Old Testament
2 Kings 4:37
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, a mother approaches the prophet Elisha with deep desperation.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
She came in, fell at Elisha's feet, and bowed to the ground. Then she picked up her son and walked out.
Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, a mother approaches the prophet Elisha with deep desperation. She falls at his feet, showing her humility and urgency. Her actions reflect her profound love for her son, who had died. By bowing to the ground, she acknowledges Elisha's authority and power. After expressing her grief, she receives her son back, a miraculous act that restores her hope. This scene captures the essence of faith and the transformative power of compassion. The mother's journey from despair to joy illustrates how faith can lead to unexpected blessings. It reminds us that in our darkest moments, reaching out for help can lead to profound change. Elisha's response highlights the importance of listening and acting with empathy in the face of others' suffering. This story encourages us to trust in the possibility of miracles, even when circumstances seem hopeless. It teaches us that love and faith can overcome the most challenging situations, leading to restoration and new beginnings.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 4:37 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember the power of reaching out for help. Like the mother, express your needs with humility and trust. Surround yourself with supportive people who can help you navigate difficult times. Believe in the possibility of positive change, even when it seems unlikely. Your faith can lead to unexpected blessings and restoration in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 4:37 mean?
2 Kings 4:37 describes a mother who, after experiencing the death of her son, humbly approaches the prophet Elisha. Her actions of falling at his feet and bowing show her desperation and faith, leading to the miraculous restoration of her son.
What is the significance of the mother's actions in 2 Kings 4:37?
The mother's actions in 2 Kings 4:37 highlight her deep love and faith. By falling at Elisha's feet, she demonstrates humility and urgency, acknowledging his authority and seeking help in her time of grief.
How does 2 Kings 4:37 relate to faith and miracles?
2 Kings 4:37 illustrates how faith can lead to miraculous outcomes. The mother's trust in Elisha's power results in the restoration of her son, emphasizing that reaching out for help can bring unexpected blessings.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Kings 4:37?
From 2 Kings 4:37, we learn the importance of humility in seeking help and the power of faith in overcoming challenges. It encourages us to believe in the possibility of positive change, even in dire circumstances.
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.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.