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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 6 - Verse 29

6:29
So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

Meaning

The verse you are referring to is from the book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament of the Bible. This verse depicts a horrifying scene of a famine in the city of Samaria during a siege by the Arameans. The famine was so severe that two women resorted to boiling one woman's son and eating him. When the mother of the boiled child suggested eating her friend's son the next day, the other woman hid her son to prevent him from becoming their next meal. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the desperation and depravity that can be brought on by extreme hunger and suffering. It illustrates the extreme measures people may resort to in times of desperation. The story is a disturbing example of the consequences of war and the unimaginable choices people may face. It also highlights the brutality and horrors of warfare which can lead people to commit unspeakable acts in order to survive. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating effects of war and the importance of compassion and humanity, even in the darkest of times.

Theological Overview

One of the most disturbing and controversial passages in the Bible is found in the book of 2 Kings 6:29. In this verse, a desperate mother trapped in a time of famine resorts to the unthinkable act of boiling and eating her own child. This horrific event raises theological questions about the depths of human depravity and the consequences of turning away from God. The theological interpretation of this verse often focuses on the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of extreme hardship. Some scholars also point to the symbolism of the mother hiding her son, suggesting that it represents the ways in which we may hide our own sins or shortcomings from God. Additionally, word studies on phrases like "boiled my son" and "give thy son" can shed light on the cultural context and the emotional impact of the verse, adding depth to our understanding of this tragic story.

American Standard Version

So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him; and she hath hid her son.
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