Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet. New Living Translation Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! English Standard Version And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet. Berean Standard Bible Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band, and they cast the man in the tomb of Elisha, and the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, and he was revived and stood on his feet. King James Bible And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. New King James Version So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet. New American Standard Bible And as they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they threw the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet. NASB 1995 As they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they cast the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet. NASB 1977 And as they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they cast the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened that they were burying a man, and behold, they saw a marauding band; and they cast the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he became alive and stood up on his feet. Amplified Bible And it happened that as a man was being buried [on an open bier], they saw a marauding band [coming]; and they threw the man into Elisha’s grave. But when the [body of the] man [was being let down and] touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet. Berean Annotated Bible Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s (God is salvation) tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. Christian Standard Bible Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, so they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. When he touched Elisha’s bones, the man revived and stood up! Holman Christian Standard Bible Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, so they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. When he touched Elisha’s bones, the man revived and stood up! American Standard Version And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. Contemporary English Version Once, while some Israelites were burying a man's body, they saw a group of Moabites. The Israelites quickly threw the body into Elisha's tomb and ran away. As soon as the man's body touched the bones of Elisha, the man came back to life and stood up. English Revised Version And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. GOD'S WORD® Translation One day some people who were burying a man saw one of these raiding parties. So they quickly put the man into Elisha's tomb. But when the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came back to life and stood up. Good News Translation One time during a funeral, one of those bands was seen, and the people threw the corpse into Elisha's tomb and ran off. As soon as the body came into contact with Elisha's bones, the man came back to life and stood up. International Standard Version One day while some Israelis were burying a man, they saw some marauders, so they threw the man into Elisha's grave. But when the man fell against Elisha's remains, he revived and rose to his feet. NET Bible One day some men were burying a man when they spotted a raiding party. So they threw the dead man into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the dead man came to life and stood on his feet. New Heart English Bible It happened, as they were burying a man, that look, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the tomb of Elisha: and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood on his feet. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOnce, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. World English Bible As they were burying a man, behold, they saw a band of raiders; and they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. As soon as the man touched Elisha’s bones, he revived, and stood up on his feet. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass, they are burying a man, and behold, they have seen the troop, and cast the man into the grave of Elisha, and the man goes and comes against the bones of Elisha, and lives, and rises on his feet. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band, and they cast the man in the tomb of Elisha, and the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, and he was revived and stood on his feet. Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass, they are burying a man, and lo, they have seen the troop, and cast the man into the grave of Elisha, and the man goeth and cometh against the bones of Elisha, and liveth, and riseth on his feet. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be they were burying a man, and behold, they saw a troop; and they will cast the man into the tomb of Elisha: and the man will go and touch upon the bones of Elisha, and he will live and rise upon his feet. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd some that were burying a man, saw the rovers, and cast the body into the sepulchre of Eliseus. And when it had touched the bones of Eliseus, the man came to life, and stood upon his feet. Catholic Public Domain Version But certain ones who were burying a man saw the robbers, and they cast the dead body into the sepulcher of Elisha. But when it had touched the bones of Elisha, the man revived, and he stood upon his feet. New American Bible Once some people were burying a man, when suddenly they saw such a raiding band. So they cast the man into the grave of Elisha, and everyone went off. But when the man came in contact with the bones of Elisha, he came back to life and got to his feet. New Revised Standard Version As a man was being buried, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha; as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he came to life and stood on his feet. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it came to pass as they were burying a man, behold, a band of raiders was seen; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when they were burying a man, they saw a band of robbers, and they threw the man into the tomb of Elisha, and the man went touching the bones of Elisha, and he came to life and stood on his feet. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha; and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass as they were burying a man, that behold, they saw a band of men, and they cast the man into the grave of Elisaie: and as soon as he touched the bones of Elisaie, he revived and stood up on his feet. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elisha's Final Prophecy…20And Elisha died and was buried. Now the Moabite raiders used to come into the land every spring. 21Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. 22And Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz.… Cross References Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, 1 Samuel 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran. 1 Samuel 31:12-13 all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. / Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. Acts 8:2 God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. suddenly they saw a band of raiders, 2 Kings 5:2 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. 1 Samuel 30:1-2 On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. Judges 6:3-4 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. 1 Kings 13:29-32 So the old prophet lifted up the body of the man of God, laid it on the donkey, and brought it back to his own city to mourn for him and bury him. / Then he laid the body in his own tomb, and they lamented over him, “Oh, my brother!” / After he had buried him, the prophet said to his sons, “When I die, you must bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones, … John 19:41-42 Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. / And because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus there. Matthew 27:59-60 So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, / and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, 2 Kings 4:34-35 Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. / Elisha turned away and paced back and forth across the room. Then he got on the bed and stretched himself out over the boy again, and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. 1 Kings 17:21-22 Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!” / And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived. Acts 20:9-12 And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. / But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!” / Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. … the man was revived and stood up on his feet. Luke 7:15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother. Acts 3:7-8 Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. / He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. Ezekiel 37:10 So I prophesied as He had commanded me, and the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army. Matthew 27:52-53 The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. / After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. was let down [heb] went down 2 Kings 4:35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Ezekiel 37:1-10 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, … Jump to Previous Band Body Bones Buried Burying Cast Elisha Eli'sha Elisha's Feet Grave Israelites Marauding Once Raiders Revived Sepulcher Sepulchre Soon Spied Stood Suddenly Threw Tomb TouchedJump to Next Band Body Bones Buried Burying Cast Elisha Eli'sha Elisha's Feet Grave Israelites Marauding Once Raiders Revived Sepulcher Sepulchre Soon Spied Stood Suddenly Threw Tomb Touched2 Kings 13 1. Jehoahaz's wicked reign3. Jehoahaz, oppressed by Hazael, is relieved by prayer 8. Joash succeeds him 10. His wicked reign 12. Jeroboam succeeds him 14. Elisha dying, prophesies to Joash three victories over the Syrians 20. The Moabites invading the land, Elisha's bones raise a dead man. 22. Joash gets three victories over Ben-hadad Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, This phrase sets the scene during a time of instability and frequent conflict in Israel. The act of burying the dead was a significant cultural and religious practice, reflecting the Israelites' respect for the deceased. The burial customs of ancient Israel often involved placing the body in a tomb or grave, which was a communal and familial responsibility. suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. Even after his death, his influence and the power of God through him were evident. 2. Moabite Raiders Groups from Moab who invaded Israel, often during the spring, taking advantage of the harvest season. 3. Israelites The people of Israel, who were often under threat from surrounding nations, including Moab. 4. The Man An unnamed Israelite whose body was hastily thrown into Elisha's tomb, leading to a miraculous event. 5. The Tomb of Elisha The burial place of the prophet Elisha, which became the site of a miraculous resurrection. Teaching Points God's Power Transcends DeathThe miracle of the man coming back to life upon touching Elisha's bones illustrates that God's power is not limited by physical death. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances. Legacy of Faith Elisha's life and ministry continued to impact others even after his death. This challenges Christians to consider the legacy of faith they are leaving behind. God's Unexpected Ways The resurrection of the man was unexpected and unplanned by human standards, reminding believers that God often works in surprising and miraculous ways. Hope in Resurrection This event foreshadows the hope of resurrection for all believers, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective. God's Presence in Crisis The Israelites were in a time of crisis due to the Moabite raids, yet God demonstrated His presence and power. This reassures believers that God is with them in their times of trouble. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 13:21?2. How does 2 Kings 13:21 demonstrate God's power over life and death? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Elisha's bones reviving a man? 4. How does this miracle connect to Jesus' resurrection power in the New Testament? 5. How can we trust God's power in seemingly hopeless situations today? 6. What does this event teach us about God's presence even after a prophet's death? 7. How does 2 Kings 13:21 demonstrate God's power over life and death? 8. What is the significance of Elisha's bones reviving a dead man in 2 Kings 13:21? 9. Does 2 Kings 13:21 suggest that physical objects can hold divine power? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 13? 11. 2 Kings 13:21 – How could a dead man be revived simply by touching Elisha’s bones, and is there any scientific or historical corroboration for such an event? 12. What is the practice of grave sucking? 13. In 1 Samuel 2:6, it states God “kills and makes alive”—does this literal claim align with any scientific or historical evidence? 14. Did Peter's shadow heal the sick in Acts 5:15? What Does 2 Kings 13:21 Mean Once, as the Israelites were burying a man• Elisha has died and been buried (2 Kings 13:20), yet the community still honors the dead despite national turmoil (Genesis 23:19; Deuteronomy 21:23). • Swift burials were normal because of climate (John 19:42). Even in spiritual decline, Israel clings to covenant customs. Suddenly they saw a band of raiders • Likely Moabite or Aramean marauders who plagued Israel (2 Kings 3:5; 6:23; 13:20; Judges 6:3). • The panic fulfills covenant warnings that disobedience would bring enemy terror (Leviticus 26:17). So they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb • Rock-hewn tombs were accessible, allowing a quick deposit (Matthew 27:60). • Urgency overrides ceremony, yet they instinctively place the corpse with God’s prophet, echoing earlier trust shown to Elisha (2 Kings 4:34). And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha • God channels power through His prophet even after death (Psalm 116:15). • Comparable object-mediated miracles: Moses’ staff (Exodus 14:16), Elijah’s cloak (2 Kings 2:14), Paul’s handkerchiefs (Acts 19:12). • Affirms that divine authority is not hindered by mortality (Hebrews 11:4). the man was revived and stood up on his feet • Complete, immediate resurrection—he stands, proving life (Mark 5:42). • Elisha receives a post-mortem miracle, confirming the “double portion” promised in 2 Kings 2:9. • Foreshadows later resurrections: widow’s son (1 Kings 17:22), Jairus’s daughter (Luke 8:52-55), Lazarus (John 11:43-44), and ultimately Christ (Luke 24:6-7). • Reinforces hope of bodily resurrection for believers (Job 19:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:20). summary 2 Kings 13:21 literally narrates God’s life-giving power flowing through His deceased prophet’s bones. A hasty burial under enemy threat turns into a resurrection miracle, proving God’s sovereignty over death, extending Elisha’s ministry beyond the grave, and prefiguring the ultimate resurrection in Christ. The verse calls believers to trust the Lord who can raise the dead and keep every promise, no matter the circumstances. (21) As they were burying.--They--i.e., a party of Israelites. The story is told with vivid definiteness.A band.--Rather, the troop. The particular troop of Moabites which happened to be making an inroad at the time. They cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha.--Comp. Mark 16:3-4. In this case, we must suppose that the tomb was more easily opened, as the action was obviously done in haste. And when the man was let down, and touched the bones.--Rather, and they departed. And the man touched the bones. The order of words in the original, as well as the sense, supports old Houbigan?s conjecture. If the meaning were, "and the man went and touched," the subject in the Hebrew would have followed the first verb, not the second. Moreover, the verb would hardly have been h?lak. He revived.--Literally, and he lived. Thenius thinks that the sacred writer regarded this miracle as a pledge of the fulfilment of Elisha's promise to Joash Bahr says: "Elisha died and was buried, like all other men, but even in death and in the grave he is avouched to be the prophet and servant of God." Dante's warning may not be out of place here:-- "O voi che avete g?intelletti sani, Mirate la dottrina, che s asconde Sotto il velame degli versi strani." Inf. 9:61, sqq. Verse 21. - And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that. "They" is used indefinitely of some unnamed Israelites, like the French on. Certain persons, it does not matter who, were burying a man, i.e. about to bury him, and were carrying the corpse to the grave, when an interruption occurred. Behold, they spied a band of men - rather, the band, i.e. the band of that year - and they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha. There was no time for ceremony. Hastily, and somewhat roughly, it may be, the bearers of the body thrust it into Elisha's tomb, which happened to be at hand, and from the mouth of which they were able to remove the closing stone. They did not "throw" the body in, but pushed it in. And when the man was let down. The man was not "let down." Our translators seem to have been unacquainted with the Jewish mode of burial. They imagine that Elisha's tomb is a pit dug in the ground from the surface downwards, like a modern grave, and the man has therefore to be "let down," or to "go down" (marginal translation) into it. The Revised Version avoids the mistranslation, but weakens the force of the original. Translate, and when the man came, etc. And touched the bones of Elisha, he revived. The violent push given to the corpse imparted to it a movement which brought it in contact with the bones, i.e. the body (1 Kings 13:31) of Elisha, as it lay, wound in its grave-clothes, but uncoffined, on the floor of the sepulchral chamber. At the moment of contact the dead man came to life - "revived." And stood up on his feet. In many Jewish tombs the sepulchral chamber would allow of this.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Once,וַיְהִ֞י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be as the Israelites הֵ֣ם ׀ (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They were burying קֹבְרִ֣ים (qō·ḇə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6912: To inter a man, אִ֗ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person suddenly וְהִנֵּה֙ (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! they saw רָא֣וּ (rā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7200: To see a band [of raiders], הַגְּד֔וּד (hag·gə·ḏūḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1416: A band, troop so they threw וַיַּשְׁלִ֥יכוּ (way·yaš·lî·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7993: To throw out, down, away the man's body הָאִ֖ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person into Elisha’s אֱלִישָׁ֑ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet tomb. בְּקֶ֣בֶר (bə·qe·ḇer) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6913: A grave, sepulcher And when he touched וַיִּגַּ֤ע (way·yig·ga‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike the bones בְּעַצְמ֣וֹת (bə·‘aṣ·mō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame of Elisha, אֱלִישָׁ֔ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet the man הָאִישׁ֙ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person was revived וַיְחִ֖י (way·ḥî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2421: To live, to revive and stood וַיָּ֥קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand up on his feet. רַגְלָֽיו׃ (raḡ·lāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda Links 2 Kings 13:21 NIV2 Kings 13:21 NLT 2 Kings 13:21 ESV 2 Kings 13:21 NASB 2 Kings 13:21 KJV 2 Kings 13:21 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 13:21 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 13:21 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 13:21 French Bible 2 Kings 13:21 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 13:21 It happened as they were burying (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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