2 Kings 4:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he called {H7121} Gehazi {H1522}, and said {H559}, Call {H7121} this Shunammite {H7767}. So he called {H7121} her. And when she was come in {H935} unto him, he said {H559}, Take up {H5375} thy son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha called Geichazi and said, "Call this Shunamit." So he called her; and when she came in to him, he said, "Pick up your son."

Berean Standard Bible

Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite woman.” So he called her and she came. Then Elisha said, “Pick up your son.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[2 Kings 4:36](/2_kings/4-36 "2 Kings 4:36 - Elisha Restores the Shunammite's Son") marks the triumphant and deeply moving culmination of Elisha's miraculous resuscitation of the Shunammite woman's son, serving as the definitive moment of complete restoration and the tangible manifestation of God's life-giving power working through His prophet, transforming the mother's profound grief into unimaginable joy and validating her unwavering faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic resolution to one of the most poignant narratives in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles"). The preceding verses meticulously detail the progression of the miracle: from the initial prophecy of a son to a barren woman ([2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy of a Son")), through the boy's sudden and tragic death ([2 Kings 4:18-20](/2_kings/4-18-20 "2 Kings 4:18-20 - The Son Dies")), and the mother's desperate, unwavering pursuit of Elisha on Mount Carmel, refusing to leave him until he agreed to come ([2 Kings 4:22-28](/2_kings/4-22-28 "2 Kings 4:22-28 - The Shunammite's Desperate Plea")). Gehazi's prior, unsuccessful attempt to revive the child with Elisha's staff ([2 Kings 4:31](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31 - Gehazi's Failed Attempt")) serves to highlight that the power for such a miracle resides not in an object or a mere servant, but solely with God, mediated through His chosen prophet, Elisha, who then performs the intense, life-restoring actions described in [2 Kings 4:34-35](/2_kings/4-34-35 "2 Kings 4:34-35 - Elisha Revives the Child"). Therefore, verse 36 is the moment of joyous reunion and validation, immediately followed by the mother's humble prostration in profound gratitude ([2 Kings 4:37](/2_kings/4-37 "2 Kings 4:37 - The Shunammite's Gratitude")), underscoring the deep impact of this divine intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Second Book of Kings") are set during the tumultuous period of the Divided Monarchy, specifically within the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This era was characterized by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the pervasive influence of idolatry, particularly Baal worship, which often challenged the worship of Yahweh. In this context, prophetic ministry, exemplified by Elijah and his successor Elisha, became crucial for calling the nation back to covenant faithfulness and demonstrating Yahweh's active presence and supremacy. Shunem, the town where the Shunammite woman resided, was a fertile agricultural community located in the Jezreel Valley, a significant geographical and strategic area. The hospitality shown by the Shunammite woman to Elisha was a highly valued cultural norm, reflecting ancient Near Eastern customs of generosity towards travelers and holy men. The reciprocal blessing of a male heir was profoundly significant, as sons were essential for continuing the family line, inheriting property, and ensuring security in old age; barrenness was often considered a great sorrow or even a curse. Resurrection from the dead, as depicted here, was an exceedingly rare and extraordinary event in ancient Israelite understanding, signifying an unparalleled display of divine power and a direct, supernatural intervention by God into the natural order, thereby highlighting the prophet's unique and intimate connection to the Almighty.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the Shunammite's son powerfully illustrates several core themes prevalent throughout [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Second Book of Kings") and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death**, demonstrating God's absolute power to give life, take it, and miraculously restore it, even when all human hope is extinguished. This is vividly portrayed in Elisha's actions, which are ultimately God's actions. Secondly, the **Faith and Persistence** of the Shunammite woman is a central motif; her unwavering trust in Elisha, and by extension in God, even in the face of her son's death, is instrumental in the unfolding of the miracle, as seen in her determined journey to [Mount Carmel](/2_kings/4-25 "2 Kings 4:25 - The Shunammite's Journey to Mount Carmel") and her refusal to leave the prophet's side. Thirdly, the story highlights **Prophetic Authority and God's Working Through His Servants**, affirming Elisha's role as a true prophet of Yahweh, through whom God's miraculous, life-giving power is channeled. This miracle intentionally mirrors the earlier resurrection performed by Elisha's predecessor, [Elijah, who also raised a widow's son](/1_kings/17-22 "1 Kings 17:22 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son"), reinforcing the continuity of divine power and the legitimacy of the prophetic office. Finally, the verse encapsulates the profound theme of **Restoration and Joy**, as God reverses a situation of profound grief and loss into one of unimaginable delight and wholeness, demonstrating His compassionate nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_ H7121):** This verb signifies an authoritative summons or a purposeful invitation. Elisha's immediate action upon the boy's revival is to "call" Gehazi, indicating his decisive control over the situation and his intent to orchestrate the reunion. It is not a casual request but a directive, a clear act of command from the prophet.
* **Take up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ_ H5375):** An imperative verb meaning "to lift," "to bear," or "to receive." Its directness emphasizes the immediate and tangible nature of the restoration. Elisha's command for the mother to "take up" her son is an active invitation for her to physically embrace and reclaim the child, confirming the reality of his life. This brief, forceful command conveys the absolute completion of the miracle and the transfer of the living child back to his mother.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** The simple designation "son" carries immense emotional and theological weight in this context. It refers to the very child who was dead, whose body had been cold and lifeless, now fully restored to vitality. The use of "thy son" underscores the deeply personal and intimate nature of the restoration for the Shunammite woman, directly addressing her deepest desire and greatest loss, and celebrating the re-establishment of the family line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite."**: Following the miraculous revival of the boy, Elisha's first action is to summon his servant, Gehazi, and instruct him to bring the Shunammite woman. This demonstrates Elisha's intentionality and control, ensuring the mother is present to witness and receive her restored child. It highlights the prophet's role as the mediator of God's power, orchestrating the joyous reunion.
* **"So he called her."**: This concise clause confirms Gehazi's immediate and obedient execution of Elisha's command. It serves as a swift narrative transition, building anticipation as the mother is brought into the presence of the prophet and her miraculously restored child, setting the stage for the climactic revelation.
* **"And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son."**: This is the pivotal moment of the entire narrative. The mother enters, likely filled with a mixture of hope, fear, and trepidation, and Elisha delivers the simple, yet profoundly powerful, command. "Take up thy son" is not a question or a suggestion, but a declarative statement of the completed miracle, inviting her to physically embrace the reality of her living child. This command signifies the complete reversal of death and sorrow into life and joy, a profound moment of divine intervention and human reception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound message and emotional weight. **Direct Discourse** is prominently featured, as Elisha's precise commands ("Call this Shunammite," "Take up thy son") are quoted verbatim. This lends immediacy, authenticity, and dramatic tension to the moment, allowing the reader to experience the directness of the prophet's words. The narrative utilizes **Repetition** of the verb "called" (Elisha calls Gehazi, Gehazi calls the woman), which subtly builds anticipation towards the long-awaited reunion and underscores the prophet's deliberate orchestration of the event. The verse functions as the **Climax** of the entire resurrection narrative, providing the long-awaited and definitive resolution to the Shunammite woman's desperate plea and the preceding tension. Furthermore, there is a powerful sense of **Understatement** in Elisha's simple command, "Take up thy son." This brief phrase, devoid of elaborate explanation or emotional outburst, belies the immense magnitude of the miracle—the raising of a dead child—thereby amplifying the awe-inspiring power of God. This simplicity creates a stark **Contrast** with the profound grief and despair that preceded it, highlighting the dramatic shift from death to life, sorrow to joy, through divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The restoration of the Shunammite's son in [2 Kings 4:36](/2_kings/4-36 "2 Kings 4:36 - Elisha Restores the Shunammite's Son") is a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, His boundless compassion, and His responsiveness to unwavering faith. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the lives of His people, capable of reversing even the most dire and seemingly irreversible circumstances. This miracle foreshadows the ultimate victory over death, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the very source of all life and the one who can bring hope into seemingly hopeless situations. It underscores the profound truth that God's power is not limited by human understanding, natural laws, or the finality of death, but operates according to His divine will and purpose, often in response to fervent prayer and persistent trust from those who seek Him. This act of divine restoration serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to redeem and renew all things.

* [1 Kings 17:22](/1_kings/17-22 "Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")
* [Luke 7:15](/luke/7-15 "Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain")
* [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "Jesus Raises Lazarus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Shunammite woman and her son, culminating in the joyous command in [2 Kings 4:36](/2_kings/4-36 "2 Kings 4:36 - Elisha Restores the Shunammite's Son"), offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our God is a God of miracles, capable of bringing life and hope into the most desperate and seemingly impossible situations. Just as the Shunammite woman persisted in her faith, seeking Elisha even when her son lay dead, we are called to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's power and goodness, even when our circumstances seem dire and our prayers appear unanswered. This narrative is a powerful testament to the truth that God's compassion extends to our deepest sorrows, and He possesses the ultimate power to bring about complete restoration and joy. It challenges us to surrender our "dead" situations—whether they be broken relationships, lost dreams, spiritual dryness, or physical ailments—to the One who can make all things new, trusting in His ability to breathe life where there is none, and to transform our deepest grief into unimaginable delight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dead" or seemingly hopeless situations in your life are you being called to bring before God with persistent faith, mirroring the Shunammite woman's resolve?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's unwavering pursuit of Elisha inspire your own prayer life and deepen your trust in God's miraculous intervention?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God's power to restore and bring joy in unexpected or seemingly impossible circumstances?**
* **How does this miracle deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over life and death, and what comfort or challenge does that bring to your faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha send Gehazi first with his staff, and why did he fail to revive the child?**

Answer: Elisha sent Gehazi with his staff ([2 Kings 4:29](/2_kings/4-29 "2 Kings 4:29 - Gehazi Sent with the Staff")) as an initial attempt, likely to test Gehazi's obedience and to demonstrate that the power was not inherent in the staff itself or in the servant's mere presence, but in God alone, working through His chosen vessel. Gehazi's failure ([2 Kings 4:31](/2_kings/4-31 "2 Kings 4:31 - Gehazi's Failed Attempt")) was crucial for several reasons. It highlighted that the miracle required Elisha's direct, personal, and fervent intercession, emphasizing the unique anointing and intimate relationship Elisha had with God. It also prevented any misattribution of divine power to a mere object or a less spiritually attuned individual, ensuring that the glory for the miraculous resurrection would be given solely to God through His prophet, Elisha. This failure underscored the necessity of a deeper, more personal engagement with God for such an extraordinary act of life-giving power, and it magnified Elisha's role as God's chosen instrument.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The resurrection of the Shunammite's son by Elisha, culminating in the profound command "Take up thy son" ([2 Kings 4:36](/2_kings/4-36 "2 Kings 4:36 - Elisha Restores the Shunammite's Son")), profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph over death achieved by Jesus Christ. While Elisha's miracle was a temporary restoration of earthly life, pointing to God's power over death, Jesus is the very embodiment of "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life")). He not only demonstrated His divine authority by raising others from the dead, such as Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:41-42](/mark/5-41-42 "Mark 5:41-42 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")) and Lazarus ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")), but He Himself conquered death through His own glorious resurrection, securing eternal life and an imperishable future for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Elisha's compassion and power, though divinely given, were limited to a single instance of temporary restoration; Jesus, however, possesses inherent and universal authority over death and the grave, offering not just a return to earthly life but the promise of a glorious, imperishable body for all believers at His return ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven and Future Transformation")). Thus, the Shunammite's son's restoration serves as a powerful Old Testament echo of the greater, eternal resurrection that is found supremely and definitively in Christ.

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

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:

Luke 7:15

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

1 Kings 17:23

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.