King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:31 Mean?

2 Kings 4:31 in the King James Version says “And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearin... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. hearing: Heb. attention

2 Kings 4:31 · KJV


Context

29

Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

30

And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.

31

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. hearing: Heb. attention

32

And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.

33

He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 4 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's Miracles of Provision and Life) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 4 regarding god's compassionate power through his prophet?
  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 · 21 words
וְגֵֽחֲזִ֞י1 of 21

And Gehazi

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

עָבַ֣ר2 of 21

passed on

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

פְּנֵ֣י3 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיָּ֤שֶׂם4 of 21

them and laid

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת5 of 21
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁעֶ֙נֶת֙6 of 21

the staff

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

עַל7 of 21
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֣י8 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַנָּֽעַר׃9 of 21

The child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וְאֵ֥ין10 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ק֖וֹל11 of 21

but there was neither voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וְאֵ֣ין12 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

קָ֑שֶׁב13 of 21

nor hearing

H7182

a hearkening

וַיָּ֤שָׁב14 of 21

Wherefore he went again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לִקְרָאתוֹ֙15 of 21

to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיַּגֶּד16 of 21

him and told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֣וֹ17 of 21
H0
לֵאמֹ֔ר18 of 21

him saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א19 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵקִ֖יץ20 of 21

is not awaked

H6974

to awake (literally or figuratively)

הַנָּֽעַר׃21 of 21

The child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit


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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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