2 Kings 5 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Kings 5 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter tells the story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian general who is afflicted with leprosy.

1. Naaman's Problem: Naaman, despite his high position, suffers from leprosy. A young Israelite girl, captured in a raid and now serving Naaman's wife, suggests that the prophet Elisha in Samaria can heal him.

2. Seeking Elisha: Naaman, with the King of Aram's blessing and gifts in tow, travels to Israel to seek Elisha's help. He arrives at Elisha's house with much pomp and circumstance.

3. Elisha's Instructions: Elisha doesn't meet Naaman directly but sends a messenger instructing him to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be cleansed.

4. Naaman's Anger: Naaman is enraged by this seemingly simple and unimpressive cure. He expected a grand display of power, not a dip in the muddy Jordan. He storms off in a huff.

5. Servants Intervene: Naaman's servants wisely reason with him, pointing out that if Elisha had asked for something difficult, he would have done it. They convince him to try the simple cure.

6. Naaman Healed: Naaman humbles himself and follows Elisha's instructions. After dipping seven times in the Jordan, his skin is miraculously healed and becomes like that of a young boy.

7. Naaman's Gratitude: Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman returns to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the one true God. He offers Elisha gifts, but Elisha refuses, not wanting to profit from God's power.

8. Gehazi's Greed: Gehazi, Elisha's servant, driven by greed, runs after Naaman and lies, claiming Elisha changed his mind and wants some of the gifts. Naaman gladly gives him silver and clothing.

9. Gehazi's Punishment: Elisha, aware of Gehazi's deceit, confronts him. As punishment for his greed and lies, Gehazi is cursed with Naaman's leprosy.

Key Themes:

God's Power and Sovereignty: God's power is shown to be absolute, healing Naaman through a simple act. He is not bound by human expectations or rituals.
Pride and Humility: Naaman's initial pride prevents him from accepting the cure. Only through humbling himself can he be healed.
Greed and its Consequences: Gehazi's greed leads him to lie and deceive, resulting in severe consequences.
Faith and Obedience: The story highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God's word, even when it seems illogical or simple.

This chapter is a powerful reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of nationality or social standing, and that true healing comes through humility and obedience.

2 Kings 5 bible study ai commentary

This chapter powerfully demonstrates the universal sovereignty and grace of the LORD (YHWH), contrasting it with human pride, worldly power, and greed. It follows the narrative arc of Naaman, a high-ranking Syrian general, who is brought from a state of physical defilement and spiritual ignorance to healing and faith in the God of Israel. His story is set in sharp relief against the failure of kings and the tragic fall of Elisha's own servant, Gehazi, highlighting that access to God's power is through humble obedience, not status or wealth, and that misrepresenting this grace has severe consequences.

2 Kings 5 Context

The story is set in the 9th century BC, during a period of frequent conflict between Aram (modern-day Syria), with its capital at Damascus, and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Naaman was a commander under Ben-hadad II. Despite the ongoing hostilities, there were periods of relative peace or truce allowing for some level of interaction. Culturally, it was believed that gods were territorial, their power being limited to their own land and people. Sickness, especially a skin disease like leprosy (tsara'ath), was often seen as a divine curse, rendering a person ritually and socially unclean. The healing of such a condition would be an undeniable sign of a god's supreme power.

2 Kings 5:1

Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

In-depth-analysis

A Great Man...But: The verse builds Naaman up—"commander," "great man" (gadol), "high favor," "mighty man of valor"—only to deliver the devastating caveat: "...but he was a leper." This structure emphasizes that worldly success, power, and honor cannot overcome fundamental human frailty and affliction.
By him the LORD had given victory: This is a shocking theological statement for the original audience. The narrator asserts that YHWH, the God of Israel, is the one who granted victory to Aram, Israel's enemy. This immediately establishes the universal sovereignty of God, who is not a mere tribal deity but controls the destinies of all nations.
Word - Leper: The Hebrew word is tsara'ath. It covers a range of skin diseases, not necessarily modern Hansen's disease. Its significance was primarily social and religious; it made one ritually unclean and an outcast (Lev 13:45-46).

Bible references

Leviticus 13:45-46: "The leprous person... shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ ...he shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp." (Context of Naaman's uncleanness).
Luke 4:27: "And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." (Jesus highlights this event to show God's sovereign grace to Gentiles).
Isaiah 45:1-7: "I will go before you... for the sake of my servant Jacob... I am the LORD, and there is no other... I make well-being and create calamity." (YHWH's sovereignty over pagan kings like Cyrus).

Cross references

Jer 27:5-6 (God gives kingdoms to whom He wills, including Nebuchadnezzar); Dan 2:21 (God removes kings and sets up kings); Job 2:7 (Satan afflicts Job with sores).

2 Kings 5:2-4

Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.”

In-depth-analysis

The Unnamed Servant Girl: Her role is pivotal. Despite being a captive, a victim of Naaman's military, she shows compassion and faith. Her testimony, born from personal conviction, sets the entire narrative of healing in motion.
Faith in Exile: This girl maintains her faith in YHWH and His prophet even while in a foreign, pagan land. She represents the faithful remnant.
The Power of Humble Testimony: The story's central miracle begins not with a king or a general, but with the simple words of a lowly slave girl. Her suggestion is taken seriously enough to reach the king of Aram.

Bible references

1 Corinthians 1:27: "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (God using the humble girl).
Acts 8:4: "Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word." (The power of testimony from ordinary people in displacement).

Cross references

Psa 8:2 (from the mouths of children); Mat 18:2-4 (humility like a child); 1 Pet 2:9 (declaring God's praises).

2 Kings 5:5-7

And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

In-depth-analysis

A Political Transaction: Naaman and his king approach the problem from a worldly perspective: through diplomacy, power, and wealth. The massive payment (estimated to be worth millions in modern currency) shows they believe a favor this great must be purchased.
"Am I God?": The king of Israel (likely Jehoram) responds with theological correctness but spiritual blindness. He knows only God has the power over life, death, and healing, yet it never occurs to him to consult God's prophet. His fear of a political trap reveals his lack of faith.
Tearing Clothes: This was a traditional sign of extreme grief, despair, or horror. The king sees an impossible demand designed to be a pretext for war (casus belli).

Bible references

Deuteronomy 32:39: “‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal..." (The king of Israel's quote echoes this principle).
Genesis 50:20: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive..." (Contrast's the king's fear of a quarrel with God's ultimate purpose).

Cross references

1 Sam 2:6 (the LORD kills and brings to life); Hos 6:1 (the LORD has torn and will heal); Mar 2:7 (who can forgive sins but God alone?).

2 Kings 5:8

But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

In-depth-analysis

Prophetic Authority: Elisha acts with decisive authority, correcting the king. He is not concerned with political maneuvering.
The True Purpose: Elisha reveals the true purpose of Naaman's visit: not to be a political crisis, but to be a divine revelation. The goal is for this powerful Gentile to "know that there is a prophet in Israel," and by extension, to know the God of that prophet.

Bible references

1 Kings 18:36: "...let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word." (Elijah's similar motivation at Mount Carmel).
Exodus 7:5: "The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt..." (A recurring theme in the Old Testament: God acts so that the nations will know Him).

Cross references

John 11:4 (sickness for God's glory); Ezk 36:23 (God will vindicate His holiness before the nations).

2 Kings 5:9-12

So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’ Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

In-depth-analysis

Clash of Pride and Humility: Naaman arrives with his full military retinue, a display of power and importance. Elisha doesn't even come out to greet him, sending a servant instead. This is a direct affront to Naaman's ego.
Expectation vs. Reality: Naaman expected a magical, elaborate ritual ("...come out...stand and call...wave his hand..."). He is instead given a simple, almost ridiculous command: wash in the muddy Jordan river.
Word - Seven times: The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine action.
Rational Obstacles: Naaman's rage stems from his offended pride and his rational mind. The command seems illogical ("Aren't the rivers of Damascus better?"). True faith requires moving beyond human reason and humbling oneself to obey God's command, no matter how simple or foolish it seems.

Polemics

Naaman's elevation of the Abana and Pharpar rivers represents a common ancient belief in the superiority of one's own land and its natural features, often tied to its gods. By commanding a wash in the humble Jordan, YHWH is implicitly asserting that His power is not in the quality of the water but in His word of command. The healing will happen through obedience, not through the "better" resources of a pagan nation.

Bible references

John 9:6-7: "He... anointed the man's eyes with the mud... and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ ...So he went and washed and came back seeing." (Jesus uses a similar method of a simple command linked to washing).
1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (God's simple method seems like foolishness to the world's wisdom).

Cross references

Mar 8:34 (deny himself and follow me); John 13:8 (Peter refuses to be washed); Josh 6:3-5 (marching around Jericho seven times).

2 Kings 5:13-14

But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he not said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

In-depth-analysis

The Wisdom of Servants: Once again, servants play a crucial role. They respectfully and logically persuade their master, contrasting with his rage. Their address, "My father," shows respect but also gentle correction.
"Went Down": The Hebrew yarad implies a descent. Naaman must literally "go down" into the Jordan, a physical act symbolizing his humbling. He must descend from his chariot, his pride, and his status.
Like the Flesh of a Little Child: This imagery is profound. The healing is not just a restoration but a re-creation. It symbolizes a new birth, a complete renewal. It speaks of the tenderness and purity of the result.
According to the word: The healing is explicitly tied to obedience to the specific command given by God's prophet.

Bible references

Matthew 18:3: "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Naaman's healing physically pictures this spiritual reality).
Titus 3:5: "...he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." (The water itself does nothing; it is a symbol for divine cleansing and renewal).
John 3:5: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (Symbolism of water and new birth).

Cross references

Eph 5:26 (cleansing by the washing of water with the word); Heb 10:22 (hearts sprinkled clean and bodies washed with pure water).

2 Kings 5:15-16

Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I now know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so please accept a present from your servant.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.

In-depth-analysis

True Conversion: Naaman's first act is to return and make a confession of faith (Shema-like in its exclusivity: "no God in all the earth but in Israel"). His healing led not just to gratitude but to genuine conversion.
Grace is Not for Sale: Naaman, following cultural custom, tries to pay for the miracle. Elisha's staunch refusal ("As the LORD lives... I will receive none") is a critical theological statement. It guards the nature of God's grace, showing it is a free gift and cannot be earned or purchased. This distinguishes YHWH from pagan deities whose priests often required payment for services.
"Before whom I stand": This is a powerful phrase used by both Elijah and Elisha. It declares that his true service and accountability are to God, not to any earthly power or custom.

Bible references

Daniel 3:28-29: "Nebuchadnezzar... said, 'Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego... there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.'" (A pagan king makes a similar declaration after witnessing God's power).
Acts 8:20: "But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!’" (Peter confronts Simon the Sorcerer for the same error).
Matthew 10:8: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay." (The principle Jesus gives his own disciples).

Cross references

Isa 55:1 (come, buy wine and milk without money); Gen 14:22-23 (Abram refuses reward from king of Sodom).

2 Kings 5:17-19

Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule-loads of earth, for your servant will no longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD. In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.” He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went from him a short distance.

In-depth-analysis

Two Mule-loads of Earth: Believing (as was common) that a god could only be properly worshipped on his own land, Naaman asks for Israelite soil to build an altar to YHWH back in Damascus. This shows a sincere, if theologically developing, desire to worship God alone.
The Dilemma of Rimmon: Naaman faces a real-world conflict between his new faith and his civic duty. As a high official, he must physically support his king when the king worships the Aramean storm-god, Rimmon. His bowing is a required part of his job, not an act of personal worship. He asks for pardon in advance for this apparent compromise.
"Go in peace" (Lekh l'shalom): Elisha's response is ambiguous and widely debated.
- Interpretation 1 (Approval): Elisha understands the political reality and trusts Naaman's heart. He releases him with a blessing, acknowledging that his heart belongs to YHWH.
- Interpretation 2 (Dismissal): It could be a noncommittal "Go, let peace be the outcome." Elisha leaves the matter between Naaman and God, offering neither condemnation nor explicit approval. This view sees the prophet refusing to sanction any association with idolatry.Given the context of Naaman's sincere conversion, the first interpretation is often favored. Elisha shows pastoral wisdom, not rigid legalism, for a new believer in a difficult situation.

Bible references

Exodus 20:5: "You shall not bow down to them or serve them..." (The command against which Naaman's dilemma is set).
Romans 14:5, 22: "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind... The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God." (The principle of conscience in gray areas).
1 Corinthians 8:9-13: (Paul's nuanced discussion about eating meat sacrificed to idols and not causing a brother to stumble).

Cross references

Dan 1:8 (Daniel resolving not to defile himself); Gen 31:53 (worshipping God on specific land/altar).

2 Kings 5:20-27

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” ... And Elisha said to him... “Was not my heart with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.

In-depth-analysis

Insider vs. Outsider: The narrative immediately pivots to the tragic contrast. Naaman, the outsider, is cleansed and shows integrity. Gehazi, the insider and servant of the prophet, is consumed by greed and is cursed.
The Nature of Gehazi's Sin: His sin is multifaceted:
1. Greed: He desired the wealth Naaman offered.
2. Deception: He lied to Naaman and to Elisha.
3. Abuse of Office: He used his position as Elisha's servant for personal gain.
4. Misrepresenting God: Most severely, he commercialized the free gift of God's grace, undoing Elisha's crucial testimony and making YHWH appear like any other pagan god whose priests could be paid off.
Prophetic Insight: Elisha's question, "Was not my heart with you?" demonstrates his supernatural knowledge of Gehazi's actions. God's prophets are not easily deceived.
The Punishment Fits the Crime: Gehazi coveted Naaman's material wealth, so he receives Naaman's physical ailment. The "leprous, as white as snow" emphasizes the severity and immediacy of the divine judgment. The sin committed in secret is exposed for all to see.

Bible references

Joshua 7:20-21, 25: "Achan answered... ‘I have sinned... When I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak... and two hundred shekels of silver... I coveted them and took them.’... And Joshua said, ‘Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today.’" (Achan's sin of greed bringing a curse upon himself and Israel).
Acts 5:3-5: "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?' When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last." (Ananias and Sapphira are judged for lying about money and misrepresenting their devotion).
1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (The core motivation of Gehazi's fall).

Cross references

Jude 1:11 (the error of Balaam for profit); Joh 12:6 (Judas's greed); Micah 3:11 (prophets who divine for money).

2 Kings 5 Analysis

The Great/Small Reversal: This is a primary structural theme. A great commander is humbled. A small captive girl initiates his healing. Powerful kings are helpless. Lowly servants offer wisdom (v.13). An insider (Gehazi) falls while an outsider (Naaman) is saved.
Gentile Inclusion: Naaman's story is a major Old Testament precursor to the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people. His conversion, confession, and healing on the basis of faith and obedience—without becoming a Jew—prefigure the teachings of the New Testament. Jesus himself uses this story to make this very point in his hometown synagogue (Luke 4:27).
Leprosy as a Type of Sin: Throughout the Bible, leprosy is a physical picture of the spiritual condition of sin. It is defiling, isolating, and incurable by human means. Naaman's cleansing is a powerful illustration of salvation: it is total, it requires humbling oneself, it comes through obedience to God's word, and it results in a "new creation" (flesh like a child).
Representing God: The central conflict between Elisha and Gehazi is over the proper representation of God. Elisha knows that accepting money would cheapen God's grace and make YHWH seem like a god who can be bribed. Gehazi, in his greed, fundamentally misrepresents God's character for personal gain, a sin that receives immediate and severe judgment.

2 Kings 5 Summary

A powerful Aramean general named Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, is pointed toward the prophet Elisha by a captive Israelite girl. Arriving with great pomp and wealth, Naaman is enraged by Elisha's simple, humbling command to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Persuaded by his servants to obey, he is miraculously cleansed. This leads to his conversion, where he confesses that Israel's God is the only God and refuses payment, demonstrating that God's grace is free. The story ends tragically as Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, driven by greed, lies to Naaman to get the payment, and is cursed with Naaman's leprosy as a consequence.

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2 Kings chapter 5 kjv

¹ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper.
² And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
³ And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
⁴ And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
⁵ And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
⁶ And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
⁷ And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
⁸ And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
⁹ So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
¹¹ But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
¹³ And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
¹⁴ Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
¹⁵ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
¹⁶ But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
¹⁷ And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.
¹⁸ In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.
¹⁹ And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
²⁰ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
²¹ So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
²² And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
²³ And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
²⁴ And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
²⁵ But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
²⁶ And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
²⁷ The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

2 Kings chapter 5 nkjv

¹ Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.
² And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife.
³ Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy."
⁴ And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, "Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel."
⁵ Then the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel." So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.
⁶ Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.
⁷ And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me."
⁸ So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel."
⁹ Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha's house.
¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean."
¹¹ But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, "Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.'
¹² Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage.
¹³ And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?"
¹⁴ So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
¹⁵ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, "Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant."
¹⁶ But he said, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
¹⁷ So Naaman said, "Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD.
¹⁸ Yet in this thing may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon?when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD please pardon your servant in this thing."
¹⁹ Then he said to him, "Go in peace." So he departed from him a short distance.
²⁰ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him."
²¹ So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, "Is all well?"
²² And he said, "All is well. My master has sent me, saying, 'Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.' "
²³ So Naaman said, "Please, take two talents." And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and handed them to two of his servants; and they carried them on ahead of him.
²⁴ When he came to the citadel, he took them from their hand, and stored them away in the house; then he let the men go, and they departed.
²⁵ Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, "Where did you go, Gehazi?" And he said, "Your servant did not go anywhere."
²⁶ Then he said to him, "Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?
²⁷ Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

2 Kings chapter 5 niv

¹ Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
² Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife.
³ She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."
⁴ Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.
⁵ "By all means, go," the king of Aram replied. "I will send a letter to the king of Israel." So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing.
⁶ The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: "With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy."
⁷ As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, "Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!"
⁸ When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: "Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel."
⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house.
¹⁰ Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."
¹¹ But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage.
¹³ Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!"
¹⁴ So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
¹⁵ Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant."
¹⁶ The prophet answered, "As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing." And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
¹⁷ "If you will not," said Naaman, "please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD.
¹⁸ But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also?when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this."
¹⁹ "Go in peace," Elisha said. After Naaman had traveled some distance,
²⁰ Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him."
²¹ So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. "Is everything all right?" he asked.
²² "Everything is all right," Gehazi answered. "My master sent me to say, 'Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.'?"
²³ "By all means, take two talents," said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi.
²⁴ When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left.
²⁵ When he went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, "Where have you been, Gehazi?" "Your servant didn't go anywhere," Gehazi answered.
²⁶ But Elisha said to him, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes?or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves?
²⁷ Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and his skin was leprous?it had become as white as snow.

2 Kings chapter 5 esv

¹ Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
² Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife.
³ She said to her mistress, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."
⁴ So Naaman went in and told his lord, "Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel."
⁵ And the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel." So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.
⁶ And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy."
⁷ And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me."
⁸ But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel."
⁹ So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house.
¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean."
¹¹ But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, "Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.
¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage.
¹³ But his servants came near and said to him, "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?"
¹⁴ So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
¹⁵ Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant."
¹⁶ But he said, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
¹⁷ Then Naaman said, "If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.
¹⁸ In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter."
¹⁹ He said to him, "Go in peace." But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance,
²⁰ Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him."
²¹ So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, "Is all well?"
²² And he said, "All is well. My master has sent me to say, 'There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.'"
²³ And Naaman said, "Be pleased to accept two talents." And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi.
²⁴ And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed.
²⁵ He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, "Where have you been, Gehazi?" And he said, "Your servant went nowhere."
²⁶ But he said to him, "Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants?
²⁷ Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever." So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

2 Kings chapter 5 nlt

¹ The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
² At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman's wife as a maid.
³ One day the girl said to her mistress, "I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy."
⁴ So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said.
⁵ "Go and visit the prophet," the king of Aram told him. "I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel." So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.
⁶ The letter to the king of Israel said: "With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy."
⁷ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, "Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he's just trying to pick a fight with me."
⁸ But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: "Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel."
⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha's house.
¹⁰ But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: "Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy."
¹¹ But Naaman became angry and stalked away. "I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!" he said. "I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me!
¹² Aren't the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn't I wash in them and be healed?" So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
¹³ But his officers tried to reason with him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'"
¹⁴ So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!
¹⁵ Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant."
¹⁶ But Elisha replied, "As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts." And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.
¹⁷ Then Naaman said, "All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the LORD.
¹⁸ However, may the LORD pardon me in this one thing: When my master the king goes into the temple of the god Rimmon to worship there and leans on my arm, may the LORD pardon me when I bow, too."
¹⁹ "Go in peace," Elisha said. So Naaman started home again.
²⁰ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, "My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him."
²¹ So Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. "Is everything all right?" Naaman asked.
²² "Yes," Gehazi said, "but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them."
²³ "By all means, take twice as much silver," Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi.
²⁴ But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house.
²⁵ When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, "Where have you been, Gehazi?" "I haven't been anywhere," he replied.
²⁶ But Elisha asked him, "Don't you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants?
²⁷ Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman's leprosy forever." When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.