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2 Kings 4:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 4:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
2 Kings 4:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said unto her.
18And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
19And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to his servant, Carry him to his mother.
20And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
21And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut [the door] upon him, and went out.
22And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the servants, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.
23And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to-day? it is neither new moon nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.
← 2 Kings 4:192 Kings 4:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, etc.] The lad led him home, and delivered him to his mother: he sat on her knees till noon, and then died; out of her great affection, she took him on her knees, and laid his head in her bosom to sooth the pain, and in this posture he continued until the middle of the day, and then expired; by which it appears it was in the morning when he went into the field, and when the sun was pretty high, and beat strongly on him; which, it may be, produced a fever, and which issued in his death.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“his mother: Isa 49:15, Isa 66:13; Luk 7:12 and then died: Gen 22:2, Gen 37:3, Gen 37:5; Kg1 17:17; Eze 24:16-18; Luk 2:35; Joh 11:3, Joh 11:5, Joh 11:14 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification