Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 4:16

"And he said, At this season, when the time cometh round, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid." — 2 Kings 4:16 (ASV)

About this season. — At this set time.

According to the time of life. — Rather, at the reviving time—i.e., next spring; or, when the time revives — i.e., in the following year: a phrase occurring in Genesis 18:10, 15. Böttcher renders, “when the year has revolved,” assuming the ground meaning of the term “life” to be something joined in a circle.

Thou shalt embrace. — You are about to embrace.

Do not lie — i.e., raise no delusive hopes. (Compare to Isaiah 58:11.) We can imagine the emotion with which this would be said. (Compare to the incredulity of Sarah, Genesis 18:12–13.)