2 Kings 4:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he returned {H7725}, and walked {H3212} in the house {H1004} to {H259}{H2008} and fro {H259}{H2008}; and went up {H5927}, and stretched {H1457} himself upon him: and the child {H5288} sneezed {H2237} seven {H7651} times {H6471}, and the child {H5288} opened {H6491} his eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he went down, walked around in the house awhile, went back up and stretched himself out on the child again. The child sneezed seven times, then opened his eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

Elisha turned away and paced back and forth across the room. Then he got on the bed and stretched himself out over the boy again, and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

American Standard Version

Then he returned, and walked in the house once to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 4:35 culminates the miraculous narrative of the Shunammite woman's son, vividly depicting his resurrection through the prophet Elisha's persistent and intimate intercession. Following a period of intense spiritual engagement and physical contact, Elisha's actions lead to the child's dramatic return to life, evidenced by a series of sneezes and the opening of his eyes, unequivocally demonstrating God's sovereign power over death and His compassionate response to unwavering faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful climax of a profound narrative arc that begins with the Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha in [2 Kings 4:8](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman"). In gratitude, Elisha prophesied that she, despite her advanced age and barrenness, would conceive and bear a son ([2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Promise of a Son")), a promise miraculously fulfilled. Years later, this beloved child suddenly died ([2 Kings 4:18-20](/2_kings/4-18-20 "2 Kings 4:18-20 - The Son's Death and the Mother's Grief")). Driven by profound grief but unwavering faith, the Shunammite woman immediately sought Elisha. His servant Gehazi's initial attempt to revive the child with Elisha's staff proved futile ([2 Kings 4:29-31](/2_kings/4-29-31 "2 Kings 4:29-31 - Gehazi's Failed Attempt")). Elisha then arrived, entered the room where the child lay, and engaged in deep, personal intercession, initially stretching himself upon the child ([2 Kings 4:34](/2_kings/4-34 "2 Kings 4:34 - Elisha's First Intercession")), then walking to and fro, and finally repeating the intimate physical act that directly precedes the child's revival in this verse. This sequence underscores Elisha's earnestness, the spiritual intensity required, and God's ultimate, life-giving power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets like Elisha functioned as direct spokesmen for God, often validating their divine commission through miraculous deeds. The raising of the dead was an extraordinarily rare and powerful event, serving as a profound demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, a power uniquely attributed to Him alone ([Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Kills and Makes Alive")). Elisha's act of "stretching himself upon" the child intentionally mirrors a similar, intimate action performed by his predecessor, Elijah, when he raised the widow's son in Zarephath ([1 Kings 17:21](/1_kings/17-21 "1 Kings 17:21 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")). This repetition suggests a recognized prophetic posture for intense, life-imparting intercession, emphasizing the continuity of divine power through God's chosen prophets. Within the cultural understanding of death as a definitive finality, this miracle would have been profoundly impactful, reinforcing the prophet's divine authority and, more importantly, God's unique and unparalleled power to restore life.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles and God's Provision") and specifically this verse is God's **sovereignty over life and death**. This miracle powerfully demonstrates that no situation, not even the finality of death, is beyond God's power to intervene and reverse. It also profoundly underscores the **power of earnest, persistent prophetic intercession**, as Elisha acts as a conduit for God's life-giving power, highlighting the critical importance of fervent prayer in desperate circumstances. Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes God's **compassion and faithfulness**, responding to the Shunammite woman's unwavering faith and deep sorrow with a profound act of restoration. The complete and undeniable revival of the child, signaled by the sneezes and opened eyes, serves as a testament to God's desire to bring full and unmistakable restoration and to honor the faith of those who seek Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretched (Hebrew, _gâhar'_):** This primitive root (H1457) means "to prostrate oneself; cast self down, stretch self." In this context, it describes Elisha lying full-length upon the child, making intimate physical contact—mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands—as detailed in the preceding verse. This action symbolizes a profound spiritual identification and an intense, empathetic intercession, serving as a conduit for God's life-giving power. It is an act of deep spiritual wrestling and connection.
* **sneezed (Hebrew, _zârar'_):** This primitive root (H2237) means "perhaps to diffuse, i.e. (specifically) to sneeze." The act of sneezing here is the first, clear physiological sign of restored breath and vitality. It indicates that the child's respiratory system, which had ceased functioning in death, was now fully operational, forcefully expelling air. This is a concrete, undeniable, and audible sign that life has returned to the body, marking the turning point of the miracle.
* **seven (Hebrew, _shebaʻ'_):** This primitive cardinal number (H7651) means "seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times." The number "seven" holds significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine action and fulfillment. Here, the seven sneezes emphasize the thoroughness, certainty, and divine orchestration of the child's revival. It signifies not a partial or ambiguous return to life, but a full, divinely confirmed restoration, leaving no doubt about the miracle's absolute nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro;":** After his initial, intimate attempt to revive the child, Elisha withdraws, indicating a period of renewed spiritual engagement. This "walking to and fro" suggests a time of fervent prayer, deep meditation, or agonizing spiritual wrestling, possibly seeking further divine guidance or gathering strength for a renewed effort. It underscores the prophet's earnestness, persistence, and profound reliance on God's power rather than his own.
* **"and went up, and stretched himself upon him:":** This phrase marks Elisha's second, renewed attempt at the intimate, life-imparting posture. The repetition of this action, mirroring his initial physical contact, signifies a concentrated effort and a profound spiritual and physical connection with the dead child. It highlights Elisha's role as God's instrument, serving as a conduit for the divine power that would bring life back to the boy.
* **"and the child sneezed seven times,":** This is the dramatic and undeniable first sign of life. The sneezes indicate the restoration of breath and the full functioning of the respiratory system. The number seven emphasizes the completeness and certainty of the miracle, a clear, unmistakable, and audibly verifiable sign that life has fully returned, leaving no room for doubt.
* **"and the child opened his eyes.":** This is the final, conclusive evidence of the child's full revival and consciousness. The opening of the eyes signifies awareness, perception, and a complete return to the living world. This visual confirmation, following the audible sneezes, provides irrefutable proof of the miraculous nature of the event to Elisha and, subsequently, to the Shunammite woman.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to heighten its impact and convey its theological message. **Repetition** is prominently featured in Elisha's actions, particularly his "stretching himself upon him" (first described in [2 Kings 4:34](/2_kings/4-34 "2 Kings 4:34 - Elisha's First Attempt") and repeated here). This repetition emphasizes the intensity and persistence of Elisha's intercession and also creates a sense of prophetic continuity by mirroring Elijah's actions in a similar miracle. **Symbolism** is powerfully utilized through the number "seven" in "sneezed seven times." As a number representing completeness, perfection, and divine action in biblical thought, it signifies the absolute, undeniable, and divinely orchestrated nature of the child's full restoration to life. The sneezing itself functions as a vivid **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the expulsion of breath) stands for the whole (the return of life and vitality). The entire scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as Gehazi's earlier, detached attempt with the staff failed, while Elisha's intimate, prayerful, and persistent engagement ultimately succeeds, powerfully highlighting the true source of power and the necessity of genuine spiritual connection rather than mere ritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This miraculous resurrection in 2 Kings 4:35 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, demonstrating His power to reverse even the most final of human experiences. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the suffering of His people, capable of responding to fervent intercession with astonishing acts of restoration. The narrative underscores the prophetic office as a channel for divine power, yet ultimately points to God as the sole Giver and Sustainer of life. This Old Testament miracle serves as a powerful foreshadowing of greater resurrections to come, preparing the reader for the ultimate triumph over death and the promise of new life.

* [1 Kings 17:21](/1_kings/17-21 "Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")
* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "God Kills and Makes Alive")
* [Hebrews 11:35](/hebrews/11-35 "Women Received Their Dead by Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Shunammite woman's son's resurrection offers profound encouragement and vital lessons for believers today. It reminds us that no situation, no matter how dire or seemingly irreversible, is truly beyond God's power. In moments of utter despair, when circumstances in our lives or the lives of those we love seem "dead" or beyond hope, this story calls us to unwavering faith in the God who gives and restores life. Elisha's persistent, intimate, and prayerful engagement underscores the transformative power of fervent intercession. It challenges us to move beyond superficial prayers, to wrestle in the spirit, and to persist in seeking God's intervention, even when initial attempts yield no visible results. Moreover, the narrative beautifully illustrates God's deep compassion for His people, demonstrating His willingness to turn profound sorrow into overwhelming joy. It invites us to trust in His character, knowing that He cares deeply about our pain and possesses the power to bring about unexpected restoration and renewal in our lives, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge your understanding of God's power and sovereignty over life and death in your own life's circumstances?**
* **What does Elisha's persistent intercession, including his "walking to and fro" and repeated stretching, teach us about the nature of prayer, especially in desperate situations?**
* **In what "dead" areas of your life, or the lives of those you pray for, do you need to exercise unwavering faith in God's power to restore and revive?**

### FAQ

**Why did Gehazi fail to raise the child, but Elisha succeed?**

Answer: Gehazi's failure highlights that divine miracles are not mechanical acts or magical rituals, but expressions of God's sovereign power flowing through His chosen vessels in His timing and manner. Gehazi attempted to use Elisha's staff as a mere instrument, perhaps lacking the spiritual depth, intimate prayer, and personal identification with the suffering that characterized Elisha's approach. Elisha, on the other hand, engaged in fervent, personal intercession, physically connecting with the child and wrestling in prayer, demonstrating a profound reliance on God's power rather than a mere object. This distinction underscores that true power resides in God and is channeled through faith and earnest communion, not through a formulaic application of symbols or detached obedience, as seen in the contrasting outcomes of [2 Kings 4:31](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31 - Gehazi's Failure") and [2 Kings 4:35](/2_kings/4-35 "2 Kings 4:35 - The Child is Revived").

**What is the significance of the child sneezing seven times?**

Answer: The detail that the child sneezed "seven times" is highly significant. In biblical numerology, the number seven often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine action and fulfillment. Here, the seven sneezes serve as an undeniable and emphatic sign of the child's full and complete return to life. It indicates that his respiratory system was fully functional, expelling air with force, leaving no room for doubt about the miraculous nature of the revival. It was a definitive, divinely confirmed sign that the miracle was total and irreversible, a perfect restoration of life, leaving no ambiguity for Elisha or the Shunammite woman.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son by Elisha, while a powerful demonstration of God's life-giving power through His prophet, ultimately foreshadows the ultimate Life-Giver, Jesus Christ. Elisha was a servant and a conduit, acting as an instrument of God's power, but Jesus is the very source of life, declaring, "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 Elisha brought breath back to a dead child, Jesus commanded the dead to rise by His own inherent authority, as seen in His raising of Jairus's daughter ([Luke 8:54-55](/luke/8-54-55 "Luke 8:54-55 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")), the widow's son at Nain ([Luke 7:14-15](/luke/7-14-15 "Luke 7:14-15 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son")), and most dramatically, Lazarus from the tomb after four days ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). These acts were not merely prophetic miracles but irrefutable demonstrations of His inherent divine authority over death. The ultimate fulfillment, however, lies in Christ's own glorious resurrection from the grave ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")), which conquered death once and for all and provides the promise of eternal life and resurrection for all who trust in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Thus, the sneezes of the Shunammite's son echo through history, pointing to the breath of new life offered to all humanity through Jesus, who came that we "may have life and have it abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Life Abundantly")).

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 13:21

And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men]; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

2 Kings 8:5

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this [is] the woman, and this [is] her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

Luke 7:14

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Luke 7:15

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

1 Kings 17:22

And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

2 Kings 8:1

¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

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.