The verse 1 Kings 17:21 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again."

This verse comes from a larger passage in the Book of 1 Kings, which tells the story of the prophet Elijah and his encounters with the widow of Zarephath. In this particular verse, Elijah has been staying with the widow and her son, and the son has become ill to the point of death. This verse describes Elijah's desperate plea to God to bring the child back to life.

The theme of this verse is the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. The context of the passage is important for understanding the full impact of this verse. Elijah has been living with the widow and her son during a time of drought, and the widow's food supply has miraculously not run out. This has already demonstrated God's provision and faithfulness to Elijah and the widow. When the widow's son falls ill, it is a test of faith for both Elijah and the widow.

Elijah's actions in this verse demonstrate his faith that God has the power to bring the child back to life. He stretches himself upon the child three times, a significant act of intimacy and desperation. This shows his persistence in prayer and his belief that God will answer his plea. The fact that Elijah cried unto the Lord also shows the deep emotion and urgency of his prayer.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful. The act of stretching himself upon the child can be seen as a symbol of Jesus' later act of laying himself upon the sinful world in order to bring it back to life. The repetition of this action three times could be seen as a foreshadowing of the resurrection, which occurred on the third day after Jesus' death. This verse embodies the theme of resurrection and new life, which is a central theme of the Christian faith.

Ultimately, the miraculous revival of the child in the following verses (1 Kings 17:22-23) serves as a powerful testimony to the faithfulness and power of God. It demonstrates that God has the ability to bring life out of death, and that he is responsive to the prayers of his faithful servants. This story of Elijah and the widow's son is a testament to the overarching message of hope and redemption that runs throughout the Bible.

In conclusion, 1 Kings 17:21 is a verse that carries profound significance within the larger context of the story of Elijah. It exemplifies the themes of faith, prayer, and the power of God to bring life out of death. It also contains powerful symbolism that points to the ultimate resurrection and new life found in the Christian faith. This verse serves as a reminder to believers of the faithfulness of God and the importance of persistent prayer.