Old Testament
2 Kings 4:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
She came in, fell at Elisha's feet, and bowed to the ground. Then she picked up her son and walked out.
Compare translations
Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
What 2 Kings 4:37 means
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.
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
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 4:37
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 4:37
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.