King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:35 Mean?

2 Kings 4:35 in the King James Version says “Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro ; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneeze... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 4:35 · KJV


Context

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.

37

Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַיָּ֜שָׁב1 of 19

Then he returned

H7725

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

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ2 of 19
H1980

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

בַּבַּ֗יִת3 of 19

in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְאַחַ֣ת4 of 19

and fro

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הֵ֙נָּה֙5 of 19
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וְאַחַ֣ת6 of 19

and fro

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הֵ֔נָּה7 of 19
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וַיַּ֖עַל8 of 19

and went up

H5927

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

וַיִּגְהַ֣ר9 of 19

and stretched

H1457

to prostrate oneself

עָלָ֑יו10 of 19
H5921

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

וַיְזוֹרֵ֤ר11 of 19

sneezed

H2237

perhaps to diffuse, i.e., (specifically) to sneeze

הַנַּ֖עַר12 of 19

and 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

עַד13 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שֶׁ֣בַע14 of 19

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פְּעָמִ֔ים15 of 19

times

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וַיִּפְקַ֥ח16 of 19

opened

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

הַנַּ֖עַר17 of 19

and 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

אֶת18 of 19
H853

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

עֵינָֽיו׃19 of 19

his eyes

H5869

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


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 4:35 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 4:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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