2 Kings 13:21
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.
2 Kings 13:21 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Bible, 2 Kings 13:21, tells the miraculous story of a dead man being revived when his body touched the bones of the prophet Elisha. The man was being buried when a group of men spotted another band of men approaching. In a hurry, they decided to cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha. As soon as the man's body touched the bones of Elisha, he came back to life and stood up on his feet. This event serves as a demonstration of the power and authority that God has bestowed upon His chosen messengers, like Elisha. It also illustrates the belief among the ancient Israelites in the spiritual significance and power of the bones of a respected leader or prophet. This particular incident of resurrection reaffirms the faith of believers in the God of miracles and emphasizes the importance of honoring and remembering the righteous in death.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 2 Kings 13:21, we witness a miraculous event where a dead man comes back to life after touching the bones of the prophet Elisha. This incident is significant not only for its display of divine power but also for the theological implications it carries. The power of God displayed through Elisha's bones speaks to the belief in the power and authority of God over life and death. It also highlights the continuity of God's work through his chosen servants, even after their physical death. The revival of the dead man emphasizes the concept of resurrection and the hope of eternal life that believers hold dear. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty and life-giving power of God, reinforcing the faith of those who witness or hear about it.
2 Kings 13:21 in other translations
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.
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 the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
Douay-Rheims
And 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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And as they were burying a man, behold, they saw the souldiers: therfore they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha. And when the man was downe, and touched the bones of Elisha, he reuiued and stoode vpon his feete.