Definition: And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but [there was] neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 4:31. It’s a really sad and unsettling passage about a man who was seen with his son – and then he simply vanished. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: Gehazi is the Messenger: The verse tells us that Gehazi, a royal advisor to King David, was traveling with his son, a young man named Elam. The Incident: As they were walking, Gehazi encountered a young boy who was playing near the child’s face. He placed a staff (a stick or pole) on the boy's forehead. Silence and Absence: The most crucial part is that there was no sound , no voice , no hearing . It just…stopped. Gehazi simply turned around and went back to meet his son, leaving him behind completely. What it Implies – A Sense of Loss & Grief: This verse paints a picture of profound grief and loss. It suggests: A Sudden Departure: The boy vanished without warning. There was no explanation, no reason for him to leave. Emotional Distress: The fact that Gehazi returned to meet his son with a statement like "The child is not awaked" implies deep sorrow and a desperate need to be reunited. It shows he was utterly heartbroken by the loss. Possible Interpretations (It’s tricky, but here are some ideas): A Tragedy of Grief: Perhaps this was a moment of intense pain for Gehazi – his son's death or perhaps something similar. A Warning/Reminder: It could be a symbolic representation of the dangers of vanity and pride. Gehazi’s preoccupation with his own status and comfort might have blinded him to the importance of his son's well-being. Important Note: The Bible is full of complex stories, and this verse doesn't offer a straightforward explanation. It's designed to evoke emotion and encourage reflection on themes like loss, regret, and the fragility of life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Kings 4? Discuss the context of the story within the Bible?