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.

And it came to pass, as he was telling {H5608} the king {H4428} how he had restored {H2421} a dead body {H4191} to life {H2421}, that, behold, the woman {H802}, whose son {H1121} he had restored to life {H2421}, cried {H6817} to the king {H4428} for her house {H1004} and for her land {H7704}. And Gehazi {H1522} said {H559}, My lord {H113}, O king {H4428}, this is the woman {H802}, and this is her son {H1121}, whom Elisha {H477} restored to life {H2421}.

Just as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead person to life, at that very moment the woman whose son he had restored to life came to the king with her claim for her house and land. Geichazi said, "My lord, king, this is the woman; and this is her son, the one Elisha restored to life."

And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.”

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored to life him that was dead, 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.

Commentary

2 Kings 8:5 captures a remarkable moment of divine providence and perfect timing in the narrative of Elisha the prophet. This verse highlights a synchronous event where the very miracle Gehazi, Elisha's servant, is recounting to the King of Israel (likely Jehoram or Joram), suddenly appears before them, providing undeniable confirmation of God's work.

Context

This verse is part of a larger story concerning the Shunammite woman, a wealthy and devout woman who had shown great hospitality to Elisha (as detailed in 2 Kings 4:8-10). In gratitude, Elisha prophesied that she would bear a son, and when that son later died, Elisha miraculously restored him to life (2 Kings 4:32-37). Prior to the events of 2 Kings 8:5, Elisha had warned the woman of an impending seven-year famine in the land, advising her to sojourn elsewhere (2 Kings 8:1-2). After the famine, she returns to reclaim her house and land, which had evidently fallen into the king's possession or under his jurisdiction. Gehazi, having been purged of his leprosy earlier (2 Kings 5:27), is now in the king's presence, perhaps testifying to Elisha's power, or possibly having been called to give an account of Elisha's deeds.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Timing: The most striking aspect of this verse is the incredible coincidence, which is understood as God's perfect orchestration. Just as Gehazi finishes narrating the miracle of the son's restoration, the very subjects of that miracle appear. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over events and His timing.
  • Confirmation of God's Power: The simultaneous arrival of the woman and her son serves as a powerful, undeniable confirmation of Elisha's prophetic authority and the miraculous power of God working through him. It lends credibility to Gehazi's testimony and impresses the king.
  • God's Faithfulness to His People: This episode underscores God's continued care for the Shunammite woman, who had been faithful and hospitable to His prophet. God ensures that her property is restored, illustrating His concern for the well-being and justice of those who trust Him.
  • Testimony and Witness: Gehazi's role as a witness to Elisha's miracles, even after his own failings, highlights the importance of sharing God's mighty acts. The immediate corroboration by the woman and her son strengthens this testimony.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "restored a dead body to life" (KJV) or "restored to life" emphasizes a genuine act of resurrection. The Hebrew word for "life" (chayyah) here signifies a return to a living, breathing state, underscoring the completeness of the miracle. It's not merely a recovery from illness but a definitive triumph over death, a powerful demonstration of God's life-giving power.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Kings 8:5 offers profound encouragement regarding God's perfect timing and His active involvement in our lives. It reminds us:

  • God's Timing is Perfect: We often pray for things and wonder when or how God will answer. This verse illustrates that God's answers can come at the most opportune and unexpected moments, often in ways that confirm His presence and power. Trusting in God's timing, even when it seems delayed, is crucial.
  • God Cares for His Own: The Shunammite woman's story is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who honor Him. Even after a period of displacement due to famine, God ensures her restoration. This can assure us that God remembers our needs and will provide for us, especially when we are obedient to His leading.
  • God Confirms His Word: When we share our testimonies of God's work in our lives, this verse encourages us that God can provide tangible evidence to confirm His truth to others.

This remarkable convergence in 2 Kings 8:5 serves as a powerful narrative of divine orchestration, solidifying Elisha's prophetic authority and reminding us of God's meticulous care for His people.

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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 4:35

    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.

  • Matthew 10:29

    Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

  • Matthew 10:30

    But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:11

    ¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

  • Acts 8:27

    And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

  • Acts 8:40

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

  • 2 Kings 6:12

    And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that [is] in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.
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