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2 Kings 4:21

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 4:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut [the door] upon him, and went out.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut [the door] upon him, and went out.
2 Kings 4:21 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
24Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slacken me not the riding, except I bid thee.
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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 she went up, etc.] Into the little chamber built for the prophet: and laid him on the bed of the man of God; not from any imagination of any virtue in it to bring her child to life; though she might think of the prophet, and have faith that he could raise it to life, as Elijah raised the widow of Zarephath’s son laid on his bed, of which she might have heard; but this being a private room, and into which none went, she laid it here to conceal its death from her husband and family, and to prevent grief, and that they might not bury it until she returned: and shut the door upon him; that no creature might enter, and, do any damage to his corpse: and went out; not out of the chamber, that…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bed of the man of God - Being apt to believe, he that so soon took away what he had given, would restore what he had taken away. By this faith women received their dead raised to life. In this faith she makes no preparation for the burial of her child, but for his resurrection. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:23”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:21 laid him on the bed of the man of God: The woman’s action kept her son’s death a secret from others and demonstrated her confidence in Elisha’s ability to do a miracle.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the bed: Kg2 4:10; Kg1 17:19 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification