The Poisoned Stew Healed
Elisha casts meal into a pot of poisoned pottage and the food becomes safe to eat.
During a famine the sons of the prophets gathered wild gourds into a stew. As they ate they cried, 'O thou man of God, there is death in the pot!' Elisha called for meal, cast it into the pot, and told the men to serve the people. There was no harm in the pot.
Gilgal, during a famine in the land
What Happened
- 1A famine was in the land and food was scarce
- 2A servant gathered wild gourds into a great pot of stew
- 3As they ate, the men recognized something deadly
- 4Elisha had meal cast into the pot
- 5The stew became safe and the men were fed
Key KJV Scriptures
"So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof. But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot."
Spiritual Significance
The healed pottage shows the Lord's care for unseen dangers among His servants. Through a small, ordinary act, deadly food became life-giving.
Lesson for Today
God can neutralize unseen poisons in our lives. Bring what is broken to Him before you serve it to others.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the wild gourds?
Likely colocynth or a related bitter, toxic gourd that resembled edible fruit but caused severe sickness.
Was the meal medicinal?
Meal had no natural antidote. The miracle was the Lord's healing through the prophet's symbolic act of obedience.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Poisoned Stew Healed?
The miracle of The Poisoned Stew Healed is recorded in 2 Kings 4:40-41 (KJV).
Who performed the miracle of The Poisoned Stew Healed?
Scripture records that Elisha the prophet carried out this miracle at Gilgal, during a famine in the land. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
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Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
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Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
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Read moreSatan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
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Related Reading
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The Widow's Oil Multiplied
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