Old Testament
1 Kings 17:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He stretched his body over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, "LORD my God, please let this child's soul return to him!"
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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.
What 1 Kings 17:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the prophet Elijah shows deep compassion and desperation as he lays over the lifeless child. His actions symbolize a powerful plea for life, demonstrating his faith in God’s ability to restore. By repeating this act three times, Elijah emphasizes his earnestness and determination. His heartfelt cry to God reveals a personal relationship, where he seeks divine intervention. This scene illustrates the profound connection between life and faith, highlighting the belief that God can bring hope even in the darkest times. Elijah’s prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a raw expression of his trust in God’s power. The child’s revival serves as a testament to the miraculous possibilities that faith can unlock. This story encourages us to approach God with our deepest needs, believing that He hears and responds to our cries for help. It reminds us that in moments of despair, we can find strength in prayer and the hope of restoration through faith in God’s love and mercy.
How to apply 1 Kings 17:21 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, remember that prayer can be a powerful tool. Like Elijah, we can bring our concerns to God, trusting in His ability to help. Don’t hesitate to express your needs and desires openly, believing in the possibility of change and healing. God is always listening and ready to respond to our heartfelt prayers. Stay hopeful and persistent in your faith journey, knowing that miracles can happen when we least expect them.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Elijah's story: The Widow's Son Lives (1 Kings 17:17–24)
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Elijah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 17:21 mean?
1 Kings 17:21 describes the prophet Elijah's desperate plea to God to restore life to a child who has died. By laying over the child three times and crying out to God, Elijah demonstrates his deep faith and compassion, believing in God's power to bring the child back to life.
What does Elijah's prayer reveal in 1 Kings 17:21?
Elijah's prayer reveals his personal relationship with God and his trust in God's ability to perform miracles. His heartfelt cry for the child's soul to return shows his reliance on God's mercy and power.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 17:21?
The themes present in 1 Kings 17:21 include faith, prayer, restoration, compassion, and miracles. This verse illustrates how faith can lead to hope and the possibility of miraculous outcomes in desperate situations.
How can I apply the message of 1 Kings 17:21 to my life?
You can apply the message of 1 Kings 17:21 by bringing your concerns to God in prayer, just as Elijah did. Trust in God's ability to help and remain hopeful, knowing that sincere prayers can lead to change and healing.
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