Sneeze
Sneezing in Scripture
Sneezing is mentioned in the Bible in only two passages, but both are remarkably vivid and memorable. In 2 Kings 4:35, a child sneezes seven times as a sign of returning to life, and in Job 41:18, sneezing (or more accurately, snorting) is attributed to the great creature Leviathan. These references, though brief, contribute to larger narratives about God's power over life and death and his mastery over creation.
The Shunammite's Son
The most significant biblical reference to sneezing occurs in the story of the prophet Elisha and the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-37). A wealthy woman from Shunem had shown hospitality to Elisha, and in return, he promised she would bear a son. The promise was fulfilled, but tragically, the boy later collapsed and died, apparently from heatstroke while working in the fields with his father (2 Kings 4:18-20).
The grieving mother laid her son's body on Elisha's bed and traveled to find the prophet. When Elisha arrived at the house, he went in alone, closed the door, prayed to the Lord, and then lay upon the child, placing his mouth upon the child's mouth, his eyes upon the child's eyes, and his hands upon the child's hands. The child's body grew warm. Elisha walked back and forth in the house, then stretched himself upon the child again. "The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes" (2 Kings 4:35).
The seven sneezes marked the dramatic return of life, the first physical actions of a body that had been dead. The number seven, representing completeness in Hebrew thought, underscores the thoroughness of this miraculous restoration.
Leviathan's Snorting
In Job 41:18, the description of the fearsome creature Leviathan includes the line: "His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning." Modern translations often render this as "snortings" rather than "sneezings," as the Hebrew word here differs from the one used in 2 Kings. The image is of a powerful creature whose very breath produces visible vapor or spray that catches the light, creating the appearance of flashing fire.
This description is part of God's extended speech to Job in chapters 38-41, where God demonstrates his supreme power by describing creatures and natural phenomena beyond human control. Leviathan, whether understood as a crocodile, a sea creature, or a mythic beast, represents the untamable forces of creation that only God can master.
Life, Breath, and God's Power
Both sneezing passages connect to the broader biblical theme of breath as a sign of life given by God. Genesis 2:7 records that God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." The sneezes of the Shunammite's son represent the return of God-given breath, echoing the original gift of life in Eden.
The prophets also used breath imagery to describe resurrection. In Ezekiel 37:5-10, God commands the prophet to speak to dry bones, and breath enters them so they come alive — a vision of national restoration that also points to bodily resurrection.
Historical and Cultural Context
In many ancient cultures, sneezing was associated with the movement of the spirit or life force. Greeks and Romans sometimes regarded a sneeze as an omen or a sign from the gods. While the Bible does not attach superstitious significance to sneezing, the use of the sneeze as the sign of returning life in 2 Kings resonates with the ancient understanding that breath and the nasal passages were closely associated with the vital force that distinguished the living from the dead.
Biblical Context
Sneezing appears in 2 Kings 4:35, where the Shunammite's son sneezes seven times as he returns to life through Elisha's prayer, and in Job 41:18, where Leviathan's sneezing or snorting produces flashes of light. Both passages highlight God's power over life and creation.
Theological Significance
The sneezing passages connect to the biblical theme of God as the giver and restorer of life. The child's seven sneezes in 2 Kings represent complete restoration of life through divine power, paralleling the creation narrative where God breathed life into Adam. The Leviathan passage underscores God's sovereignty over even the most fearsome creatures, teaching Job humility before the Creator.
Historical Background
In ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, sneezing was often regarded as significant, sometimes seen as an omen or a sign of divine activity. The Greeks considered a sneeze during conversation to be confirmation of truth. While the Bible avoids such superstitious interpretations, the association of sneezing with the breath of life reflects the widespread ancient understanding that breathing was the fundamental sign of living. Elisha's method of revival by physical contact mirrors practices described in ancient healing traditions.