Old Testament
2 Kings 4:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha, hurried ahead to help a grieving mother whose child had died.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Gehazi ran ahead and laid the staff on the child's face, but there was no sound and no response. He went back to meet Elisha and reported, "The child hasn't woken up."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha, hurried ahead to help a grieving mother whose child had died. He placed Elisha's staff on the child's face, hoping for a miracle. However, there was no response; the child remained lifeless. This situation highlights the limitations of human efforts without divine intervention. Gehazi returned to Elisha, reporting the disappointing news that the child had not awakened. This moment emphasizes the importance of faith and the need for God's power in seemingly hopeless situations. Gehazi's actions, while well-intentioned, were not enough to bring the child back to life. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, we must rely on something greater than ourselves to achieve the impossible. The story encourages us to seek divine help in our struggles, trusting that God can bring life to our dead situations, just as He did for the child in this narrative. It’s a powerful lesson about faith, hope, and the necessity of divine presence in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 4:31 to your life
When faced with challenges that seem insurmountable, remember that human efforts alone may not suffice. Seek divine guidance and support in your struggles. Trust that with faith, even the most hopeless situations can be transformed. God’s power can bring life and hope where there seems to be none. Embrace this truth in your daily life!
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 4:31 mean?
2 Kings 4:31 describes Gehazi's attempt to revive a dead child by placing Elisha's staff on his face. Despite his efforts, there was no response, illustrating the limitations of human actions without divine intervention.
What is the significance of Gehazi in 2 Kings 4:31?
Gehazi serves as Elisha's servant and represents human effort in the face of despair. His actions highlight that even well-intentioned attempts can fall short without God's power.
What does the phrase 'no sound and no response' indicate in 2 Kings 4:31?
The phrase 'no sound and no response' indicates that the child remained lifeless despite Gehazi's efforts. It emphasizes the need for divine intervention in situations that seem hopeless.
How does 2 Kings 4:31 relate to faith and hope?
2 Kings 4:31 illustrates that human efforts alone may not suffice in dire situations. It encourages readers to seek divine help and maintain faith, as true transformation often requires God's intervention.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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