2 Kings 4:20

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and [then] died.

And when he had taken {H5375} him, and brought {H935} him to his mother {H517}, he sat {H3427} on her knees {H1290} till noon {H6672}, and then died {H4191}.

When he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he lay on her lap until noon; and then he died.

After the servant had picked him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died.

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.

Commentary

2 Kings 4:20 poignantly describes the tragic moment when the Shunammite woman's miraculously given son dies in her arms. This verse serves as a critical turning point in a powerful biblical narrative, highlighting profound human sorrow while simultaneously setting the stage for an extraordinary display of divine power through the prophet Elisha.

Context

This verse is deeply embedded in the compelling story of the Shunammite woman and the prophet Elisha. Out of gratitude for her exceptional hospitality, Elisha had previously prophesied that she would bear a son, despite her and her husband's advanced age. The child was born precisely as foretold (2 Kings 4:17). On what began as an ordinary day, the boy went to the fields with his father but suddenly cried out, "My head, my head!" He was then carried back to his mother. Verse 20 vividly portrays the helpless mother cradling her ailing child, watching him succumb to death before noon. This sudden, unexpected demise, especially given the miraculous circumstances of his birth, intensifies the narrative's drama and fuels the woman's subsequent desperate quest for Elisha's help.

Key Themes

  • Sudden Tragedy and Profound Loss: The verse powerfully conveys the abruptness and agonizing pain of death, particularly the loss of a beloved, miraculously given child. The stark phrase "sat on her knees till noon, and then died" emphasizes the agonizing wait and the devastating finality of the moment, resonating with anyone who has experienced unexpected grief.
  • Human Helplessness: Despite the mother's love and desperate care, she is utterly powerless to prevent her son's death. This highlights the inherent limitations of human ability in the face of sickness and mortality, underscoring the need for divine intervention.
  • Preparation for Divine Intervention: This tragic event is not the conclusion of the story but rather the catalyst for an extraordinary display of God's power through Elisha. The child's death magnifies the scope of the miracle that is about to unfold, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most dramatic accounts of resurrection and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "died" is מ֡Χͺ (*meth*), a straightforward and unequivocal declaration of death. The simplicity of the phrasing in "sat on her knees till noon, and then died" contributes significantly to its powerful impact. There are no elaborate descriptions, just a blunt and concise presentation of the tragic reality. This directness heightens the emotional weight of the moment, leaving no doubt as to the child's demise and the mother's profound sorrow, making the subsequent miracle all the more striking.

Significance and Application

The death of the Shunammite's son, as recorded in 2 Kings 4:20, serves several profound purposes for believers today:

  • Faith in Adversity: The mother's response to this unimaginable loss is not despair but immediate, decisive action. She purposefully seeks out the man of God, Elisha (2 Kings 4:21-28). Her unwavering faith, even in the face of death, serves as a powerful example for all who face seemingly insurmountable challenges, reminding us to turn to God in our deepest distress.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death: This narrative powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate authority over both life and death. While human life is fragile, God possesses the power to restore it, as spectacularly seen in the subsequent resurrection of the child. This echoes broader biblical themes, such as Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life", affirming God's power to conquer even the grave.
  • The Power of Prayer and Prophetic Ministry: The verse sets the stage for Elisha's fervent intercession, highlighting the vital role of God's prophets and the incredible power available through prayer and divine connection. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope and restoration can be found by turning to God and seeking His divine intervention.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 7:12

    Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

  • John 11:3

    Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • John 11:5

    Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

  • John 11:14

    Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

  • 1 Kings 17:17

    ΒΆ And it came to pass after these things, [that] the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

  • Luke 2:35

    (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

  • Isaiah 49:15

    Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
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