2 Kings 5 15

2 Kings 5:15 kjv

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.

2 Kings 5:15 nkjv

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."

2 Kings 5:15 niv

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."

2 Kings 5:15 esv

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."

2 Kings 5:15 nlt

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."

2 Kings 5 verses

2 Kings 5 15 Meaning

2 Kings 5:15 details Naaman’s profound realization and declaration of faith following his miraculous healing from leprosy. He returned to the prophet Elisha with his entire retinue, formally proclaiming that the God of Israel is the one true God, unique among all "gods" in the entire world. In gratitude and reverence, Naaman then earnestly sought to offer a gift to Elisha.

2 Kings 5 15 Context

This verse immediately follows Naaman’s miraculous healing from leprosy after immersing himself seven times in the Jordan River, as instructed by the prophet Elisha. Initially, Naaman was angry and dismissive of Elisha's seemingly simple instructions, preferring more grand acts or the "superior" rivers of Damascus. However, his servants persuaded him to obey. His complete healing transformed his worldview. Historically, the episode takes place during a time of frequent conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria), yet here, a prominent Syrian general recognizes and bows before the God of Israel, illustrating God's sovereignty over nations and the limitations of their own deities.

2 Kings 5 15 Word analysis

• Then he returned: וַיָּשָׁב (vayyashav). The verb signifies a turning back, often implying a change of direction or even repentance. Naaman's physical return mirrors a spiritual turning point. This was not a reluctant callback, but an intentional turning, full of newfound reverence.
• to the man of God: אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים (ish ha'elohim). A consistent biblical title for a prophet like Elisha, emphasizing his divine appointment and the authority of God working through him. Naaman, previously dismissive, now treats Elisha with ultimate respect due to his recognized connection to the true God.
• he and all his company: וְכָל-מַחֲנֵהוּ (vechol-machanehu). "His company" (or camp/host) emphasizes Naaman's significant entourage and high rank, making his public declaration weighty and witnessed. This was not a private confession but a visible testimony of God's power.
• and came and stood before him: וַיָּבֹא וַיַּעֲמֹד לְפָנָיו (vayyavo vayya'amod lefanav). This posture of standing "before him" implies a position of respect, deference, and readiness to hear or declare something important, acknowledging Elisha’s authority and God’s majesty.
• and he said, 'Behold now': הִנֵּה-נָּא (hinneh-na). An emphatic interjection, equivalent to "Listen now!" or "Surely now!" It signals the unveiling of a profound personal revelation.
• 'I know': יָדַעְתִּי (yadati). From the root יָדַע (yada), meaning "to know," but here it denotes an experiential, transformative knowledge, not just intellectual assent. Naaman has not merely heard about God, he has experienced Him and His power firsthand. This is a knowledge gained through revelation and personal encounter.
• 'that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel': אֵין אֱלֹהִים בְּכָל-הָאָרֶץ כִּי אִם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל (ein elohim bechol-ha'aretz ki im beYisrael). This is Naaman's pivotal declaration of monotheism. "God" here is Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), which can refer to "gods" in general or the true God. Naaman's statement directly confronts and dismisses the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in his own culture (e.g., the Syrian god Rimmon, mentioned in verse 18). It’s a polemic against all false deities, declaring the exclusive, universal sovereignty of YHWH, the God of Israel. This profound realization elevates YHWH from a mere tribal deity to the sole ruler of the cosmos in Naaman's understanding.
• 'therefore, please accept a present from your servant': קַח נָא בְרָכָה מִיַּד עַבְדֶּךָ (kach na berakhah miyad avdecha). Literally, "please take a blessing from the hand of your servant." The word בְרָכָה (berakhah), "blessing," when used in the context of gifts (like in Gen 33:11; Judg 1:15), denotes a token of esteem, gratitude, and good will. It signifies a desire to foster a positive relationship and honor the benefactor. It's more than just a transaction or payment; it's a deep expression of respect and indebtedness. Naaman considers himself a "servant" (עַבְדֶּךָ - avdecha), a mark of profound humility, especially from a powerful foreign general.

2 Kings 5 15 Bonus section

The story of Naaman serves as a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on Gentile inclusion in God's covenant family. Jesus himself references Naaman in Luke 4:27, highlighting God's sovereign choice to bless outside of Israel, which infuriated his audience in Nazareth. This story also highlights the core principle that salvation and healing from God are matters of divine grace, entirely unearned, as evidenced by Elisha's steadfast refusal of Naaman's lavish gift. Elisha understood that accepting payment would imply God's blessing was transactional, rather than a freely given expression of His power and mercy. This stark contrast with Naaman’s cultural expectation of reciprocal gifting sets the stage for a new understanding of God’s nature.

2 Kings 5 15 Commentary

2 Kings 5:15 stands as a monumental declaration of the one true God from an unexpected quarter. Naaman's conversion is a testament to God's universal sovereignty and His ability to reveal Himself across cultural and national boundaries. His healing was not just physical, but spiritual. Previously blinded by nationalistic pride and attachment to his own gods and customs, he now sees clearly that only YHWH, the God of Israel, possesses ultimate power and authority throughout the whole earth. His declaration is a powerful and public renunciation of idolatry, aligning himself, by faith, with the God who has no rival. Naaman's eagerness to offer a "blessing" or gift is a genuine expression of his overwhelming gratitude and reverence, though Elisha's subsequent refusal emphasizes that God's grace and gifts cannot be bought or earned, but are freely given. This episode foreshadows the future inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan through faith. For practical usage, this passage reminds us that God can transform even the hardest hearts, and that true spiritual revelation often leads to humility, gratitude, and a desire to honor God’s servants without expectation of recompense for God's blessings.