The Widow's Oil Multiplied
Elisha told a poor widow to pour from her little jar of oil; it kept flowing until every borrowed vessel was full.
A prophet's widow cried out to Elisha; creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves. All she owned was a pot of oil. Elisha told her to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors, shut the door, and pour. The oil did not stop until every vessel was full. She sold the oil, paid her debt, and lived on the rest.
Elisha (by the hand of God)
Israel
What Happened
- 1A widow's creditors threatened to take her sons
- 2Elisha asked what she had — only a pot of oil
- 3He told her to borrow many empty vessels
- 4Behind closed doors she poured, and the oil multiplied
- 5She sold the oil, paid the debt, and lived on the rest
Key KJV Scriptures
"And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed."
Spiritual Significance
God cares about widows and orphans, and He multiplies what is offered in faith. The supply was limited only by the empty vessels she gathered.
Lesson for Today
Bring God what little you have. The size of your provision often matches the size of your obedience.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the widow's debt?
Scripture does not say, but it was severe enough that her two sons were about to be taken as bondmen (2 Kings 4:1).
Why did Elisha shut the door?
The miracle was a private act of mercy, not a public spectacle. God often works quietly in the homes of those who trust Him.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Widow's Oil Multiplied?
The miracle of The Widow's Oil Multiplied is recorded in 2 Kings 4:6 (KJV).
Who performed the miracle of The Widow's Oil Multiplied?
Scripture records that Elisha (by the hand of God) carried out this miracle at Israel. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
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Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
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Manna & Quail Bible Quiz
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From the widow's son to Lazarus — Christ's power over death.
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