whom you love is ill,' revealing their direct appeal in a time of crisis, contrasting with the Shunammite's indirectness.
Elisha's question reveals he's confused by the woman's urgency, pointing out it's not a special festival day that would demand immediate travel. Her simple, almost dismissive "All is well" is actually a profound understatement, a testament to her deep trust that God's purposes are unfolding, even in hardship.
Elisha's servant is questioning a desperate woman who's rushing off to see the prophet, even though it's not a special festival day. She's clearly facing a crisis, having previously been told by Elisha that she would have a son, but then that son died, and now she's going to Elisha for help. Her cryptic reply, "All is well," hints at a deeper, more urgent need than the servant understands.
Elisha's servant is questioning a desperate woman who's rushing off to see the prophet, even though it's not a special festival day. She's clearly facing a crisis, having previously been told by Elisha that she would have a son, but then that son died, and now she's going to Elisha for help. Her cryptic reply, "All is well," hints at a deeper, more urgent need than the servant understands.
"And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”" — Elisha's question reveals he's confused by the woman's urgency, pointing out it's not a special festival day that would demand immediate travel. Her simple, almost dismissive "All is well" is actuall…
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Last reviewed October 2026