1 Kings 17:23

KJV

And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elijah {H452} took {H3947} the child {H3206}, and brought him down {H3381} out of the chamber {H5944} into the house {H1004}, and delivered {H5414} him unto his mother {H517}: and Elijah {H452} said {H559}, See {H7200}, thy son {H1121} liveth {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eliyahu took the child, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house and gave him to his mother; and Eliyahu said, "See? Your son is alive."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive,” Elijah declared.

American Standard Version

And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother; and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 17:23 marks the triumphant culmination of God's miraculous intervention through Elijah, as the prophet restores the miraculously resurrected son to his grieving mother, the widow of Zarephath. This verse serves as the profound climax of a divine act, powerfully confirming the truth of God's word spoken through His prophet and demonstrating His sovereign power over life and death, bringing unparalleled joy and restoration in a time of deep sorrow and despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a dramatic and pivotal narrative arc within [1 Kings 17](/1-kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath"). The chapter begins with Elijah announcing a severe drought, then details his miraculous sustenance by ravens, and subsequently by the widow of Zarephath, whose flour and oil miraculously did not fail, sustaining them through the famine ([1 Kings 17:16](/1-kings/17-16 "1 Kings 17:16 - The Widow's Sustenance During Famine")). The immediate narrative leading to verse 23 is the sudden illness and death of the widow's only son, which she, in her grief, attributes to Elijah's presence bringing her sins to remembrance ([1 Kings 17:18](/1-kings/17-18 "1 Kings 17:18 - The Widow's Lament and Accusation")). Elijah's compassionate and decisive response involves taking the dead child to his upper chamber, crying out to the Lord in earnest prayer, and stretching himself upon the boy three times, pleading for his life to return ([1 Kings 17:21](/1-kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Fervent Prayer for the Child")). God hears Elijah's fervent prayer, restoring the child's life, which culminates in the joyous scene described in this verse, where Elijah brings the living child back to his mother, fulfilling God's promise and demonstrating His power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 17](/1-kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah's Ministry Begins") unfold during a period of intense spiritual apostasy in the northern kingdom of Israel under the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This royal couple aggressively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading the nation away from Yahweh. The severe drought, announced by Elijah, was a direct divine judgment against this idolatry, specifically demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over Baal, who was supposedly the god of rain and fertility. The setting in Zarephath, a Phoenician town located outside traditional Israelite territory, underscores God's universal sovereignty and His compassion extending even to Gentiles who, like the widow, demonstrate faith. For a widow in ancient Near Eastern society, the loss of her only son meant not only profound emotional grief but also the loss of her sole means of support, her future security, and the continuation of her family line, making the resurrection an act of immense practical, social, and emotional restoration.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of [1 Kings 17:23](/1-kings/17-23 "1 Kings 17:23 - The Resurrection of the Widow's Son") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament. It highlights God's **sovereign power over death**, presenting one of the earliest explicit accounts of resurrection in the Bible, demonstrating His ability to reverse the natural order and bring life from the grave. This miracle underscores the **efficacy of earnest prayer**, showing that God responds to the desperate cries of His faithful servants, particularly when interceding for others in dire circumstances, as vividly seen in Elijah's fervent plea in [1 Kings 17:21](/1-kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Prayer for the Child"). Furthermore, this miracle serves as a profound **divine validation of the prophet Elijah**, confirming that he is indeed a true messenger of Yahweh and that "the word of the LORD in [his] mouth is truth" ([1 Kings 17:24](/1-kings/17-24 "1 Kings 17:24 - The Widow's Confession of Faith")). Finally, it beautifully illustrates **God's profound compassion and restorative grace**, not only validating Elijah's ministry but also alleviating the deep grief of the suffering widow and restoring her hope and joy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **child (Hebrew, _yeled'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be born," this term refers to "something born, i.e. a lad or offspring; boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one)." In this context, it emphasizes the tender age and vulnerability of the one who died, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's power in restoring life to one so young. The miracle is magnified by the fact that it is a "child" whose life is returned.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root verb means "to give," used with a wide latitude of application, including "to put, make, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), grant, lay, place, render, restore, send out, set." Here, it signifies Elijah's act of returning or handing over the living child to his mother. It conveys the completion of the divine act of restoration, emphasizing the giving back of what was lost and the re-establishment of the family unit.
* **liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from the root "to live," this word signifies a state of being "alive," "living," or "quick." It is an unambiguous declaration that the child, who was undeniably dead, has been brought back to a state of complete vitality and existence. This emphasizes that the event was a true resurrection, a reversal of death, not merely a recovery from severe illness or a misdiagnosis.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elijah took the child":** This phrase emphasizes Elijah's direct, personal, and compassionate involvement in the culmination of the miracle. Having brought the child to God in fervent prayer and witnessed the divine response, he now physically takes hold of the living result of that prayer, acting as God's instrument in the final step of restoration.
* **"and brought him down out of the chamber into the house":** This describes the physical transition from the private, upper chamber—a space of intense prayer and divine intervention where the miracle of resurrection occurred—to the more public and communal space of the main house. This movement symbolizes the bringing of God's private, miraculous work into the realm of human experience and witness, making the miracle manifest and undeniable to the mother.
* **"and delivered him unto his mother":** This is the emotional and narrative climax of the verse and the entire account. The act of "delivering" the child back to his mother signifies the complete and tangible restoration of what was lost. It is an act of profound compassion and divine grace, reversing the agony of death and restoring the widow's joy, hope, and future security, fulfilling her deepest longing.
* **"and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth":** This is Elijah's declarative statement, confirming the miracle with absolute certainty. The imperative "See" (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_) is an invitation for the mother to observe and acknowledge the undeniable reality of her son's restored life. This declaration serves to validate the miracle, affirm God's power, and prepare the way for the widow's profound confession of faith in the following verse, recognizing the truth of God's word through His prophet.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Kings 17:23](/1-kings/17-23 "1 Kings 17:23 - The Resurrection of the Widow's Son") is rich with literary artistry, enhancing its theological impact. It functions as the **Climax** of the resurrection narrative, providing the moment of resolution and triumph after the tension of the child's death and Elijah's fervent prayer. The scene employs **Dramatic Irony** as the reader is aware the child is alive even before Elijah presents him to the mother, building anticipation for her reaction. There is a powerful **Contrast** between the despair of death (the dead child taken to the chamber) and the overwhelming joy of life (the living child returned to his mother), amplifying the miraculous nature of the event. The preceding act of Elijah stretching himself upon the child three times ([1 Kings 17:21](/1-kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Prayer for the Child")), followed by this restoration, can be seen as a **Symbolic Act**, representing the prophet's deep identification with the dead and his earnest intercession, which ultimately leads to a new beginning. Furthermore, the entire account serves as profound **Foreshadowing**, pointing to future instances of resurrection in biblical history, most notably the resurrection power inherent in Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in [1 Kings 17:23](/1-kings/17-23 "1 Kings 17:23 - The Resurrection of the Widow's Son") profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, demonstrating that His power transcends natural limitations and human despair. It underscores the efficacy of fervent, intercessory prayer and God's readiness to respond to the cries of His faithful servants. The miracle serves not only as a testament to God's compassion for the suffering but also as an undeniable validation of Elijah's prophetic ministry, confirming that the word of the Lord spoken through him is indeed truth. This divine intervention establishes a powerful precedent for God's ability to bring life out of seemingly hopeless situations, affirming His faithfulness to those who trust in Him and revealing His character as the Giver and Restorer of life.

* [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain")
* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")
* [Hebrews 11:35](/hebrews/11-35 "Hebrews 11:35 - Faith in Resurrection and Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The resurrection of the widow's son in [1 Kings 17:23](/1-kings/17-23 "1 Kings 17:23 - The Resurrection of the Widow's Son") offers enduring lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that God is capable of bringing life out of the most seemingly hopeless situations, even death itself. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deep, persistent prayer life, knowing that our earnest intercession for others, especially in desperate circumstances, is heard and answered by a compassionate God who delights in showing His power. Just as the widow's faith was confirmed and deepened by this extraordinary miracle, we too can find our trust in God strengthened by His demonstrated power and faithfulness in our own lives, whether through dramatic interventions or through His quiet, consistent provision. This account calls us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and remember that our God is the God of resurrection, capable of restoring what is lost, breathing life into what seems dead, and offering hope where despair once reigned. It challenges us to surrender our "dead" situations to Him, believing in His limitless capacity for renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge our understanding of God's power over seemingly impossible situations in our own lives today?**
* **What does Elijah's persistent and compassionate prayer teach us about the nature and importance of intercession for others?**
* **In what areas of your life or the lives of those you know do you need to see God's "resurrection" power at work, bringing life and restoration?**
* **How does the widow's response to this miracle (in the following verse, [1 Kings 17:24](/1-kings/17-24 "1 Kings 17:24 - The Widow's Confession of Faith")) inform our own response to God's faithfulness and miraculous interventions?**

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

Answer: Yes, the raising of the widow's son by Elijah in [1 Kings 17](/1-kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah's Miracles") is generally considered the first explicit and detailed account of a person being brought back to life after having died. While there are instances of God preserving life or healing miraculously before this, this is the first clear case of a reversal of death itself. This miracle is profoundly significant because it demonstrates God's unique power over life and death, setting a precedent for future resurrections in both the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the precise reason for Elijah stretching himself on the child three times ([1 Kings 17:21](/1-kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah's Prayer for the Child")). However, biblical commentators offer several possibilities. It could be a symbolic act of intense identification with the dead child, a prophetic action intended to transfer divine life or power, or a demonstration of the prophet's earnestness, persistence, and deep spiritual travail in prayer before God. The number three often carries significance in the Bible, sometimes indicating completeness, emphasis, or divine action (e.g., Jesus rising on the third day). Regardless of the specific interpretation, it underscores the deliberate and powerful nature of Elijah's intercession before God for the child's life.

**What is the significance of the widow's response in the next verse (1 Kings 17:24)?**

Answer: In [1 Kings 17:24](/1-kings/17-24 "1 Kings 17:24 - The Widow's Confession of Faith"), the widow declares, "Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth." This confession is profoundly significant because it marks a complete transformation in her understanding and faith. Her initial accusation in [1 Kings 17:18](/1-kings/17-18 "1 Kings 17:18 - The Widow's Lament") questioned Elijah's presence and, by extension, God's justice or her own sinfulness. Her declaration in verse 24 signifies a shift from doubt and despair to unwavering faith and full recognition of God's truth and the authenticity of His messenger. The resurrection of her son served as undeniable proof, validating Elijah's prophetic authority and confirming the veracity of God's word to a nation steeped in idolatry. It demonstrates that true miracles lead to a deeper understanding and affirmation of God's character and His faithful servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Elijah's miracle in [1 Kings 17:23](/1-kings/17-23 "1 Kings 17:23 - The Resurrection of the Widow's Son") is a powerful demonstration of God's life-giving power through His prophet, it ultimately points forward to the greater and ultimate power of Jesus Christ. Elijah, a servant of God, acted as an instrument, borrowing divine power to restore life to one individual temporarily. Jesus, however, is the very source of life, inherently possessing and wielding power over death. He declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Just as Elijah brought the son down from the chamber, Jesus called Lazarus forth from the tomb with a mere command ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) and raised the son of the widow of Nain with a touch and a word ([Luke 7:14](/luke/7-14 "Luke 7:14 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain")), demonstrating His inherent, not borrowed, authority over death. The resurrection in Zarephath was a temporary restoration to mortal life, but Christ offers eternal life, and His own glorious resurrection from the dead ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")) guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him unto everlasting life ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Voice of the Son of God")). Thus, Elijah's miracle is a glorious foreshadowing of the ultimate victory over death achieved by the Lamb of God, who truly brings life from the grave for all eternity.

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

2 Kings 4:36

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.

2 Kings 4:37

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

Acts 9:41

And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Luke 7:15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Hebrews 11:35

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: