What does 2 Kings 4:31 mean?
"And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked." - 2 Kings 4:31
The Bible verse 2 Kings 4:31 from the King James Version (KJV) says, "And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked." This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, which chronicles the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. To understand the full meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context in which it is found.
In 2 Kings 4, we find the story of Elisha, a prophet of God, who performs several miracles. One of these miracles is the healing of a Shunammite woman's son, who becomes sick and dies. In verses 27-37, we see the woman's faith and determination as she seeks out Elisha for help. Elisha sends his servant Gehazi ahead of him to the child, instructing him to lay his staff on the child's face. However, the child does not awaken, and Gehazi returns to report this to Elisha.
The verse 2 Kings 4:31 reflects the disappointment and concern of Gehazi as he delivers the news to Elisha. It is a moment of despair and uncertainty, as it seems that the child's condition has not improved despite Elisha's intervention.
One of the key themes in this passage is the power of faith and the miraculous works of God. The Shunammite woman's unwavering faith in Elisha's ability to bring her son back to life demonstrates the power of belief and trust in God's chosen servant. Elisha's subsequent actions, as he prays and intervenes on behalf of the child, show the belief in the ability of God to perform miracles.
Additionally, the verse highlights the limitations of human effort and the need for divine intervention. Despite Gehazi's obedience in carrying out Elisha's instructions, the child remains unhealed. This serves as a reminder that human actions alone are insufficient in the face of life-threatening circumstances, and divine intervention is often necessary.
Symbolically, the laying of the staff on the child's face can be seen as a representation of the transfer of Elisha's authority and power to heal. In the Bible, the staff is often used as a symbol of authority and miraculous power, as seen in the example of Moses' staff in the Old Testament. By laying his staff on the child, Elisha is invoking God's power and authority to bring about healing.
In a broader theological context, this passage also points to the ultimate power of God over life and death. The child's illness and subsequent healing serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the miraculous ways in which He can intervene in human affairs.
Overall, 2 Kings 4:31 is a verse that speaks to the themes of faith, divine intervention, and the ultimate power of God. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts and the need to rely on God's miraculous power in times of desperation. The verse offers a message of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that God is able to work miracles in the most seemingly impossible situations.
Have questions about 2 Kings 4:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 4:31 Artwork
2 Kings 4:31 - "And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked."
"And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked." - 2 Kings 4:31
Proverbs 31:4 - "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:"
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:" - Proverbs 31:4
2 Kings 4:4-5
Deuteronomy 31:4 - "And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed."
2 Kings 9:31 - "And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?"
1 Kings 4:31 - "For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about."
2 Kings 19:31 - "For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this."
2 Kings 6:31 - "Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day."
"And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." - 2 Kings 15:31
2 Chronicles 31:4 - "Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD."
2 Kings 17:31 - "And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim." The image should not depict explicit or offensive content but be symbolic.
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
2 Kings 10:31 - "But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin."
2 Kings 23:31 - "¶ Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah."
2 Kings 4:11 - "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
1 Kings 4:2 - "And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,"
2 Kings 9:4 - "¶ So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Kings 6:4 - "So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood."
1 Kings 15:31 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 11:30-31
1 Kings 11:30-31
1 Kings 11:30-31
2 Kings 4:15 - "And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door."
2 Kings 16:4 - "And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 4:33 - "He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD."
2 Kings 4:32 - "And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
2 Kings 4:18 - "¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers."