2 Kings 4:29

KJV

Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he said {H559} to Gehazi {H1522}, Gird up {H2296} thy loins {H4975}, and take {H3947} my staff {H4938} in thine hand {H3027}, and go thy way {H3212}: if thou meet {H4672} any man {H376}, salute {H1288} him not; and if any {H376} salute {H1288} thee, answer him not again {H6030}: and lay {H7760} my staff {H4938} upon the face {H6440} of the child {H5288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Elisha said to Geichazi, "Get dressed for action, take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, don't greet him; if anyone greets you, don't answer; and lay my staff on the child's face."

Berean Standard Bible

So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

American Standard Version

Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thy hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 4:29, the prophet Elisha, responding with profound urgency to the tragic death of the Shunammite woman's son, issues immediate and precise instructions to his servant, Gehazi. This verse initiates a critical mission, commanding Gehazi to hasten to the child with Elisha's staff, emphasizing speed and the complete avoidance of all social pleasantries to underscore the dire emergency and the prophet's desperate hope for a miraculous intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following the miraculous birth and subsequent sudden death of the Shunammite woman's son, a child granted through Elisha's prophecy (see [2 Kings 4:8-17](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-17 - The Shunammite Woman's Son Promised")). The woman, consumed by grief, had laid her dead son on Elisha's bed (see [2 Kings 4:21](/2_kings/4-21 "2 Kings 4:21 - The Son Dies and Is Laid on Elisha's Bed")) and then embarked on a desperate journey to Mount Carmel to find the prophet. Her urgent plea to Elisha, "Did I desire a son of my lord? Did I not say, Do not deceive me?" (see [2 Kings 4:28](/2_kings/4-28 "2 Kings 4:28 - The Shunammite's Plea to Elisha")), conveys the depth of her sorrow and the weight of her expectation. Elisha's immediate dispatch of Gehazi with his staff signifies his understanding of the gravity of the situation and his initial attempt to intervene remotely, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow, including Gehazi's unsuccessful attempt and Elisha's eventual direct intervention (see [2 Kings 4:31-35](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31-35 - The Resurrection of the Shunammite's Son")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "Gird up thy loins" and to avoid salutations speaks volumes about ancient Near Eastern customs. Long, flowing outer garments were typical, and "girding up the loins" meant tucking these robes into a belt, allowing for unhindered movement, essential for running or strenuous activity. This was a common idiom for preparing for urgent action. Furthermore, social greetings in this culture were often elaborate, involving lengthy exchanges of blessings, health inquiries, and family news, sometimes taking considerable time. Elisha's strict prohibition against any form of salutation—both initiating and responding—was an extreme measure, signaling that the mission's urgency superseded all conventional social etiquette and personal comfort. The staff, as an extension of the prophet's person and authority, was a common symbol in the ancient world, often associated with leadership, power, and divine commission, as seen with Moses' staff (see [Exodus 4:2-4](/exodus/4-2 "Exodus 4:2-4 - Moses' Staff Becomes a Serpent")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the broader narrative of Elisha's ministry and the book of 2 Kings. Firstly, it highlights **divine compassion and human urgency** in the face of suffering, as Elisha immediately responds to the Shunammite's distress. Secondly, it explores the **nature of delegated authority** and the use of instruments in divine work; Elisha entrusts his personal staff to Gehazi, symbolizing a transfer of prophetic authority, though the subsequent failure reveals the limits of such delegation apart from God's direct will and presence. Thirdly, the command to avoid distractions underscores the theme of **focused obedience** and the paramount importance of a mission when it involves life and death. Finally, the eventual failure of Gehazi's attempt (see [2 Kings 4:31](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31 - Gehazi's Failed Attempt")) subtly introduces the theme of **God's sovereignty over miracles**, demonstrating that divine power is not a magical force transferable through objects, but requires God's direct intervention and often the personal intercession of His chosen servant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gird up thy loins (Hebrew: חֲגֹר מָתְנֶיךָ, _chagor matnekha_):** This idiomatic expression literally means to tuck up one's long outer garment into a belt, preparing for strenuous activity like running, working, or battle. It conveys a sense of immediate readiness, alertness, and unhindered movement. In a broader sense, it signifies mental and spiritual preparation for an important task, demanding full attention and swift execution, as also seen in the New Testament's call to "gird up the loins of your mind" (see [1 Peter 1:13](/1_peter/1-13 "1 Peter 1:13 - Gird Up the Loins of Your Mind")).
* **Staff (Hebrew: מַטֶּה, _matteh_):** More than a simple walking stick, the staff of a prophet or leader often symbolized authority, power, and divine commission. It was an extension of the person, sometimes used as a tool for miraculous acts, as seen with Moses' staff in Exodus. Elisha entrusting his staff to Gehazi was a significant act of delegated authority, indicating that the power of God, which worked through Elisha, was intended to operate through this instrument in Gehazi's hand.
* **Salute (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם, _shalom_ - implied in the context of greeting):** While the specific verb for "salute" isn't given, the instruction "salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again" refers to the customary exchange of greetings, which in ancient Near Eastern culture was often elaborate and time-consuming, involving inquiries about peace (_shalom_), health, and family. Elisha's prohibition underscores the extreme urgency of the mission, demanding that Gehazi bypass all social niceties to ensure the swiftest possible arrival at the child's side.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way":** This opening clause establishes Elisha's direct command to his servant. The imperative "Gird up thy loins" immediately conveys the urgency and the need for swift, unimpeded action. The instruction to "take my staff in thine hand" signifies the delegation of Elisha's prophetic authority and the expectation that God's power would work through this instrument, setting Gehazi on a critical mission.
* **"if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again":** This highly specific and culturally counter-intuitive command emphasizes the extreme nature of the emergency. It mandates that Gehazi cut off all social interaction, no matter how customary or expected, to avoid any delay. This highlights the paramount importance of the mission and the life-and-death stakes involved.
* **"and lay my staff upon the face of the child":** This final instruction details the specific action Gehazi is to perform upon reaching the child. It indicates Elisha's belief that the staff, imbued with divine power through his prophetic office, could be an instrument of resurrection. This command sets up the dramatic tension for the subsequent narrative, where Gehazi's attempt with the staff ultimately proves unsuccessful.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Imperative Mood**, conveyed through direct commands like "Gird up thy loins," "take my staff," and "go thy way," which underscore the absolute urgency and Elisha's authority. **Symbolism** is prominent in the staff, which represents Elisha's prophetic power and delegated authority. The command to avoid salutations employs **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the extreme urgency, as it demands a complete suspension of deeply ingrained social norms. This creates a sense of immediate crisis and highlights the extraordinary nature of the task. The entire instruction also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the limitations of delegated power and the necessity of Elisha's direct, personal intervention, as Gehazi's mission with the staff ultimately fails (see [2 Kings 4:31](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31 - Gehazi's Failed Attempt")), setting the stage for the true miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores the profound compassion of God, channeled through His prophet, in the face of human suffering and death. Elisha's immediate and urgent response reflects a divine impulse to restore life and alleviate sorrow. While Elisha delegates the initial task to Gehazi, entrusting him with his staff as a symbol of authority, the subsequent failure of Gehazi's attempt reveals a crucial theological truth: divine power is not a magical force that can be mechanically transferred or manipulated. Miracles are ultimately dependent on God's sovereign will and often require the direct, personal intercession and presence of His chosen servant, highlighting that human instruments are merely vessels for God's power, not its source. This also speaks to the nature of faith and prayer, suggesting that while God can use various means, His direct involvement is paramount.

* [Exodus 4:2-4](/exodus/4-2 "Exodus 4:2-4 - Moses' Staff and Miracles")
* [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Handkerchiefs and Aprons")
* [Mark 6:7-13](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7-13 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve with Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elisha's urgent command to Gehazi serves as a powerful reminder for believers about the importance of immediate and undistracted action when confronted with pressing needs, especially those involving spiritual or physical death. The call to "gird up thy loins" resonates with the biblical imperative for readiness and focused diligence in ministry and service. While Gehazi's mission with the staff ultimately failed, Elisha's initial instruction demonstrates a profound sense of responsibility and a desire to act swiftly in the face of suffering. For us, this means prioritizing the kingdom's work, eliminating unnecessary distractions, and responding with alacrity to the Holy Spirit's leading. It also subtly teaches that while God may use instruments and individuals, His power is sovereign and not bound by human methods or expectations. Our reliance must always be on God's direct intervention, even as we faithfully employ the means He provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "loins" do I need to "gird up" in my own life to respond more effectively to God's call or urgent needs around me?**
* **What "salutations" or social distractions might be hindering my urgent obedience to God's mission?**
* **How does the failure of Gehazi's attempt with the staff inform my understanding of divine power and human instrumentality?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on methods or symbols rather than direct dependence on God's sovereign will?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elisha send Gehazi with the staff instead of going himself immediately?**

Answer: Elisha's decision to send Gehazi ahead with his staff likely stemmed from a combination of factors, primarily the extreme urgency of the situation and the belief that God's power could work through an instrument and a proxy. The Shunammite woman's journey to Elisha had already taken time, and the child's death required immediate intervention. By sending Gehazi, Elisha was attempting to expedite the miracle. Furthermore, the staff was a known symbol of prophetic authority and divine power (as seen with Moses' staff in [Exodus 4:2-4](/exodus/4-2 "Exodus 4:2-4 - Moses' Staff Becomes a Serpent")), and Elisha may have believed that God would honor this delegated authority, even from a distance. However, the subsequent narrative reveals that this initial attempt was insufficient, highlighting that divine power is ultimately sovereign and not bound by human methods or instruments, often requiring the direct presence and intercession of God's chosen servant (see [2 Kings 4:31](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31 - Gehazi's Failed Attempt")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Gehazi's attempt to revive the Shunammite's son with Elisha's staff ultimately failed, necessitating Elisha's direct intervention, this narrative foreshadows the ultimate and perfect resurrection power embodied in Jesus Christ. Unlike Elisha, who needed to physically stretch himself upon the child (see [2 Kings 4:34](/2_kings/4-34 "2 Kings 4:34 - Elisha Stretches Upon the Child")) and whose delegated power proved insufficient, Jesus needed no staff, no proxy, and no strenuous effort to conquer death. He simply spoke a word, as when He commanded Lazarus to "Come forth!" (see [John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) or when He declared, "Talitha cumi," to Jairus's daughter (see [Mark 5:41](/mark/5-41 "Mark 5:41 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")). The limitations of Elisha's delegated power through Gehazi underscore the boundless and inherent power of Christ, who is the "resurrection and the life" (see [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Moreover, while Elisha's staff symbolized a temporary, external authority, Christ Himself is the source of all authority, and He bestows His Spirit upon believers, empowering them not with a physical object, but with His very presence, enabling them to carry out His mission with true spiritual authority (see [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). The temporary failure of the staff points to the necessity of the Incarnate Word, who personally and definitively overcame death, offering eternal life through His own sacrifice and resurrection (see [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New Life")).

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 2:14

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Exodus 14:16

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea.

1 Kings 18:46

And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

2 Kings 9:1

¶ And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:

Luke 10:4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Exodus 4:17

And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

Exodus 7:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone.