Old Testament
2 Kings 13:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
One day, some Israelites were burying a man when they saw a band of raiders approaching. They threw the body into Elisha's tomb, and when the dead man touched Elisha's bones, he came back to life and stood up on his feet.
Compare translations
And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
What 2 Kings 13:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this remarkable story, a group of Israelites was in the midst of burying a man when they suddenly spotted a band of raiders approaching. In a panic, they quickly tossed the body into the tomb of the prophet Elisha. Miraculously, when the dead man touched Elisha's bones, he came back to life! This event highlights the power of God working through Elisha even after his death. It serves as a reminder that life can emerge from death, and hope can arise in the most desperate situations. The resurrection of the man illustrates the profound impact of faith and the divine presence in our lives. It encourages us to believe in the extraordinary possibilities that can happen when we least expect them. This story is not just about a miraculous event; it’s about the enduring legacy of faith and the hope that transcends even death itself. It invites us to reflect on the power of God’s spirit and the potential for renewal in our own lives, no matter how bleak things may seem at times.
How to apply 2 Kings 13:21 to your life
This story encourages us to remain hopeful, even in difficult times. Just as the dead man was revived, we can find new beginnings in our lives. Trust in the possibility of change and renewal, and remember that faith can lead to unexpected miracles. Embrace the idea that life can emerge from the most challenging circumstances, inspiring you to keep moving forward with hope and courage.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 13:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 13:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 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 2 Kings 13:21 mean?
2 Kings 13:21 describes a miraculous event where a dead man is thrown into the tomb of the prophet Elisha and comes back to life upon touching Elisha's bones. This story illustrates God's power to bring life from death and emphasizes the enduring impact of faith.
What is the significance of Elisha's bones in 2 Kings 13:21?
Elisha's bones in 2 Kings 13:21 symbolize the divine power and presence of God that continues to work even after Elisha's death. The resurrection of the dead man highlights the belief in miracles and the hope that can arise from seemingly hopeless situations.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 13:21?
The themes present in 2 Kings 13:21 include resurrection, faith, hope, miracles, and divine power. These themes highlight the potential for renewal and the extraordinary possibilities that can arise from faith.
How does 2 Kings 13:21 relate to hope in difficult times?
2 Kings 13:21 relates to hope in difficult times by demonstrating that even in moments of despair, such as during a burial, miraculous change can occur. It encourages individuals to trust in the possibility of renewal and to remain hopeful.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.