2 Kings 4:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then she went in {H935}, and fell {H5307} at his feet {H7272}, and bowed {H7812} herself to the ground {H776}, and took up {H5375} her son {H1121}, and went out {H3318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She entered, fell at his feet and prostrated herself on the floor. Then she picked up her son and went out.

Berean Standard Bible

She came in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 4:37 encapsulates the triumphant and deeply emotional climax of the Shunammite woman's narrative, portraying her immediate and profound response to the miraculous resurrection of her son by the prophet Elisha. Her actions—entering Elisha's presence, prostrating herself in deep reverence and gratitude, and then tenderly taking up her restored child—underscore the overwhelming joy and acknowledgment of divine power that has intervened to reverse death and restore life. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, concluding a dramatic display of His life-giving power through His chosen servant and highlighting the appropriate human posture in the face of such extraordinary grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 4:37 marks the dramatic and joyous resolution of one of the most compelling narratives in the book of 2 Kings, central to the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The preceding verses meticulously detail the miraculous journey from prophecy to resurrection. The story begins with Elisha's promise of a son to the barren Shunammite woman as a reward for her exceptional hospitality, a promise divinely fulfilled ([2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy of a Son")). Tragically, the child later dies suddenly, collapsing in the field ([2 Kings 4:20](/2_kings/4-20 "2 Kings 4:20 - The Death of the Shunammite's Son")). In her profound grief, the Shunammite woman demonstrates remarkable faith and determination, immediately seeking Elisha, convinced that he holds the key to her son's restoration, even traveling a significant distance to find him ([2 Kings 4:22-27](/2_kings/4-22-27 "2 Kings 4:22-27 - The Shunammite Woman Seeks Elisha")). After Gehazi's failed attempt to revive the child, Elisha himself comes to the house, engages in earnest prayer, and performs a direct act of resuscitation, stretching himself upon the child twice until life returns ([2 Kings 4:34-35](/2_kings/4-34-35 "2 Kings 4:34-35 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")). Verse 37 is the immediate, climactic response to the child's revival, portraying the mother's overwhelming relief and gratitude, bringing the narrative arc of death and restoration to its joyful conclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings 4 unfold during the period of the divided monarchy in Israel, specifically during the reign of Jehoram (son of Ahab), a time characterized by spiritual decline and the persistent struggle between the worship of Yahweh and Baalism. Prophets like Elisha played a crucial, often confrontational, role in this era, serving as God's direct spokespersons, validating His authority through miraculous deeds, and calling the nation back to covenant faithfulness. The Shunammite woman, a wealthy and influential figure in her community, exemplifies piety and hospitality, virtues highly esteemed in ancient Near Eastern culture. The cultural significance of a male heir cannot be overstated; a son ensured family continuity, inheritance, and social standing, making the death of her only son not merely a personal tragedy but a potential familial catastrophe. Her prostration before Elisha, "falling at his feet and bowing herself to the ground," was a common cultural gesture of profound respect, submission, and often, overwhelming gratitude directed towards a superior, a king, or a divine representative. It signified a recognition of immense power and authority, but not necessarily worship of the individual himself.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative culminating in 2 Kings 4:37 powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes central to the book of Kings and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Power Over Death**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, His ability to restore what is lost, and to bring life where there was none. This miracle serves as a precursor to later resurrection accounts in Scripture, underscoring God's unique life-giving capacity, a theme echoed in Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2:6](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6 - Hannah's Prayer: The Lord Brings Down and Raises Up") and later fulfilled in Christ. Another central theme is **Faith and Perseverance**, exemplified by the Shunammite woman's unwavering trust in Elisha's connection to God, even in the face of despair and death. Her persistent seeking of the prophet, despite initial setbacks, highlights the reward of steadfast faith. The **Role of the Prophet** is also prominent, with Elisha acting as God's instrument, demonstrating the authority and power God bestows upon His chosen servants to perform miracles, validate His message, and manifest His compassion. Finally, the verse profoundly expresses **Profound Gratitude and Worship**, as the woman's actions are a visceral response of thanksgiving and reverence, acknowledging the divine intervention that has brought about such an extraordinary restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fell (Hebrew, _nâphal'_ H5307):** This Hebrew verb denotes falling, in a great variety of applications, often implying a prostrate position. In this context, it signifies an immediate, unreserved act of humility, submission, and reverence. It is a physical manifestation of an overwhelming emotional and spiritual response, indicating a recognition of Elisha's (and by extension, God's) superior power and the profound impact of the miracle. It is a posture of abasement before the one who has brought about such a life-altering event.
* **bowed herself (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_ H7812):** This verb describes bowing down, prostrating oneself, or doing obeisance, especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe acts of worship, deep respect, or submission to a superior. Here, it reinforces the sense of profound reverence and gratitude. While not necessarily worship of Elisha himself, it is an act of acknowledging the divine power that worked through him, a posture of deep thanksgiving and awe in the presence of the miraculous.
* **took up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_ H5375):** This primitive root means "to lift, carry, bear." This action is highly significant. It is not merely a practical movement but a symbolic reclaiming of life. After the intense drama and the miraculous intervention, the mother physically embraces the restored life. This act signifies the full realization of the miracle, the tangible return of her beloved child (Hebrew, _bên'_ H1121), and the transition from the depths of despair to the height of joy and fulfillment. It is the culmination of her faith and Elisha's intercession, a powerful image of restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then she went in":** This phrase indicates her immediate entry into the room where Elisha and her son were, signifying her eager anticipation and direct engagement with the outcome of Elisha's ministry. It marks the precise moment she is about to witness the miracle she has desperately sought, a culmination of her journey of faith.
* **"and fell at his feet":** Upon seeing her son alive, her first spontaneous reaction is one of profound humility and reverence. This posture is a common biblical expression of deep respect, submission, and overwhelming gratitude, acknowledging the instrument through whom God's power has been manifested. It is an act of unreserved thanksgiving, a physical declaration of the magnitude of the divine intervention.
* **"and bowed herself to the ground":** This action intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the depth of her reverence and awe. It is a complete prostration, signifying total submission and acknowledgment of the extraordinary divine intervention that has just occurred. It speaks to the overwhelming nature of the miracle and her recognition of its divine source, a posture of worship directed towards the God who worked through Elisha.
* **"and took up her son":** This is the ultimate moment of restoration and joy, the tangible fulfillment of her desperate plea. Her physical act of lifting her son signifies the full and tangible return of life, a reversal of the natural order. It is the embrace of the miracle, the reclaiming of what was lost, and the physical manifestation of her renewed hope and happiness. This action contrasts sharply with the earlier scene where she laid her dead son on Elisha's bed, highlighting the profound transformation.
* **"and went out":** This final action marks the conclusion of the dramatic episode. Having received her son back, she departs, carrying the tangible proof of God's power and faithfulness. It signifies the end of her distress and the beginning of a new chapter for her and her family, filled with the joy of restoration and a profound testimony to God's life-giving power.

#### Literary Devices
2 Kings 4:37 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and convey profound meaning. The verse serves as the **Climax** of the narrative, providing the emotional and dramatic peak of the story of the Shunammite woman's son's resurrection. All the preceding tension, grief, and desperate faith converge in this singular moment of profound joy and gratitude. The woman's actions, "fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground," are rich in **Symbolism**, representing not just personal gratitude but a universal human response to divine intervention—humility, reverence, and awe in the face of the miraculous. This posture also **Foreshadows** the ultimate power of God over death, hinting at future resurrections and the ultimate triumph over mortality. Furthermore, there's an element of **Dramatic Irony** throughout the broader narrative, as the reader knows God's power is at work even when the characters, like Gehazi, fail to grasp the full extent of the miracle or the woman's unwavering faith. The succinctness and rapid sequence of actions in the verse, following the detailed account of the resuscitation, creates a powerful sense of immediate, overwhelming relief, emphasizing the profound shift from despair to unparalleled joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Shunammite woman's response in 2 Kings 4:37 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's power, the appropriate human response to divine grace, and the hope of resurrection. Her immediate prostration and deep gratitude underscore the biblical principle that all life, and especially miraculous restoration, flows from God's sovereign hand. This narrative powerfully demonstrates God's compassion and willingness to intervene in human suffering, not just to alleviate pain but to display His life-giving authority. It connects to the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate source of life, who can reverse the seemingly irreversible, and who responds to faithful, persistent prayer. The miracle also serves as a testament to the prophetic office as a conduit for God's power, validating Elisha's ministry and, more importantly, the God he served. This event stands as a powerful Old Testament witness to God's power over death, anticipating greater resurrections to come.

* [1 Kings 17:22](/1_kings/17-22 "1 Kings 17:22 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")
* [Luke 7:15](/luke/7-15 "Luke 7:15 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain")
* [Hebrews 11:35](/hebrews/11-35 "Hebrews 11:35 - Women Received Their Dead by Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's actions in 2 Kings 4:37 provide a timeless model for how believers should respond when God intervenes miraculously in their lives, or indeed, in any significant way. Her immediate and unreserved posture of humility and gratitude teaches us to acknowledge God's hand in every blessing, especially those that seem to defy natural explanation or exceed our expectations. In a world prone to taking blessings for granted or attributing success solely to human effort, her example calls us to a deeper spiritual posture of awe and thanksgiving. When God restores what was lost, heals what was broken, or provides beyond expectation, our first response should be one of profound reverence and worship, recognizing that true power and life come from Him alone. Furthermore, her act of "taking up her son" encourages us to fully embrace the new life, restoration, or blessings God provides, living in the reality of His restorative power and sharing the joy of His goodness, not just internally but also in a way that testifies to His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shunammite woman's immediate and profound response challenge our own typical reactions to answered prayer or divine intervention?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's restorative power, and how might her persistent faith encourage you to press on?**
* **What does "taking up your son" (metaphorically) look like in your life today—how do you fully embrace and live in the reality of God's restoration and new beginnings?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of awe and gratitude for God's daily provisions, not just His miraculous interventions, mirroring the Shunammite's reverence?**

### FAQ
**Was the Shunammite woman worshipping Elisha when she fell at his feet and bowed to the ground?**

Answer: No, her actions were not an act of worship directed *to* Elisha as a deity, but rather a profound expression of overwhelming gratitude, deep reverence, and humble acknowledgment of the divine power that had worked *through* Elisha. In ancient Near Eastern culture, prostration was a common gesture of respect, submission, and honor shown to kings, prophets, or anyone of superior status or authority. It signified profound thanks and recognition of a great deed, particularly when one's life or fortunes had been dramatically altered. Similar gestures are seen throughout the Bible where individuals bow before prophets, angels, or even respected elders without it being considered idolatry (e.g., [Genesis 23:7](/genesis/23-7 "Genesis 23:7 - Abraham Bows to the Hittites") where Abraham bows to the Hittites; [1 Samuel 25:23](/1_samuel/25-23 "1 Samuel 25:23 - Abigail Bows to David") where Abigail bows to David). Her response was a fitting, culturally appropriate, and deeply spiritual reaction to witnessing God's life-giving miracle, recognizing Elisha as God's chosen vessel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son through Elisha's intercession serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph over death achieved by Jesus Christ. While Elisha, as God's prophet, was an instrument of life, his miracle was a temporary restoration, and the child would eventually die again. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is not merely an instrument of resurrection but the very source and embodiment of it. He declared, "[I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")," demonstrating His inherent power over death by raising Lazarus from the tomb, the daughter of Jairus from her bed, and the widow's son at Nain from his coffin. The Shunammite woman's joy in taking up her son points forward to the boundless joy of believers who will be raised with Christ, because "[if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus from the Dead")". Christ is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection for all who are in Him, fulfilling the deepest longings for life and restoration that the Shunammite's miracle only hinted at, offering not just a return to earthly life but eternal 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

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:

2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.

1 Kings 17:24

And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in thy mouth [is] truth.

2 Kings 2:15

And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.