2 kings 4:35 - Then he returned, and walked in the house once back and forth; and went up, and stretched himself out on him. Then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 kings 4:35" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Elisha resurrecting the Shunammite woman's son (2 Kings 4:18-37). Let's break down the meaning:
"Then he returned, and walked in the house once back and forth;": After the initial attempt to revive the boy failed (verse 34), Elisha is clearly frustrated and in deep prayer. Walking back and forth shows his agitation, intense focus, and possibly, his continued seeking of divine intervention. This could be interpreted as a physical manifestation of his inner struggle and desperate plea to God.
"and went up, and stretched himself out on him.": This echoes his earlier actions (verse 34) where he lay on the child, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. This act of physically connecting with the dead boy is crucial. While the exact meaning is debated, some interpretations include:
Transfer of life or power: Elisha is attempting to transfer his own life force or the power of God dwelling within him into the child.
Symbolic union: A symbolic union between the prophet and the dead child, creating a conduit for divine intervention.
A physical method to warm the body: Although likely not the primary intent, the act could have provided some warmth to the child's body.
"Then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.": This is the climax of the story – the resurrection! The sneezes are a sign that life is returning. The number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, signifying a full and complete restoration of life. The opening of the eyes is the final confirmation – the boy is alive.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Divine Power: The verse demonstrates the power of God working through the prophet Elisha. It's a powerful miracle story that highlights God's ability to overcome death.
Faith and Persistence: Elisha's persistence in prayer and action is emphasized. He doesn't give up after the first attempt fails.
Compassion and Healing: Elisha's compassion for the Shunammite woman and her loss is evident. He goes to great lengths to restore her son to life.
Foreshadowing: Some see this story as foreshadowing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting God's ultimate victory over death.
Important Considerations:
Symbolic vs. Literal: While the story is presented as a literal account, there's also a symbolic dimension. The acts of laying on the child and the sneezes could be seen as symbolic representations of divine intervention and the restoration of life.
Historical Context: It's important to understand the cultural and religious context of the time. Beliefs about death and the afterlife were different than they are today.
In essence, 2 Kings 4:35 is a pivotal verse in a narrative that showcases divine power, unwavering faith, and profound compassion, resulting in a miraculous resurrection.
2 kings 4:35 - Then he returned, and walked in the house once back and forth; and went up, and stretched himself out on him. Then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
What does "2 kings 4:35" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Elisha resurrecting the Shunammite woman's son (2 Kings 4:18-37). Let's break down the meaning:
"Then he returned, and walked in the house once back and forth;": After the initial attempt to revive the boy failed (verse 34), Elisha is clearly frustrated and in deep prayer. Walking back and forth shows his agitation, intense focus, and possibly, his continued seeking of divine intervention. This could be interpreted as a physical manifestation of his inner struggle and desperate plea to God.
"and went up, and stretched himself out on him.": This echoes his earlier actions (verse 34) where he lay on the child, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. This act of physically connecting with the dead boy is crucial. While the exact meaning is debated, some interpretations include:
Transfer of life or power: Elisha is attempting to transfer his own life force or the power of God dwelling within him into the child.
Symbolic union: A symbolic union between the prophet and the dead child, creating a conduit for divine intervention.
A physical method to warm the body: Although likely not the primary intent, the act could have provided some warmth to the child's body.
"Then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.": This is the climax of the story – the resurrection! The sneezes are a sign that life is returning. The number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, signifying a full and complete restoration of life. The opening of the eyes is the final confirmation – the boy is alive.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Divine Power: The verse demonstrates the power of God working through the prophet Elisha. It's a powerful miracle story that highlights God's ability to overcome death.
Faith and Persistence: Elisha's persistence in prayer and action is emphasized. He doesn't give up after the first attempt fails.
Compassion and Healing: Elisha's compassion for the Shunammite woman and her loss is evident. He goes to great lengths to restore her son to life.
Foreshadowing: Some see this story as foreshadowing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting God's ultimate victory over death.
Important Considerations:
Symbolic vs. Literal: While the story is presented as a literal account, there's also a symbolic dimension. The acts of laying on the child and the sneezes could be seen as symbolic representations of divine intervention and the restoration of life.
Historical Context: It's important to understand the cultural and religious context of the time. Beliefs about death and the afterlife were different than they are today.
In essence, 2 Kings 4:35 is a pivotal verse in a narrative that showcases divine power, unwavering faith, and profound compassion, resulting in a miraculous resurrection.