King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:21 Mean?

2 Kings 13:21 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. was: Heb. went down”

2 Kings 13:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice .

20

And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

21

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. was: Heb. went down

22

But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

23

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. presence: Heb. face

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֵ֣ם׀2 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

קֹֽבְרִ֣ים3 of 22

“And it came to pass as they were burying”

H6912

to inter

הָאִישׁ֙4 of 22

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְהִנֵּה֙5 of 22
H2009

lo!

רָא֣וּ6 of 22

“that behold they spied”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶֽת7 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַגְּד֔וּד8 of 22

“a band”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

וַיַּשְׁלִ֥יכוּ9 of 22

“of men and they cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאִישׁ֙11 of 22

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּקֶ֣בֶר12 of 22

“into the sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע13 of 22

“of Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

וַיֵּ֜לֶךְ14 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיִּגַּ֤ע15 of 22

“and touched”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

הָאִישׁ֙16 of 22

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּעַצְמ֣וֹת17 of 22

“the bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע18 of 22

“of Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

וַיְחִ֖י19 of 22

“he revived”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וַיָּ֥קָם20 of 22

“and stood up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עַל21 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רַגְלָֽיו׃22 of 22

“on his feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 13:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 5:28-29Ezekiel 37:1-10Acts 19:12Acts 5:15John 5:252 Kings 4:35

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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