Elisha Restores the Shunammite’s Son
2 Kings 4:8-37
2 K.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שונם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ותחזק: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאכל: INF,qal
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מדי: PREP
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- יסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
- לאכל: INF,qal
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 17:8-16 (thematic): Elijah is hosted by the widow of Zarephath who provides him food and lodging; both episodes feature a prophet sustained by the hospitality of a (female) household.
- Gen 18:1-8 (thematic): Abraham hastens to prepare bread and a meal for divine visitors; parallels in the prompt, attentive hospitality and provision of food to honored guests.
- Luke 10:38-42 (thematic): Martha welcomes Jesus into her home and serves him while Mary attends to his teaching; a New Testament instance of female hospitality toward a holy visitor, highlighting hosting and serving.
- John 12:1-3 (thematic): Jesus is entertained at Bethany by friends who provide a meal and intimate lodging; another example of devoted hospitality to a revered itinerant teacher, echoing the Shunammite’s recurring provision.
Alternative generated candidates
- One day Elisha passed through Shunem; and there was a prominent woman there who pressed him to eat bread. Whenever he passed that way, he would turn aside to eat at her house.
- One day Elisha passed through Shunem. There was a prominent woman there who urged him to eat; whenever he passed by, he would turn aside there to eat.
2 K.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- אישה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- קדוש: ADJ,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Judges 13:6 (verbal): The wife reports to her husband that a 'man of God' (ish elohim) has appeared to her—uses the same characterization and speech-pattern as in 2 Kgs 4:9.
- 1 Kings 17:8-10 (thematic): Elijah is hosted by a widow (Zarephath); like the Shunammite, the household recognizes and provides for a prophetic 'man of God,' prompting hospitality and eventual blessing.
- Genesis 18:1-8 (thematic): Abraham recognizes/hosts divine visitors and prepares a guest-room and a meal—parallel theme of honoring a sacred visitor by providing lodging and sustenance.
- Luke 10:38-42 (thematic): Martha receives Jesus into her home and attends to his needs; New Testament parallel of welcoming and ministering to a holy teacher/visitor within a household setting.
Alternative generated candidates
- She said to her husband, "Behold, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who continually passes by us."
- She said to her husband, "Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who continually passes by us."
2 K.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- נא: PART
- עלית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- קיר: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- קטנה: ADJ,f,sg
- ונשים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושלחן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכסא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומנורה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בבאו: PREP+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- יסור: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Kgs. 4:9 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same pericope—the woman and her husband propose building the little upper room for Elisha (same narrative action and wording).
- 1 Kgs. 17:9–10 (thematic): Elijah is sent to a widow at Zarephath who provides lodging and sustenance for the prophet—parallel motif of a woman providing hospitality to a prophet and receiving divine provision/blessing.
- Gen. 18:3–5 (thematic): Abraham’s eager hospitality to divine visitors (offering rest, water, bread, a calf) exemplifies the cultural and religious value of providing a place and provisions to honored/holy guests.
- 1 Sam. 25:18–20 (thematic): Abigail prepares and brings food to David and his men, offering timely hospitality that secures David’s favor—another instance of a woman provisioning and hosting a prominent religious/political figure with positive results.
- Acts 28:7–10 (thematic): Paul is entertained by Publius on Malta; the apostle heals and the hosts receive honor—Christian parallel of hospitality to a holy man resulting in blessing and reciprocal care.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let us make a small upper room and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp; and when he comes to us, he may rest there.
- Let us make a little upper room and put there for him a couch, a table, a chair, and a lamp; and whenever he comes to us, he may turn in there."
2 K.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
- ויסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- העליה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:9-10 (structural): Immediate context: the Shunammite prepares an upper room for Elisha, explaining why he later turns aside and lies there (same episode, complementary verses).
- 2 Kings 4:34-35 (verbal): Later in the chapter Elisha comes into the house, lies upon the dead child and revives him—repeats the motif of the prophet entering the room and lying down in a decisive action.
- 1 Kings 17:9-10 (thematic): Elijah is sent to Zarephath and is hosted by a widow who provides food and lodging—parallel theme of hospitality to a prophet and his residence in a private house.
- 1 Kings 17:21 (verbal): Elijah stretches himself upon the widow’s dead son to restore him to life—closely parallels the later physical action of a prophet lying on/over a child to effect restoration.
- Luke 10:38-42 (thematic): Martha receives Jesus into her home and provides domestic hospitality for the teacher—a New Testament parallel to the motif of hosting a holy man in a private room/house.
Alternative generated candidates
- So it came to pass one day that he came there, and he turned into the upper room and lay down there.
- It happened one day that he came there, and he turned into the upper room and lay there.
2 K.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גחזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נערו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לשונמית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ותעמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2Kgs.4.13 (structural): Immediate verbal/structural lead‑in: Gehazi recognizes Elisha as a 'man of God' and proposes calling the Shunammite — the verse directly precedes 4:12 and explains why Gehazi summons her.
- 2Kgs.4.8-10 (structural): Contextual parallel: the Shunammite's hospitality and the room she provides establish the relationship that prompts Elisha (through Gehazi) to call her; the earlier episode sets up the summons in 4:12.
- 2Kgs.4.16-17 (thematic): Close thematic parallel in the same narrative: after being summoned, the woman receives Elisha's prophetic promise of a son — the summons in 4:12 leads directly to this prophetic announcement and its fulfillment motif.
- Gen.18.10 (thematic): Thematic parallel: a divine/prophetic announcement to a woman that she will bear a son (Abraham/Sarah); parallels the motif of a chosen woman receiving news of a miraculous birth from a representative of God.
- Luke 1.30-31 (thematic): New Testament parallel: the angelic announcement to Mary that she will conceive and bear a son — another instance of a supernatural/proclamatory message to a woman about a forthcoming child, echoing the motif found in Elisha's interaction.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to his servant Gehazi, "Call this Shunammite woman." So he called her, and she stood before him.
- He said to Gehazi his servant, "Call this Shunammite." So he called her, and she stood before him.
2 K.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- הנה: PART
- חרדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- החרדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- מה: PRON,int
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- היש: PART,exist
- לדבר: INF,qal
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- או: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- ישבת: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 2Kgs.4.1 (verbal): Same prophetic-care formula: Elisha (or his servant) asks a distressed woman, 'What shall be done for you?' — a near verbal parallel in the chapter's opening request for needs to be stated.
- 2Kgs.8.1-6 (thematic): Later episode in the Shunammite's life where she does in fact go before the king to recover her property; thematically connected to the question here about speaking to 'the king or the army commander.'
- Ruth 2:8-9 (thematic): Boaz offers protection and a place to remain in his harvest-field and the woman accepts shelter among a people; parallels the motif of offering/suiting for a woman's domestic security and the woman's response about where she will dwell.
- Luke 1:13,30 (verbal): The angelic formula 'Do not be afraid' (Greek: μη φοβού) parallels the Hebrew 'אל־חרדת' in 2 Kgs 4:13; both are standard assurances preceding an offer of divine or human help.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "Tell her, 'Do you trouble yourself with all this for us? What shall be done for you? Is there anything to speak for you to the king or to the commander of the army?'" She answered, "I dwell among my own people."
- He said, "Say now to her, 'Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for you? Shall we speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?'" She answered, "I dwell among my own people."
2 K.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גיחזי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- אבל: CONJ
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ואישה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זקן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Kgs.4.16 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: Elisha responds to the situation by promising the woman a son (‘About this season, I will come to you, and you shall have a son’), resolving the lack of a child Gehazi identified.
- Genesis 18:11-14 (allusion): Sarah is described as past childbearing and God promises she will bear a son to her old husband — the archetypal motif of a barren woman and an aged husband receiving a miraculous child.
- Judges 13:2-5 (thematic): A barren woman (Samson’s mother) receives an angelic message that she will bear a son; parallels include barrenness and divine intervention granting a male heir.
- 1Sam.1:5-11 (thematic): Hannah’s childlessness and deep desire for a son (and her prayer/vow to God) echo the social and religious significance of barrenness and the longing for a male child reflected in Gehazi’s observation.
- Luke 1:7,13-17 (thematic): Elizabeth is described as barren until God intervenes; the announcement to Zechariah and the eventual birth of John the Baptist mirror the motif of an initially childless, older couple receiving a promised son.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "What then shall be done for her?" Gehazi answered, "She has no son, and her husband is old."
- He said, "What then is to be done for her?" Gehazi answered, "She has no son, and her husband is old."
2 K.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ותעמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בפתח: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:34-35 (verbal): Same narrative: after Elisha revives the boy he again 'calls her' (the mother); parallel wording and immediate story sequence.
- 1 Kings 17:21-22 (thematic): Elijah revives the widow of Zarephath’s son—prophetic pattern of intercession and restoration of a widow’s child, closely paralleling Elisha’s miracle.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain; like Elisha’s act, it is a public restoration of life that discloses God’s compassion and prophetic authority.
- Mark 5:41-42 (cf. Luke 8:54-55; Matt. 9:25) (thematic): Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter—another instance of a child restored to life by a prophetic/Christic figure; shares the motif of awakening and the child standing/rising.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "Call her." So he called her, and she stood in the doorway.
- He said, "Call her." So he called her, and she stood at the door.
2 K.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למועד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כעת: ADV
- חיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חבקת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- תכזב: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בשפחתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2ms
Parallels
- Genesis 18:10-14 (thematic): God (through a messenger) promises a son to an elderly/previously barren woman (Sarah); her incredulous response parallels the Shunammite’s protest against the promise.
- Genesis 21:1-7 (structural): The fulfillment of the promise to Sarah (birth of Isaac) parallels the narrative pattern in 2 Kings where a prophetic promise to a barren woman is later fulfilled.
- Judges 13:3-5 (thematic): An angel announces to Manoah’s barren wife that she will bear Samson; the motif of a miraculous birth announced to a previously childless woman closely parallels Elisha’s message to the Shunammite.
- 1 Samuel 1:11-20 (thematic): Hannah’s barrenness, her plea to God, and the subsequent birth of Samuel echo the theme of God granting a son after barrenness and divine intervention.
- Luke 1:13-20, 1:36-37 (thematic): The angelic announcement that Elizabeth (previously barren and advanced in years) will bear John the Baptist recalls the motif of a miraculous birth promised by a divine messenger.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "About this time next year you shall embrace a son." She replied, "No, my lord, O man of God, do not deceive your servant."
- Elisha said, "At this season, at this time next year, you shall embrace a son." She replied, "No, my lord, O man of God, do not deceive your servant."
2 K.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותלד: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למועד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כעת: ADV
- חיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:16 (quotation): Elisha's preceding prophecy that the woman would bear 'at this season'—verse 17 reports the direct fulfillment of that spoken word.
- Genesis 21:1-2 (thematic): Sarah conceives and bears Isaac at the appointed time after God's promise—parallel motif of a divinely timed, promised birth.
- 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (thematic): Hannah conceives and bears Samuel in answer to prayer and God's word—similar pattern of promise, announcement, and birth.
- Judges 13:3-5 (thematic): An angel announces that Manoah's wife will bear a son (Samson); her subsequent childbirth echoes the motif of an extraordinary, divinely declared birth.
- Luke 1:57 (allusion): Elizabeth gives birth to John at the time God had promised (echoed earlier in Luke 1:36); New Testament parallel of a prophesied birth coming to pass.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the woman conceived, and the child was born to her at the appointed time, according to the word of Elisha.
- But the woman conceived, and bore a son in that season, as Elisha had spoken to her.
2 K.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגדל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הילד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הקצרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:32-37 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: these verses narrate Elisha’s actions to revive the boy who had gone out to the reapers (the direct resolution of 4:18).
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (thematic): Elijah raises the widow’s son at Zarephath—an earlier prophetic pattern of a prophet restoring life to a dead child, paralleling Elisha’s miracle.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain; like Elisha’s miracle, this episode features a prophetic/healing restoration of a dead child and public recognition of divine power.
- Mark 5:35-43 (thematic): The raising of Jairus’s daughter by Jesus parallels the motif of a holy man restoring life to a young person, including intimate care and the reversal of death.
- Ruth 2:2 (verbal): Mentions going out to glean/reapers in the harvest field—verbal and contextual parallel to the boy’s action in 2 Kgs 4:18, which places him among the reapers in the fields.
Alternative generated candidates
- The child grew. One day he went out to his father among the reapers.
- The child grew. It happened one day that he went out to his father, to the reapers.
2 K.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שאהו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl+obj_3,m
- אל: NEG
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:34–37 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same narrative — Elisha's revival of the boy (stretching on the child, the child sneezing and opening his eyes) and the instruction to return the child to his mother.
- 1 Kings 17:21–22 (thematic): Elijah's raising of the widow's son: a prophetic miracle restoring life to a child, thematically parallel as an earlier Elijah-Elisha cycle of life-restoring acts.
- Luke 7:13–15 (structural): Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain and 'gives him back to his mother' (v.15), closely mirroring the motif of a prophet/holy man restoring a child and returning him to his mother.
- Mark 5:41–42 (cf. Luke 8:54–55) (structural): Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter (command to arise and the child's restoration) parallels the form of a miraculous revival of a child and the immediate restoration of the child to family care.
- Acts 20:9–12 (thematic): Paul's restoration of Eutychus (he is brought back to life after falling) echoes the early Christian/apostolic pattern of reviving the dead, a thematic parallel to prophetic resuscitations in the OT/NT.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to his father, "My head, my head!" His father told the young man, "Carry him to his mother."
- He said to his father, "My head, my head!" His father said to the lad, "Carry him to his mother."
2 K.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישאהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויביאהו: VERB,hiphil,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m
- אל: NEG
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ברכיה: NOUN,f,pl,poss3f
- עד: PREP
- הצהרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2Kgs.4.32-37 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the dead boy who sat on his mother's knees is brought to Elisha and is restored to life.
- 1Kgs.17.17-24 (thematic): Elijah revives the widow of Zarephath's son and returns him to his mother — a close prophetic parallel in form (prophet prays/acts, child restored, given back to mother).
- Luke 7.11-16 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow's only son at Nain; the scene echoes the motif of a dead youth being carried out and restored, with compassion and the son returned to his mother.
- Mark 5.35-43 (thematic): Jesus raises Jairus' daughter (’Talitha cum’), a parallel miracle of a child restored to life and handed back to family, sharing the motif of prophetic resurrection.
- John 11.17-44 (thematic): The raising of Lazarus: another New Testament instance of a figure restoring the dead, highlighting the wider motif of life-giving power exercised by a prophetic/ministerial agent.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they carried him to his mother; he sat on her lap until noon, and he died.
- So they carried him to his mother. He sat on her lap until noon, and then he died.
2 K.4.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותעל: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותשכבהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- על: PREP
- מטת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותסגר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בעדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ותצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:32-35 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the woman shuts the door after laying her son on Elisha's bed, and Elisha then enters, shuts the door, prays and restores the child—same scene developed across these verses.
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (verbal): Elijah's restoration of the widow's son parallels Elisha's miracle: both prophets are confronted with a dead child, stretch themselves on the child and call on YHWH to revive him, highlighting a verbal and functional parallel between the two prophet stories.
- Mark 5:38-43 (thematic): Jesus orders the crowd outside, takes the child by the hand and raises her. The private, intimate setting (clearing the room) and the theme of a holy worker restoring life echo the Shunammite/Elisha episode.
- John 11:41-44 (thematic): Jesus' raising of Lazarus—public prayer, divine command and the restoration of life—resonates thematically with prophetic resurrection accounts like Elisha's, underlining continuity in the motif of life-giving power invoked by a holy agent.
Alternative generated candidates
- She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door, and went out.
- She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door, and went out.
2 K.4.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותקרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- אישה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שלחה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- נא: PART
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואחת: CONJ+NUM,card,sg,f
- האתנות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- וארוצה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,f,sg
- עד: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואשובה: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:24–35 (structural): Immediate repetition and continuation of the same incident in the chapter: the Shunammite again asks for a young man and an ass and runs to the man of God when her son dies; the language and sequence (sending a servant, hastening to the prophet, and the prophet’s subsequent miracle) echo 4:22 directly.
- 1 Kings 17:8–24 (thematic): Elijah’s stay with the Zarephath widow, her provision for the prophet, the birth/maintenance of a son (sustenance miracle) and the later restoration of her son by the prophet — parallels themes of hospitality to a man of God, a child connected to a prophet, and a prophetic resurrection.
- Genesis 21:1–7 (thematic): The birth of Isaac to the formerly barren Sarah after God’s word recalls the motif of a barren woman receiving a son as a result of divine action tied to a man of God/word — a thematic parallel to the Shunammite’s miraculous child after her interaction with Elisha.
- Luke 7:11–17 (thematic): Jesus raising the widow’s son at Nain parallels Elisha’s raising of the Shunammite’s son: a holy man restores life to a widow’s son, eliciting wide amazement and highlighting the prophet/healer motif in a social setting where the woman seeks divine intervention.
Alternative generated candidates
- She called to her husband and said, "Send me one of the young donkeys and one of the servants, that I may run to the man of God and return."
- Then she called to her husband and said, "Send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and come back."
2 K.4.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מדוע: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- הלכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- חדש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- שבת: VERB,qal,inf
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:5 (thematic): Mentions the new moon festival as a social/ceremonial day when people assemble at the king's table—parallels 2 Kgs 4:23's reference to 'neither new moon nor sabbath' as reasons for unusual travel or greeting.
- Numbers 28:11-15 (structural): Prescribes offerings for the new moon (Rosh Chodesh); provides cultic/legal background for why 'new moon' marks a special day in the Israelite calendar.
- Exodus 20:8-11 (structural): The Sabbath command establishes the sabbath as a distinct, regulated day of assembly/rest, clarifying why a visit on a non‑sabbath would be noteworthy in 2 Kgs 4:23.
- 2 Kings 4:26 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — the woman's explanation and Elisha's ensuing action illuminate why her trip (questioned in 4:23) is significant for the chapter's plot.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath." She answered, "It is well."
- He said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath." She answered, "It is well."
2 K.4.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותחבש: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- נערה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נהג: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ולך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תעצר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לרכב: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.4.20 (verbal): Both scenes use the specific motif of saddling an ass and departing immediately — Exodus 4:20 has Moses 'set them upon the ass' and return to Egypt, a close verbal parallel of preparatory mounting and travel.
- 1 Kgs.19.21 (verbal): Elijah/Elisha-cycle language: 1 Kings 19:21 likewise describes saddling a donkey and setting out to follow the prophet — a repeated verbal formula for leaving by mount/ass in prophetic narratives.
- 1 Sam.25.18–20 (thematic): Abigail saddles a donkey and hastens with attendants to meet David, giving instructions about the journey; thematically similar (a woman mounting an ass and dispatching servants to reach a leader quickly).
- Matt.21.1–7 (thematic): Jesus sends disciples to fetch a donkey for his entry, instructing them about what to do with the animal; thematically parallels the narrative element of directing others regarding a beast of burden and urgent travel.
Alternative generated candidates
- She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, "Drive; and do not slow me down unless I tell you."
- She saddled the donkey and said to her young man, "Drive and go; do not slow your riding for me unless I tell you."
2 K.4.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ותבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הכרמל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כראות: VERB,qal,inf_abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- מנגד: ADV
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גיחזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נערו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- השונמית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הלז: PRON,dem,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:8 (structural): Introduces the Shunammite and her hospitality toward the man of God, providing immediate narrative background to the woman's appearance before Elisha in 4:25.
- 2 Kings 4:17 (structural): Earlier verse records Elisha's prophetic promise that the Shunammite would have a son—this promise frames her later frantic return and Elisha's recognition in 4:25.
- Judges 13:2-5 (thematic): Like the Shunammite, Manoah’s wife is initially childless and receives a divine/message announcing she will bear a son; both narratives link a barren woman, a divine messenger, and the birth of a special child.
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (thematic): Elijah raises the widow’s son at Zarephath, paralleling Elisha’s later restoration of the Shunammite’s child—both feature prophetic intervention to revive a dead boy and highlight prophet–widow interactions.
- 2 Kings 5:20-27 (structural): Gehazi, whom Elisha summons in 4:25, figures prominently later as Elisha’s servant whose actions and moral failure are narrated in 5:20–27, linking roles and consequences for the same attendant.
Alternative generated candidates
- She went and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. As he saw her from afar, he said to Gehazi his servant, "Look, there is the Shunammite."
- She went and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her from afar, he said to Gehazi his servant, "Behold, yonder is that Shunammite."
2 K.4.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- רוץ: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- לקראתה: PREP
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאישך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,f,sg
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לילד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 4:33-35 (structural): Immediate context in the same episode: Elisha stretches himself on the dead child and revives him; v.26 is the follow-up greeting when the mother returns and affirms the child's wellbeing.
- 1 Kgs 17:17-24 (thematic): Elijah raises the widow of Zarephath’s son—another prophetic resurrection of a child for a grieving mother, highlighting prophetic power and divine compassion.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain; parallels include a holy man restoring life to a widow’s only son and the community’s amazed response.
- Mark 5:35-43 (thematic): Jesus restores Jairus’s daughter to life; similar narrative pattern of death, a prophet/teacher’s intervention, and the child’s return to family life.
- Luke 8:49-56 (thematic): Parallel account (also preserved in Matthew and Mark) of a child restored to life—shared motifs of grief, prophetic/Christic action, and the child’s revival and reassurance to the family.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now run to meet her and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?' She answered, "It is well."
- "Now run at once to meet her, and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" She answered, "It is well."
2 K.4.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותחזק: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- ברגליו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,suff,3,m,sg
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- גיחזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להדפה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרפה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נפשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRONSUF,3,f,sg
- מרה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העלים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- הגיד: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (thematic): Elijah raises the widow of Zarephath's son—same prophetic miracle of restoring a dead son of a bereaved woman; both narratives highlight a 'man of God' exercising life-restoring power and eliciting recognition of God.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain; closely parallels the motif of a holy man restoring life to a widow's only son, with communal astonishment and compassion as key elements.
- Luke 7:37-38 (verbal): A woman stands at Jesus' feet weeping and anoints them—gesture of clinging and supplication at the feet of a holy figure parallels the Shunammite's act of holding Elisha's feet in desperate appeal.
- 1 Samuel 1:10-16 (thematic): Hannah's bitter anguish and fervent pleading to the Lord ('a woman of sorrowful spirit'/'vexed in soul') echoes the language and inner distress of the Shunammite whose 'soul is vexed,' linking personal misery and seeking divine intervention.
Alternative generated candidates
- When she came to the man of God on the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi approached to push her away, but the man of God said, "Leave her alone, for her soul is bitter within her; and the LORD has hid it from me and has not told me."
- When she came to the man of God to the mountain, she laid hold of his feet. Gehazi drew near to thrust her away, but the man of God said, "Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me."
2 K.4.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- השאלתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאת: PREP
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- הלא: PART
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשלה: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:16 (verbal): Elisha's prior promise that the Shunammite 'about this season you shall embrace a son' — the present verse recalls and responds to that spoken promise within the same episode.
- 1 Samuel 1:10-11, 1:27-28 (thematic): Hannah's desperate petition for a son and her vow to dedicate him to the LORD parallels the motif of a woman asking God (or a prophet) for a son and the emotional intensity of the request.
- Genesis 21:1-3 (thematic): The birth of Isaac to Sarah in old age (God granting a longed‑for son) echoes the theme of miraculous or divinely granted offspring after a period of longing or promise.
- Luke 1:13-20, 1:36-45 (allusion): The angelic annunciations to Elizabeth and Mary and the joy/ astonishment surrounding unexpected pregnancies function as New Testament parallels to the motif of miraculous births and the dialogue surrounding them.
Alternative generated candidates
- She said, "Did I ask a son from my lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me?'"
- She said, "Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me'"?
2 K.4.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לגיחזי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חגר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתניך: NOUN,m,pl,suff-2ms
- וקח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- משענתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff-1cs
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- ולך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- תמצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תברכנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg,3,m,sg(obj)
- וכי: CONJ
- יברכך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:2,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעננו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg,3,m,sg(obj)
- ושמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- משענתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff-1cs
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:32–35 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Elisha ultimately revives the Shunammite's son (lays on him, puts mouth to mouth, etc.) after Gehazi's failure — completes the action begun in v.29 (use of the staff, instructions to Gehazi).
- 1 Kings 17:21–22 (thematic): Elijah's raising of the widow's son: a prophetic miraculous revival of a child, involving the prophet's physical action and crying to the LORD — a precedent motif for Elisha's life-restoring work. (Thematic parallel of prophetic resurrection.)
- Luke 10:4 (verbal): Jesus' instruction to the seventy: 'Greet no one on the road' (KJV phrasing) closely parallels Elisha's command to Gehazi not to greet anyone — a near-verbal travel/missionary prohibition against ordinary social salutations.
- Mark 5:41–43 (thematic): Jesus raises Jairus' daughter and 'gave strict orders that no one should know about it' — parallels both the resurrection motif and the command to restrict ordinary interaction or testimony surrounding the miracle.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to Gehazi, "Gird up your loins and take my staff in your hand, and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the face of the child."
- He said to Gehazi, "Gird up your loins and take my staff in your hand, and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff upon the face of the child."
2 K.4.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אם: CONJ
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- אם: CONJ
- אעזבך: VERB,qal,imprf,1,m,sg+OBJ:2,m,sg
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחריה: PREP,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Ruth 1:16-17 (thematic): Both passages record a solemn personal pledge of loyalty and decision to accompany another person (’I will not leave you / where you go I will go’), expressing determined attachment and following.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): Shares the language and promise-formula of not abandoning someone (‘I will not leave you nor forsake you’), paralleling the assurance of continued presence invoked in 2 Kgs 4:30.
- 1 Samuel 20:12-17, 42 (verbal): Contains the oath-formula 'as the LORD lives' used to seal covenantal promises and departures; parallels the use of the 'As the LORD lives' declaration and sworn commitment in 2 Kings 4:30.
- 1 Kings 17:21-22 (thematic): Elijah’s revival of the widow’s son parallels Elisha’s subsequent raising of the Shunammite’s son (the broader narrative context to which 2 Kgs 4:30 belongs): both are prophetic resurrections of a dead child.
- Luke 7:11-17 (esp. 14-15) (thematic): Jesus’ raising of the widow’s son at Nain echoes the prophetic motif of restoring life to a dead child; thematically parallels the Elisha episode that follows 2 Kgs 4:30 and highlights continuity in miracle traditions.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the mother of the child said, "As the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So he arose and followed her.
- But the mother said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So he arose and followed her.
2 K.4.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגחזי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המשענת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- קשב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקראתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לא: PART_NEG
- הקיץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (thematic): Elijah raises the widow of Zarephath's son—same pattern: a prophet confronted with a dead child, stretches himself upon the child/prays and the child is revived; close narrative and theological parallel to Elisha's miracle.
- 2 Kings 4:34-35 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Elisha himself stretches upon the child, prays and the boy revives. Verse 4:31 (Gehazi's failed attempt) is directly contrasted with this successful action.
- Mark 5:35-43 (thematic): Jesus raises Jairus' daughter by direct bodily command/contact ('Talitha koum') after others pronounce her dead; parallels include a prophet/healer restoring life to a child and the narrative emphasis on authoritative word and intimacy of action.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain—another instance of a holy man restoring life to a widow's only son, eliciting public amazement and identification with prophetic power and compassion.
- Acts 20:9-12 (thematic): Paul raises Eutychus after he falls and is taken up as dead; like the Elisha account, an early Christian leader restores life in an assembly, underscoring continuity of life-restoring power in prophet/apostle ministry.
Alternative generated candidates
- Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the child's face; there was neither voice nor hearing. So Gehazi returned to meet him and said, "The child has not awakened."
- Gehazi went on before them and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither sound nor breath. So he returned to meet him and told him, "The child has not awakened."
2 K.4.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הביתה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והנה: ADV
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- משכב: VERB,qal,ptcp,-,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מטתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (verbal): Elijah raises the widow of Zarephath's son; the prophet stretches himself on the child and cries to the LORD, closely paralleling Elisha's physical actions and the motif of a prophet reviving a deceased child.
- 2 Kings 4:34-35 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same pericope describing Elisha's action (stretching himself on the child, praying, and the child's revival); provides the resolution to 4:32.
- Mark 5:35-43 (thematic): Jesus raises Jairus' daughter—approach to a dead child, authoritative word and physical touch to restore life; parallels the theme of life restored by a holy figure.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain; similar compassion for a bereaved mother/widow and a public miracle that leads to awe and confession of God's power.
- Acts 9:36-42 (thematic): Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead; another New Testament instance of an early holy man restoring a deceased person to life, echoing the prophetic pattern of revival.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Elisha came into the house, behold, the child was dead, lying on his bed.
- When Elisha came into the house, behold, the child was dead and laid upon his bed.
2 K.4.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויסגר: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- הדלת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בעד: PREP
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- ויתפלל: VERB,hitpael,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:21-22 (thematic): Elijah prays to the LORD over the widow’s dead son and the child’s life is restored—parallel act of a prophet praying to God to revive a child.
- Mark 5:40-42 (structural): Jesus orders bystanders out (puts them out), takes the girl privately, and restores her—closely parallels shutting the door/private setting and the miracle of raising a child.
- John 11:41-44 (thematic): Before calling Lazarus forth Jesus prays to the Father; both scenes feature a prayer to God immediately preceding a resurrection miracle.
- 2 Kings 13:21 (structural): A dead man is restored in contact with the prophet Elisha’s relics—another instance where prophetic agency (and proximity to a prophet) effects revival of the dead.
Alternative generated candidates
- He went in, shut the door upon them both, and prayed to the LORD.
- He went in and shut the door upon them both, and prayed to the LORD.
2 K.4.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הילד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- על: PREP
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ועיניו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- וכפיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3m
- על: PREP
- כפיו: NOUN,f,pl,poss,3,m
- ויגהר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ויחם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הילד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:21-22 (verbal): Elijah stretches himself on the widow's son and the child's life returns—close verbal and narrative parallel in physical contact and restoration of life.
- 2 Kings 13:21 (structural): A dead man is revived after contact with Elisha's bones—another instance where the prophetic presence/touch effects resurrection, structurally echoing 2 Kgs 4:34.
- John 11:43-44 (thematic): Jesus calls Lazarus forth and restores life; thematically parallels the prophet's power over death and the reversal of death through a holy agent.
- Luke 7:14-15 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain—shares the motif of compassionate prophetic intervention that restores a young life.
- Acts 9:17 (thematic): Ananias lays hands on Saul (Paul) and his sight/strength is restored—echoes the laying-on-of-hands motif and restoration mediated by a prophetic/apostolic figure.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he went up and lay upon the child, putting his mouth on the child's mouth, his eyes on the child's eyes, and his hands on the child's hands; he stretched himself upon him, and the child's flesh became warm.
- Then he went up and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands; and he stretched himself upon him, and the child's flesh became warm.
2 K.4.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- הנה: PART
- ואחת: CONJ+NUM,card,sg,f
- הנה: PART
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויגהר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ויזורר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- שבע: NUM,card
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- ויפקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.17:21-22 (verbal): Elijah likewise stretches himself on the dead child (three times) and calls to the LORD until the child's life/breath returns—direct narrative and verbal parallel to Elisha's actions.
- Luke 7:14-15 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow's son at Nain; thematically parallels a prophetic figure restoring a young man to life and returning him to his mother.
- Mark 5:41-42 (thematic): Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter (taking her hand and saying 'Talitha koum') parallels the miracle motif of a child restored to life and immediately opening eyes/breathing.
- Ezekiel 37:9-10 (allusion): The command 'Come, O breath' and the breath entering the slain to make them live echoes the imagery of breath/respiration as the means by which the dead child is revived.
Alternative generated candidates
- He returned and walked in the house, then went up and stretched himself upon him again; the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
- He returned and walked in the house back and forth, then went up again and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
2 K.4.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גיחזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- השנמית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- ויקראה: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- ותבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאי: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- בנך: NOUN,m,sg,cstr+poss,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:33-35 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Elisha enters the room, stretches on the child, prays, and the child is revived — the verse in question is the summons that frames this action.
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 (thematic): Elijah revives the widow of Zarephath’s son; parallels include a prophet restoring life to a woman’s child and the motif of a mother’s interaction with the prophetic figure.
- Luke 7:11-17 (thematic): Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain; similar themes of compassion for a bereaved woman, public notice of the miracle, and restoration of a dead child by a prophetic/healing figure.
- Mark 5:35-43 (thematic): Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter; structural parallels include a child declared dead, the healer’s authoritative word bringing life, and close witnesses present at the revival.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elisha gave the child to his mother. He said, "Take your son."
- Elisha called Gehazi and said, "Call this Shunammite." So he called her, and when she came to him he said, "Take up your son."
2 K.4.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- על: PREP
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
- ותשתחו: VERB,hitpael,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,3,f,sg
- ותצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 4:34-35 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel within the same episode: Elisha stretches himself on the child, the child revives, and the subsequent verse (4:37) describes the mother falling at the prophet's feet and taking up her son — same sequence of actions and language.
- 1 Kings 17:21-22 (verbal): Close verbal and thematic parallel: Elijah prays and stretches himself upon the widow's son, and God restores the child's life — a prophetic resuscitation narrative using similar actions and motifs.
- Luke 7:11-15 (thematic): The raising of the widow's son at Nain by Jesus: a holy man restores life to a widow's only son and returns him to his mother, echoing the social and theological themes of prophetic restoration in 2 Kings 4.
- Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 (structural): The Jairus episode: a parent urgently seeks a holy man, the child is declared dead, and the holy man restores life (with the parent having fallen at Jesus' feet earlier) — parallels the petition, death-like state, and restoration structure of the Elisha story.
Alternative generated candidates
- She came in, bowed at his feet, and took her son and went out.
- She came and fell at his feet, bowed to the ground, and took up her son and went out.
One day Elisha passed by to Shunem; there was a prominent woman there who urged him to eat bread. Whenever he passed by, she would invite him to turn aside and eat.
She said to her husband, “Behold, I know that this man is a holy man of God who continually passes our way.”
“Let us make a small upper room and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp; and when he comes to us he can turn in there.”
One day he came there and went up to the upper room and lay down there.
He said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him.
He said, “Tell her, ‘Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care—what shall be done for you? Is there anything I should speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”
He said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.”
He said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood at the doorway.
He said, “About this season, at this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” She replied, “No, my lord, O man of God, do not deceive your servant.”
The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, just as Elisha had spoken to her.
The child grew, and one day he went out to his father among the reapers.
He said to his father, “My head, my head!” His father said to a lad, “Carry him to his mother.”
They carried him and brought him to his mother; he sat on her knees till noon, and then he died.
She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door, and went out.
Then she called to her servant and said, “Send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys; I will run to the man of God and return.”
He said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither the new moon nor the Sabbath.” She answered, “It is well.”
She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Lead on; do not slow down for me unless I tell you.”
She went and came to the man of God on Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her from afar, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Behold, yonder is that Shunammite.”
“Run to meet her,” he said, “and say, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’” She answered, “It is well.”
She came to the man of God to the mountain and clung to his feet. Gehazi moved to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone; for her soul is bitter within her, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”
She said, “Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?”
He said to Gehazi, “Gird up your loins, take my staff in your hand, and go; if you meet anyone do not greet him, and if anyone greets you do not answer. Lay my staff upon the face of the child.”
The woman said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her.
Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child; there was neither sound nor stir. He returned to meet him and reported, “The child has not awakened.”
Elisha entered the house; behold, the child was dead, lying on his bed.
He went in, shut the door upon the two of them, and prayed to the LORD.
Then he stretched himself upon the child, placing his mouth to the child’s mouth, his eyes to the child’s eyes, and his hands to the child’s hands; and as he stretched himself upon him, the child’s flesh grew warm.
He turned away and walked to and fro in the house, then went up and stretched himself upon him once more. The child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
He called to Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her; she came and stood at the door. He said, “Take up your son.”
She came and fell at his feet and bowed to the ground; then she took up her son and went out.