King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:34 Mean?

2 Kings 4:34 in the King James Version says “And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.”

2 Kings 4:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.

35

Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro ; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. to and fro: Heb. once hither and once thither

36

And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 19 words
וַיַּ֜עַל1 of 19

“And he went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב2 of 19

“and lay”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַל3 of 19
H5921

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

הַיָּֽלֶד׃4 of 19

“of the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וַיָּשֶׂם֩5 of 19

“and put”

H7760

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

פִּ֜יו6 of 19

“his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

עַל7 of 19
H5921

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

פִּ֜יו8 of 19

“his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

עֵינָיו֙9 of 19

“and his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עַל10 of 19
H5921

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

עֵינָיו֙11 of 19

“and his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כַּפָּ֔ו12 of 19

“and his hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

עַל13 of 19
H5921

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

כַּפָּ֔ו14 of 19

“and his hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וַיִּגְהַ֖ר15 of 19

“and he stretched”

H1457

to prostrate oneself

עָלָ֑יו16 of 19
H5921

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

וַיָּ֖חָם17 of 19

“waxed warm”

H2552

to be hot (literally or figuratively)

בְּשַׂ֥ר18 of 19

“himself upon the child and the flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

הַיָּֽלֶד׃19 of 19

“of the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

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 4:34 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 4:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 17:21Acts 20:10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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