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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 4 - Verse 20

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

Meaning

This verse is from the book of 1 Kings in the Bible, specifically chapter 17, verse 17. It recounts the story of Elijah the prophet who performed a miracle for a widow in Zarephath. The verse describes how Elijah took the woman's son, who had fallen ill and died, brought him to his mother, and sat with him on her knees until noon when the boy passed away. This passage is a poignant reminder of the power of faith and the compassion of God. Elijah's actions in bringing the boy back to his mother before he died demonstrate a kind of empathy and caring that transcends human understanding. Moreover, the verse speaks to the inevitability of death and the importance of finding solace and comfort in loved ones during times of sorrow and loss. In the broader context of the Bible, this verse serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring presence of divine love and compassion in the midst of human suffering.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of 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) involves the theme of life and death. In this passage, we see a young child who is brought to his mother only to die later in the day. This tragic event raises questions about the nature of life and the inevitability of death. Through this narrative, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the reality of mortality. Additionally, the act of the child sitting on his mother's knees until his death may symbolize the importance of family and the bond between parent and child. The word study of 'died' in this verse may further emphasize the finality and gravity of death, highlighting the permanent nature of the child's passing. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the preciousness of family bonds.

American Standard Version

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
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