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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 4 - Verse 30

4:30
And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.

Meaning

When the mother of the child in the passage from the Bible declares, "As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee," she is making a powerful statement of faith and commitment. By invoking the name of the LORD and swearing by her own soul, she is expressing her unwavering dedication to staying by the side of the prophet Elisha. Her words demonstrate her belief in the power of God and her trust in Elisha's ability to help her in her time of need. This declaration not only showcases the mother's loyalty and determination but also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing by others in times of trouble. The subsequent action of the child's revival after Elisha followed her emphasizes the power of faith and the rewards that come with unwavering belief and support.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Kings 4:30 is the theme of loyalty and commitment. The mother of the child demonstrates her unwavering faith in Elisha by declaring, "As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee." Her words show her trust in both God and Elisha, symbolizing the importance of standing by those who serve the Lord. This serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their support of God's chosen messengers and to show dedication to the work of the Lord.

In terms of word studies, the phrase "As the LORD liveth" emphasizes the living presence and power of God in the situation. This declaration underscores the mother's belief in God's ability to intervene and work miracles through His servant, Elisha. Additionally, the phrase "and as thy soul liveth" further emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of the mother's commitment and determination. By linking her vow to both the living God and Elisha's own life, she is effectively expressing her profound dedication to the prophet and her desperate plea for his help.

American Standard Version

And the mother of the child said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.
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