2 Kings 5 21

2 Kings 5:21 kjv

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?

2 Kings 5:21 nkjv

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?"

2 Kings 5:21 niv

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.

2 Kings 5:21 esv

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?"

2 Kings 5:21 nlt

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.

2 Kings 5 verses

2 Kings 5 21 Meaning

2 Kings 5:21 describes Gehazi, Elisha's servant, immediately pursuing Naaman after the Syrian commander had departed, driven by covetousness. Naaman, upon seeing Gehazi running toward him, demonstrated remarkable humility and respect by dismounting from his prestigious chariot to greet Gehazi and inquire about the reason for his urgent arrival, specifically asking if everything was "well" or "peaceful." This scene sets the stage for Gehazi's deception and reveals Naaman's transformed character following his miraculous healing.

2 Kings 5 21 Context

This verse is part of the climactic aftermath of Naaman's miraculous healing from leprosy by Elisha the prophet, as recorded in 2 Kings chapter 5. After Naaman was cleansed, he returned to Elisha to express profound gratitude, offering lavish gifts. Elisha steadfastly refused any payment, emphasizing that divine healing is a free gift of God and should not be merchandised. This refusal underscored the distinctiveness of the God of Israel compared to the pagan gods and their mercenary priests. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, however, saw the rejected gifts as a lost opportunity for personal enrichment. Driven by greed, he secretly devised a plan to obtain some of Naaman's riches. Verse 21 describes Gehazi's initial act of deceit as he rushes to intercept Naaman, and Naaman's surprising response, demonstrating his newfound humility and deep respect for Elisha's prophetic office. This action by Gehazi is pivotal, initiating his personal downfall and contrasting sharply with Elisha's selfless devotion to God's glory.

2 Kings 5 21 Word analysis

• So Gehazi followed after Naaman: The Hebrew phrase is וַיִּרְדֹּף גֵּיחֲזִי אַחֲרֵי נַעֲמָן (wayyirədōf Gēiḥazî ’aḥărêy Na‛ăman).

  • followed after / running after (וַיִּרְדֹּף, wayyirədōf): From the root רדף (radaph), meaning "to pursue," "to chase," "to follow eagerly." Here, it denotes urgency and intention. In other contexts, radaph can mean pursuit with hostile intent or diligent pursuit for good, but in this context, it clearly signifies Gehazi's determined pursuit of gain, highlighting his departure from Elisha's principles. His eagerness to catch up contrasts with Elisha's unhurried, trustful disposition.
  • Gehazi: Elisha's trusted servant. His name, possibly related to "valley of vision," tragically contrasts with his lack of spiritual discernment. His actions here mark a betrayal of his master and his master's God.

• And when Naaman saw him running after him: This emphasizes Naaman's perspective and the unexpectedness of the encounter. Naaman, a high-ranking Syrian general, likely expected to be well on his way, having concluded his business with the prophet.

• he got down from the chariot (וַיֵּרֶד מֵעַל הַמֶּרְכָּבָה, wayyered mē‛al hammerkābâ):

  • got down (וַיֵּרֶד, wayyered): From the root ירד (yarad), "to descend," "to go down." This is a significant act. Chariots were symbols of power, speed, and social status. For a man of Naaman's stature to dismount his chariot for a mere servant demonstrated immense respect and humility. It stands in stark contrast to his initial prideful reaction to Elisha's instructions in verse 11 ("Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me...’"). His willingness to humble himself for Elisha's servant reveals the transformative impact of his healing and encounter with the God of Israel.
  • the chariot (הַמֶּרְכָּבָה, hammerkābâ): A clear sign of Naaman's military and social rank. His immediate dismounting indicates a newfound reverence for the divine authority represented by Elisha, even if filtered through his servant.

• to meet him: This further highlights Naaman's courtesy and his readiness to engage with Gehazi as someone bearing an important message, perhaps from Elisha.

• and said, "Is all well?" (וַיֹּאמֶר הֲשָׁלוֹם, wayyō’mer haššālōm):

  • Is all well? (הֲשָׁלוֹם, haššālōm): A standard Hebrew greeting, inquiring about the well-being of a person or situation. The interrogative ha- transforms "peace" (shalom) into a question: "Is there peace/well-being?" In this context, Naaman likely expresses concern, wondering if something unforeseen or troublesome has occurred that necessitated Gehazi's hasty pursuit. He may suspect Elisha has changed his mind or has some urgent message for him. His query is polite and reflects a profound change from his former demanding and angry demeanor. Shalom encompasses more than just physical health; it refers to completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, and security—a total well-being that Naaman had just experienced from the hand of Elisha's God.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • Gehazi followed after Naaman: This phrase encapsulates Gehazi's decisive move towards self-interest, directly contrasting Elisha's principled refusal of gifts. It signals his intention to violate the sacred space of prophetic ministry for personal gain, immediately demonstrating disobedience and avarice.
  • Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him: This sequence profoundly illustrates Naaman's transformed heart. His swift descent from a symbol of power underscores his newfound humility, gratitude, and reverence for Elisha and the God he serves. It reveals a radical change from his previous haughty disposition, presenting a picture of courtesy and respect towards one whom he now regards as an emissary from a truly powerful deity. This humility on Naaman's part serves as a foil to Gehazi's escalating deceit and highlights the spiritual growth of the foreigner versus the spiritual failing within Israel.
  • and said, “Is all well?”: Naaman’s anxious inquiry indicates genuine concern and deference. He doesn't command or question Gehazi's audacity, but instead politely seeks understanding, possibly fearing Elisha had an urgent need or that some negative development had occurred. His deferential approach starkly contrasts Gehazi's selfish ambition.

2 Kings 5 21 Bonus section

• The episode with Gehazi here (and his subsequent fate) stands as a powerful cautionary tale within the narrative of 2 Kings, reminding readers that proximity to holiness does not guarantee personal sanctity. It reflects the consistent biblical theme that external religiosity without internal purity and obedience leads to spiritual declension.
• The dramatic visual of a powerful foreign commander humbling himself before a servant underscores the radical change of heart God brought about in Naaman, echoing themes where God's saving power transcends national boundaries and worldly status.
• This specific verse sets up a "test" of Gehazi's integrity, where he consciously chooses avarice over alignment with his master's righteous example. His failure highlights the perpetual human struggle against covetousness, a sin that repeatedly causes downfall in scripture, from Achan to Ananias and Sapphira.

2 Kings 5 21 Commentary

2 Kings 5:21 marks a pivotal moment where the spiritual integrity of Elisha’s ministry faces a severe internal threat. While Naaman's healing demonstrates God's abundant grace and Elisha's faithfulness, Gehazi's actions expose the vulnerability of even close associates to temptation. His urgent "pursuit" of Naaman is fueled by sheer greed, undermining the very principles Elisha had demonstrated – that divine blessings are not for sale. Naaman's response, descending from his chariot and humbly asking "Is all well?", serves as a poignant contrast. A newly converted gentile commander displays greater humility and deference towards God's prophet (even through his servant) than the prophet's own long-serving Israelite assistant. This powerful visual of a Syrian dignitary humbling himself before an Israelite servant highlights Naaman's profound transformation and inadvertently foreshadows the coming judgment on Gehazi, underscoring that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, regardless of origin.