1 Kings 17:21

KJV

And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he stretched {H4058} himself upon the child {H3206} three {H7969} times {H6471}, and cried {H7121} unto the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, I pray thee, let this child's {H3206} soul {H5315} come {H7725} into him {H7130} again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He stretched himself out on the child three times and cried out to ADONAI: "ADONAI my God, please! Let this child's soul come back into him!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!”

American Standard Version

And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in 1 Kings 17:21 vividly portrays the prophet Elijah's fervent and desperate intercession for the deceased son of the widow of Zarephath. Through a unique physical act of stretching himself upon the child three times, coupled with an earnest cry to the LORD, Elijah appeals for the restoration of the boy's life, marking a profound moment where divine power triumphs over death, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and responsiveness to His prophet's plea.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath") sets the stage for this dramatic miracle. Following Elijah's bold proclamation of a severe drought upon Israel as divine judgment for the idolatry fostered by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel ([1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Prophecy of Drought")), God miraculously sustains His prophet. First, Elijah is fed by ravens at the Wadi Cherith ([1 Kings 17:6](/1_kings/17-6 "1 Kings 17:6 - Ravens Feed Elijah")). Subsequently, God directs him to Zarephath, a Sidonian town, where he is hosted by a poor widow. There, God demonstrates His power by ensuring her jar of flour and jug of oil do not run dry throughout the famine ([1 Kings 17:14](/1_kings/17-14 "1 Kings 17:14 - The Widow's Unfailing Supply")). The sudden death of the widow's only son, however, plunges her into despair and prompts her to confront Elijah, questioning his presence and purpose ([1 Kings 17:18](/1_kings/17-18 "1 Kings 17:18 - The Widow's Grief")). Elijah's immediate response is to take the child to his room, setting the scene for this unprecedented act of divine intervention. The resurrection of the child immediately precedes the widow's profound declaration of faith in Elijah's prophetic word ([1 Kings 17:24](/1_kings/17-24 "1 Kings 17:24 - The Widow's Affirmation")), solidifying his authority before the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah's Ministry During Famine") is the tumultuous reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in Israel, a period characterized by rampant Baal worship and severe spiritual apostasy. The drought proclaimed by Elijah was a direct divine judgment, challenging the very claims of Baal, who was worshipped as the god of rain, storms, and fertility. By demonstrating His control over these elements, Yahweh proved His supremacy over false deities. The setting in Zarephath, a town in Sidonian territory (Jezebel's homeland), is culturally significant; God's provision for a Gentile widow and the resurrection of her son underscore that His power and compassion extend beyond the borders of Israel, even to those who might otherwise be considered outsiders. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the death of an only son was a catastrophic event, particularly for a widow, as it meant the loss of her sole support and heir, leaving her utterly destitute and vulnerable. Prophets in this era were understood as God's spokespersons and often served as intercessors, mediating between God and humanity, a role Elijah powerfully embodies in this narrative.

* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in [1 Kings 17:21](/1_kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son"). Foremost among them is **Divine Power Over Death**, as this marks the first recorded instance of a resurrection in biblical history, powerfully demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and His unique ability to restore life. This miracle serves as a foundational precedent for later resurrections throughout Scripture, including those performed by Elisha ([2 Kings 4:34](/2_kings/4-34 "2 Kings 4:34 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")), Jesus Christ ([Luke 7:15](/luke/7-15 "Luke 7:15 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")), and the apostles ([Acts 9:40](/acts/9-40 "Acts 9:40 - Peter Raises Dorcas")). Another prominent theme is the **Efficacy of Earnest Prayer**. Elijah's intense physical and verbal plea underscores the profound impact of a righteous person's fervent prayer, echoing the later New Testament teaching that "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" ([James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Prayer")). Finally, the narrative highlights **God's Faithfulness and Compassion**, not only to His prophet Elijah, confirming his divine authority, but also to the grieving widow, demonstrating His active intervention in human suffering and His unwavering commitment to those who trust in Him, even in the direst circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretched himself (Hebrew, _wayyitmoded'_):** This unique verb, from the root *madad* (to measure, stretch out), implies a deliberate, full-body extension. Elijah's action is not merely symbolic; it suggests a profound identification with the child's lifeless state and a desperate, almost physically burdensome, act of intercession. It's a rare and intense physical engagement, perhaps mimicking mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or simply a deep, empathetic connection, pouring his very being into the prayer.
* **cried (Hebrew, _wayyiqra'_):** This verb signifies a loud, urgent, and often desperate cry or call. It is not a casual request but an impassioned, vocal plea, indicative of Elijah's deep distress and the gravity of the situation. It highlights the intensity and earnestness of his prayer, reflecting a profound reliance on God in a moment of extreme need.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** While *nephesh* can refer to the immaterial aspect of a human, in this context, it primarily denotes "life," "breath," or "vital essence." Elijah's prayer is for the return of the child's animating principle, the life force that had departed. It signifies a complete restoration from death, a re-entry of the very spark of life into the boy's body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he stretched himself upon the child three times":** This clause describes Elijah's extraordinary physical action. The repetition "three times" emphasizes the intensity, persistence, and completeness of his intercession. It might symbolize a profound identification with the child's plight, a spiritual wrestling, or even a ritualistic act of invoking divine power. This physical posture underscores the depth of Elijah's empathy and the earnestness of his prayer, making it a visible manifestation of his spiritual agony and desperate appeal to God.
* **"and cried unto the LORD, and said":** This phrase transitions from Elijah's physical posture to his verbal plea. The act of "crying unto the LORD" signifies an urgent, desperate, and direct appeal to God. It highlights the prophet's complete dependence on divine intervention, acknowledging that only Yahweh possesses the power to restore life. This is not a casual request but a fervent, impassioned cry from the depths of his being.
* **"O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.":** This is the precise content of Elijah's prayer, revealing his specific request. Addressing God as "O LORD my God" indicates a personal and intimate relationship, reinforcing his prophetic authority and trust. The petition "let this child's soul come into him again" is a direct and unambiguous plea for resurrection, for the return of the life force that had departed. It demonstrates Elijah's unwavering faith in God's power over life and death, even in a situation previously unheard of in Israelite history.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Kings 17:21](/1_kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Intercession") employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is evident in Elijah's act of stretching himself upon the child three times, which can be interpreted as a profound act of identification, empathy, and spiritual struggle. The number "three" often signifies completeness or divine action in biblical narratives, underscoring the thoroughness of Elijah's intercession and the definitive nature of God's response. This physical engagement also serves as a **Dramatic Action**, vividly portraying the intensity and desperation of the moment. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting a precedent for God's power over death and anticipating future resurrections in the biblical narrative, most notably by Elisha and supremely by Jesus Christ. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the powerlessness of Baal, who cannot bring rain or life, and the life-giving power of Yahweh, demonstrated through this miracle, reinforcing the central theological conflict of the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The resurrection of the widow's son through Elijah's intercession is a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over life and death. It demonstrates that Yahweh alone possesses the power to give and restore life, directly countering the pagan fertility cults prevalent in Israel that attributed such power to false gods like Baal. This miracle also powerfully affirms the efficacy of earnest, faith-filled prayer, highlighting God's responsiveness to the cries of His faithful servants. It underscores divine compassion for human suffering, particularly for the vulnerable and bereaved, and solidifies Elijah's prophetic authority as a true messenger of the living God, whose words and actions are confirmed by divine power. This event is a foundational testament to God's active involvement in the world, intervening directly in the most desperate human circumstances.

* [2 Kings 4:32-35](/2_kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-35 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")
* [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")
* [John 11:41-44](/john/11-41 "John 11:41-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Elijah raising the widow's son in [1 Kings 17:21](/1_kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Powerful Prayer") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in God's omnipotence, recognizing that no situation, however dire or seemingly irreversible, is beyond His power to redeem or transform. Elijah's desperate and persistent prayer models for us a boldness in approaching God, even with seemingly impossible requests, reminding us that "with God all things are possible" ([Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")). Furthermore, Elijah's physical act of stretching himself over the child speaks to the importance of empathy and active compassion in our intercession for others, urging us to deeply identify with their pain. This narrative reassures us of God's unwavering faithfulness, even when faith is tested by profound loss and grief, demonstrating His willingness to intervene miraculously in the lives of those who call upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elijah's desperate prayer challenge your own approach to prayer in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what ways does this miracle affirm God's sovereignty over life and death, and how does that truth bring you comfort or challenge?**
* **What does Elijah's physical act of stretching himself over the child teach us about the nature of compassionate intercession?**

### FAQ
**Was this the first resurrection in the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, it is the first recorded instance of a human being raised from the dead in the biblical narrative. While there are instances of God preserving life or bringing people back from the brink of death, this is the first clear case of a person who had died being brought back to life. This miracle sets a precedent for later resurrections, including those performed by [Elisha](/2_kings/4-34 "2 Kings 4:34 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son"), and ultimately foreshadows the supreme resurrection of [Jesus Christ](/john/11-44 "John 11:44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus").

**Why did Elijah stretch himself upon the child three times?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the reason for Elijah's specific physical action, but scholars offer several interpretations. It could symbolize a profound act of identification and empathy with the child's lifeless body, perhaps even a form of spiritual resuscitation. The number "three" often carries significance in biblical narratives, denoting completeness, intensity, or divine action (e.g., Jesus rising on the third day). It emphasizes the earnestness and thoroughness of Elijah's intercession, demonstrating his complete engagement in the prayer and his desperate reliance on God's power to restore life. It may also have been a prophetic act, a physical manifestation of his spiritual wrestling for the child's life, or even a symbolic transfer of life from the living prophet to the dead child, though the power ultimately came from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous resurrection of the widow's son by Elijah in [1 Kings 17:21](/1_kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Miracle") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elijah acted as God's instrument, Jesus is the very source of life, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Elijah's powerful intercession foreshadows Christ's own compassionate acts of raising the dead, such as the widow of Nain's son ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain's Son")) and Lazarus ([John 11:38-44](/john/11-38 "John 11:38-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")), demonstrating His inherent divine authority over death. Elijah's physical act of stretching himself upon the child, an act of profound identification with human suffering, points to Christ's ultimate identification with humanity through His incarnation and His atoning death, where He "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant")). Ultimately, the life restored by Elijah was temporary, but the life offered by Christ through His own resurrection is eternal, conquering death once and for all ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). He is the ultimate intercessor, ever living to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")), bringing not just a temporary return to life, but eternal life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 20:10

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing [him] said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

2 Kings 4:33

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

2 Kings 4:35

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.

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Hebrews 11:19

Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Acts 10:10

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,