2 Kings 4:21
2 Kings 4:21 in Multiple Translations
And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God. Then she shut the door and went out.
And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
Then she went up and put him on the bed of the man of God, shutting the door on him, and went out.
She went upstairs and laid him on the bed of the man of God. Then she shut the door behind her and left.
Then shee went vp, and layed him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the doore vpon him, and went out.
And she goeth up, and layeth him on the bed of the man of God, and shutteth [the door] upon him, and goeth out,
She went up and laid him on the man of God’s bed, and shut the door on him, and went out.
And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
And she went up and laid him upon the bed of the man of God, and shut the door: and going out,
She carried him up the steps to the prophet’s room and laid him on the bed. She left him there and went out and shut the door.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 4:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּ֨עַל֙
וַ/תַּשְׁכִּבֵ֔/הוּ
עַל
מִטַּ֖ת
אִ֣ישׁ
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/תִּסְגֹּ֥ר
בַּעֲד֖/וֹ
וַ/תֵּצֵֽא
וַ/תַּ֨עַל֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תַּשְׁכִּבֵ֔/הוּ
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִטַּ֖ת
miṭṭâh
H4296
bed
N-fs
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/תִּסְגֹּ֥ר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּעֲד֖/וֹ
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֵּצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:21
וַ/תַּ֨עַל֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וַ/תַּשְׁכִּבֵ֔/הוּ
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִטַּ֖ת
miṭṭâh
H4296
"bed"
N-fs
This word refers to a bed or couch, often used for sleeping or eating. In the Bible, it can also refer to a sofa or a bier for carrying the dead. It is a physical object for rest or relaxation.
Definition: couch, bed, bier
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), bier. See also: Genesis 47:31; 2 Kings 1:16; Psalms 6:7.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/תִּסְגֹּ֥ר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
בַּעֲד֖/וֹ
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
וַ/תֵּצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:21
Context — Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
19“My head! My head!” he complained to his father. So his father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.”
20After the servant had picked him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died.
21And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God. Then she shut the door and went out.
22And the woman called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may go quickly to the man of God and return.” 23“Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 4:32 | When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 4:10 | Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:7 | She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.” |
| 4 | 1 Kings 17:19 | But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. |
2 Kings 4:21 Summary
In this verse, a grieving mother lays her dead son on the bed of the man of God, Elisha, as an act of faith, hoping for a miracle. This shows that even in the toughest times, we can trust in God's power and presence, just like the woman did. As we see in Psalm 34:18, God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. By trusting in God, like the woman, we can find comfort and hope, even in the midst of sorrow, and remember that God is our healer, as seen in Exodus 15:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the woman lay her son on the bed of the man of God?
The woman laid her son on the bed of the man of God, likely Elisha, as an act of faith, hoping that God would work a miracle through him, as seen in similar instances in the Bible, such as in 1 Kings 17:19-24 where Elijah prayed for a widow's son to be raised from the dead.
What can we learn from the woman's actions in this verse?
The woman's actions demonstrate her trust and faith in God, even in the midst of tragedy, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7, where we are called to trust in the Lord and commit our way to Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and healing in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of faith in the healing process, as seen in James 5:14-15, where the prayer of faith can heal the sick and raise them up.
What role does the bed of the man of God play in this story?
The bed of the man of God serves as a symbol of the prophet's authority and God's presence, much like the ark of the covenant in 2 Samuel 6:1-11, which represented God's power and presence among His people.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in the woman's shoes, having just lost your child?
- How can we, like the woman, demonstrate faith and trust in God even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking God's presence and power in times of need?
- How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to our own lives and struggles?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:21
And she went up,.... Into the little chamber built for the prophet: and laid him on the bed of the man of God; not from any imagination of any virtue in it to bring her child to life; though she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:21
And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
Shut the door upon him; partly in hopes that this might contribute something to the child’ s restitution to life, she having in all probability had an account of the like miracle done by Elijah, ; and partly that she might for the present conceal the death of the child; which if it had been known, would have filled her husband with grief, and hindered her journey, and opened the mouths of the enemies of God and his prophets to blaspheme; whereas she had a confidence put into her by God, that the prophet could and would restore her son.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
2 Kings 4:21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut [the door] upon him, and went out.Ver. 21. And laid him on the bed of the man of God.] She had heard, belike, how Elijah had restored to life a widow’ s dead child. This therefore that she here did was an act of her faith, whereby also she "received her dead raised to life again." Faith is the best lever at a dead lift.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
(21) Laid him on the bed of the man of God.—She wished to keep the death secret, and the corpse inviolate, during her intended absence.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
Verse 21. Laid him on the bed of the man of God] She had no doubt heard that Elijah had raised the widow's son of Zarephath to life; and she believed that he who had obtained this gift from God for her, could obtain his restoration to life.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:21
21. she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God] Her thoughts at once go to Elisha and she puts the dead boy into the prophet’s chamber, perhaps with the thought that she will bring Elisha back with her, and then he will find the child at once. Or it may be that she felt there would be less fear of intruders there. This latter reason is supported by her further action of shutting the door. What hopes she may have had we can only conjecture, but she acts as though she believed that help was not impossible. ‘The good Shunammite hath lost her son, her faith she hath not lost’ (Bp Hall).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:21
21. Laid him on the bed of the man of God — She had probably heard how Elijah had raised the son of the widow of Zarephath to life. 1 Kings 17:19.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Blueprint of Your Home by Abner Kauffman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible to show oneself approved by God. He encourages listeners to not neglect learning about their homes and t |
|
The Ministry of the Church by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a new pastor who constantly hears comparisons to the previous pastor's sermons and services. One day, the new pastor visits a young |
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De Vitis Patrum, Book Vi by Heribert Rosweyde | Heribert Rosweyde preaches on the importance of spiritual discernment and the consequences of our actions, as seen through the stories of various old men and their encounters with |