Naaman Cured of Leprosy 1Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.a 2At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. 3She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” 4And Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5“Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver,b six thousand shekels of gold,c and ten sets of clothing. 6And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” 8Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” 11But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. 12Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13Naaman’s servants, however, approached 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’?” 14So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean. Gehazi’s Greed and Leprosy 15Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 16But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. 17“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD. 18Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.” 19“Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, 20Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” 22“Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silverd and two sets of clothing.’” 23But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi. 24When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed. 25When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. 26But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? 27Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. Footnotes: 1 a A leper, or one with leprosy, was one afflicted with a skin disease; here and throughout this chapter; see Leviticus 13. 5 b 10 talents is approximately 754 pounds or 342 kilograms of silver. 5 c 6,000 shekels is approximately 150.8 pounds or 68.4 kilograms of gold. 22 d A talent is approximately 75.4 pounds or 34.2 kilograms of silver. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 5 Summary Naaman Cured of LeprosyVerses 1–5 – Naaman the Leper Hears of a Hope Verses 6–7 – The King of Israel Panics Verses 8–12 – Elisha’s Strange Instructions Verses 13–15a – Naaman Obeys and Is Cleansed Verses 15b-19 – Gratitude and Confession of Faith Verses 20–24 – Gehazi’s Greedy Scheme Verses 25–27 – Gehazi Is Judged 2 Kings 5 is a compelling chapter in the Old Testament that beautifully illustrates God's miraculous healing power, the virtue of humility, and the grave consequences of greed. The chapter tells the account of Naaman, an esteemed Aramean military commander afflicted by leprosy, and his transformation through his encounter with the Prophet Elisha. It also provides an insightful look at the missteps of Elisha's servant Gehazi, revealing the dire consequences of dishonesty and greed. Historical Background • Aram (later Syria) was Israel’s northern neighbor and frequent foe (1 Kings 22:1). • Victories “by him the LORD had given” (v. 1) show God’s sovereign hand even over Gentile nations (cf. Isaiah 45:1). • Leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean in Israel (Leviticus 13–14); yet Naaman, a foreigner, seeks Israel’s God for healing. Characters in Focus • Naaman: prestigious yet desperate; his shift from pride to humble obedience models how God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). • The unnamed slave girl: exhibits faith, compassion, and bold witness despite personal loss—an Old Testament example of loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). • Elisha: refuses payment, underscoring that God’s power is not for sale (Acts 8:18-20). • Gehazi: contrasts sharply with his master; his greed mirrors the sin of Achan (Joshua 7) and foreshadows Judas Iscariot’s betrayal for silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Geography and Archaeology • The Jordan River’s waters are often muddy; its humble appearance heightens the test of Naaman’s faith. • Damascus’s rivers Abana and Pharpar were fed by snowmelt from Mount Hermon, likely clearer and more esteemed. Inscriptions from the period refer to these rivers as life-giving, explaining Naaman’s initial preference. • Excavations at Tell Dan reveal Aramean military presence in the 9th century BC, aligning with the era of Naaman’s campaigns. The Jordan Sevenfold Immersion • Seven signifies completeness in Scripture (Genesis 2:2-3; Joshua 6). Naaman’s seven dips stress total dependence on God’s prescribed way, not partial or modified obedience. • Similar “dip and be restored” pattern appears with the blind man at Siloam (John 9:7). Grace Apart from Payment • Elisha’s refusal of silver (v. 16) mirrors Abraham’s refusal of spoils from the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:22-23)—both avoid any hint that God’s blessing is purchasable. • Salvation “without money and without cost” is later declared in Isaiah 55:1 and fulfilled in Christ’s free gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Foreshadowing of Christ • A Gentile healed while Israel struggles with unbelief previews the gospel reaching the nations (Luke 4:27). • Dipping in the Jordan prefigures baptism as a sign of cleansing and new life (Romans 6:4). The water itself did not heal; obedience to the word of God did. Moral Contrast: Naaman vs. Gehazi 1. Naaman: outsider, begins proud, ends humbled and blessed. 2. Gehazi: insider, begins privileged, ends cursed. This reversal illustrates Jesus’ warning: “Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first” (Matthew 19:30). Connections to Other Scriptures • Luke 4:27 – Jesus cites Naaman to show God’s concern for outsiders. • Acts 10 – Cornelius, another Gentile soldier, receives grace after humble obedience. • 1 Timothy 6:10 – Gehazi’s love of money becomes “a root of all kinds of evil.” Lessons for Believers Today • God’s power works through simple obedience, not impressive rituals. • Status, nationality, or past victories cannot shield anyone from human brokenness. • A small voice (the servant girl) can redirect the destiny of nations. • Greed, even in spiritual settings, brings devastation; integrity keeps the witness pure. Hebrew Word Notes • “Leprosy” (tsara‘at) covers various skin diseases; the key issue is visible defilement. • “Wash” (rachts) implies an act of cleansing rather than ceremonial sprinkling—emphasizing thorough surrender. Miracle Patterns in Elisha’s Ministry Elisha’s miracles often involve ordinary items—salt (2 Kings 2), oil (2 Kings 4), water again here—showing that everyday elements become channels when surrendered to God. Archaeological Parallels to Gehazi’s Silver Weights and inscribed ingots from 9th-century Israel match Gehazi’s “talent of silver” (about 75 pounds). The narrative’s detail of “two changes of clothes” mirrors luxury items found in Samaria’s palace storehouses. Application Snapshot Naaman teaches that no one is beyond God’s reach, and Gehazi warns that proximity to grace means little without personal integrity. Obeying God’s word—however mundane the task—opens the floodgates of mercy. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 4:6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Teaching Points Naaman's Status and ConditionNaaman was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded (2 Kings 5:1), yet he suffered from leprosy, illustrating that no one is immune to life's challenges, regardless of their status. The Role of the Servant Girl A young Israelite girl, taken captive, plays a pivotal role by directing Naaman to the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:3). Her faith and courage remind us that God can use anyone, regardless of their position, to fulfill His purposes. Elisha's Simple Instruction Elisha instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times (2 Kings 5:10). This simple act of obedience becomes a test of Naaman's faith and humility. Naaman's Initial Reaction Naaman's pride is evident in his anger and reluctance to follow Elisha's instructions (2 Kings 5:11-12). He expected a grand gesture, not a humble act of washing in the Jordan. The Power of Obedience Naaman's servants persuade him to obey Elisha, leading to his healing (2 Kings 5:13-14). This highlights the importance of humility and obedience in experiencing God's miracles. Acknowledgment of the True God After his healing, Naaman acknowledges the God of Israel as the only true God (2 Kings 5:15), demonstrating the impact of personal testimony and transformation. Practical Applications Embrace HumilityRecognize that pride can hinder our relationship with God and block His blessings. Approach God with a humble heart, ready to obey His instructions. Value Small Acts of Faith Understand that God often works through simple, seemingly insignificant acts of faith. Be open to His guidance, even when it doesn't align with our expectations. Be a Witness Like the servant girl, use your position, no matter how small, to point others to God. Your faith can inspire and lead others to seek Him. Trust in God's Methods God's ways are not our ways. Trust His methods and timing, even when they seem unconventional or challenging. People 1. NaamanNaaman is described as the commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, but he suffered from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). The Hebrew root for "leprosy" is "צָרַעַת" (tzara'at), which refers to a variety of skin diseases. 2. The King of Aram Although not named in this chapter, he is the ruler who sends Naaman to the king of Israel with a letter, seeking healing for Naaman's leprosy (2 Kings 5:5-6). 3. The Young Israelite Girl She is a captive servant in Naaman's household who tells Naaman's wife about the prophet in Samaria who could heal Naaman of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3). 4. The King of Israel Also unnamed in this chapter, he receives the letter from the king of Aram and reacts with distress, tearing his clothes because he believes the king of Aram is seeking a quarrel (2 Kings 5:7). 5. Elisha Elisha is the prophet in Israel who instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:8-10). The Hebrew root for "prophet" is "נָבִיא" (navi). 6. Gehazi Gehazi is the servant of Elisha who, after Naaman is healed, deceitfully seeks gifts from Naaman and is subsequently struck with leprosy as a punishment (2 Kings 5:20-27). 7. Naaman's Servants These are the unnamed servants who accompany Naaman and persuade him to follow Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:13). Places 1. Aram (Syria)Aram, also known as Syria, is the region where Naaman, the commander of the army, is from. It is a significant location as it represents a foreign nation that often had conflicts with Israel. The Hebrew root for Aram is אֲרָם (Aram). 2. Israel Israel is the nation where the prophet Elisha resides. It is the land of God's chosen people, and it is where Naaman travels to seek healing. The Hebrew root for Israel is יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el). 3. Samaria Samaria is the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period. It is where Naaman goes to meet the king of Israel before being directed to Elisha. The Hebrew root for Samaria is שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomron). 4. Jordan River The Jordan River is the place where Elisha instructs Naaman to wash seven times to be healed of his leprosy. It is a significant site for many biblical events and symbolizes cleansing and renewal. The Hebrew root for Jordan is יַרְדֵּן (Yarden). Events 1. Naaman's Leprosy and the Servant Girl's SuggestionNaaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, is described as a great man and highly regarded, but he suffers from leprosy. A young Israelite girl, taken captive, suggests to Naaman's wife that he should visit the prophet in Samaria for healing. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:1-3^ 2. Naaman Seeks Permission from the King of Aram Naaman approaches the king of Aram, who sends him to the king of Israel with a letter, gifts, and a request for healing. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:4-6^ 3. The King of Israel's Distress The king of Israel is distressed upon receiving the letter, tearing his clothes and questioning if he is God to heal leprosy, suspecting a quarrel. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:7^ 4. Elisha's Invitation Elisha, the prophet, hears of the king's distress and sends a message inviting Naaman to come to him, so Naaman will know there is a prophet in Israel. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:8^ 5. Naaman's Visit to Elisha and Instructions for Healing Naaman arrives at Elisha's house, and Elisha sends a messenger instructing him to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed. Naaman is initially angered by the simplicity of the instructions and Elisha's lack of personal attention. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:9-12^ 6. Naaman's Servants Persuade Him Naaman's servants reason with him, encouraging him to follow the prophet's simple instructions. Naaman complies and is healed after washing in the Jordan. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:13-14^ 7. Naaman's Acknowledgment of God After his healing, Naaman returns to Elisha, acknowledging that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel, and offers a gift, which Elisha refuses. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:15-16^ 8. Naaman's Request for Earth and Pardon Naaman requests to take two mule-loads of earth to worship the LORD and asks for pardon when he must bow in the temple of Rimmon with his master. Elisha tells him to go in peace. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:17-19^ 9. Gehazi's Deception Gehazi, Elisha's servant, pursues Naaman, deceitfully asking for gifts in Elisha's name. Naaman gives him silver and garments. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:20-24^ 10. Elisha Confronts Gehazi Elisha confronts Gehazi about his deceit, and Gehazi is struck with Naaman's leprosy as a consequence. ^Reference: 2 Kings 5:25-27^ Topics 1. Naaman's Leprosy and His Journey to IsraelNaaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, is described as a great man and highly regarded, but he suffers from leprosy. A young Israelite girl, taken captive, suggests that Naaman seek healing from the prophet in Samaria. This sets the stage for Naaman's journey to Israel in search of healing. The Hebrew term for leprosy, "צָרַעַת" (tzara'at), indicates a range of skin diseases, not just what is known today as leprosy. 2. The King's Reaction and Elisha's Invitation Naaman arrives in Israel with a letter from the king of Aram, causing the king of Israel to react with distress, fearing a provocation. Elisha, the prophet, hears of this and sends a message to the king, inviting Naaman to come to him so that he may know there is a prophet in Israel. This highlights the power and presence of God in Israel through His prophet. 3. Naaman's Healing and the Jordan River Elisha instructs Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. Initially, Naaman is angered by the simplicity of the command, expecting a more dramatic healing process. However, his servants persuade him to follow the prophet's instructions, and upon doing so, Naaman is healed. The number seven, "שֶׁבַע" (sheva), often symbolizes completeness or perfection in Hebrew culture. 4. Naaman's Conversion and Acknowledgment of God After his healing, Naaman returns to Elisha, acknowledging that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. He offers a gift to Elisha, which the prophet refuses, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God, not a transaction. Naaman's declaration signifies a turning point in his faith, recognizing the sovereignty of the God of Israel. 5. Gehazi's Greed and Punishment Gehazi, Elisha's servant, succumbs to greed and deceitfully pursues Naaman to obtain gifts. Upon returning, Gehazi lies to Elisha about his actions. Elisha confronts him, and as a result, Gehazi is struck with Naaman's leprosy. This serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of greed and dishonesty, reinforcing the importance of integrity and faithfulness. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and HealingThe account of Naaman's healing underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His power to heal. Naaman, a commander of the Aramean army, is healed of leprosy through the prophet Elisha, demonstrating that God's power transcends national boundaries. The Hebrew word for "leprosy" (צָרַעַת, tzara'at) indicates a serious skin condition, symbolizing impurity and separation, which only God can cleanse. 2. Faith and Obedience Naaman's healing is contingent upon his obedience to Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River seven times. This theme highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God's word, even when it seems illogical. The act of washing (Hebrew: רָחַץ, rachatz) symbolizes purification and submission to God's will. 3. Pride and Humility Naaman initially reacts with pride and anger when told to wash in the Jordan, expecting a more grandiose healing. His eventual humility in following Elisha's simple command illustrates the necessity of humility before God. The narrative contrasts human pride with the humility required to receive God's grace. 4. God's Universal Grace The healing of Naaman, a non-Israelite, reflects the theme of God's grace being available to all people, not just the Israelites. This foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation for all nations. The Hebrew term for "grace" (חֵן, chen) implies favor and kindness, which God extends universally. 5. The Role of Prophets Elisha's role as a prophet is central to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of prophets as God's messengers and instruments of His will. The Hebrew word for prophet (נָבִיא, navi) signifies one who speaks on behalf of God, guiding people to divine truth and action. 6. The Danger of Greed Gehazi, Elisha's servant, succumbs to greed by deceitfully obtaining gifts from Naaman. His subsequent punishment serves as a warning against covetousness and dishonesty. The Hebrew word for "greed" (בֶּצַע, betsa) conveys the idea of unjust gain, which leads to spiritual and physical consequences. 7. Witness and Testimony The young Israelite girl, a captive in Aram, bears witness to God's power by directing Naaman to Elisha. Her testimony exemplifies the impact of faithful witness, regardless of one's circumstances. The Hebrew root for "witness" (עֵד, ed) involves testifying to truth, which can lead others to experience God's power. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Naaman’s leprosy (2 Kings 5:1, 14) be scientifically explained as instantly healed by dipping in the Jordan River? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How did the Israelite servant girl's faith in God impact Naaman's life? In what ways can our faith influence others in our lives today? 2. What does Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions tell us about his expectations? How can our expectations sometimes hinder our ability to receive help or blessings? 3. How does Naaman's transformation from a high-ranking military official to a humble believer inspire you? 4. How do the actions of the servant girl and Gehazi contrast? What does this teach us about the importance of our choices? 5. Discuss the role of the Jordan River in Naaman's healing. How does it symbolize the process of cleansing and renewal? 6. Why do you think Elisha refused Naaman's gifts? What does this teach us about accepting rewards for doing God's work? 7. Why does Naaman ask for two mule-loads of earth from Israel? What significance does this hold in terms of his newfound faith? 8. How does Gehazi's deception and subsequent punishment reflect on the concept of integrity and honesty in our lives? 9. What lessons can be drawn from the comparison of Naaman's and Gehazi's responses to God's grace and power? 10. How does 2 Kings 5 challenge our views on power, prestige, and humility? 11. How does the story of Naaman relate to the New Testament's teachings on faith and healing? 12. In today's world, how can we identify and correct when we, like the King of Israel, misinterpret or react poorly to a situation due to fear or anxiety? 13. Discuss the impact of pride on our relationship with God, drawing from Naaman's initial refusal to wash in the Jordan. 14. What does Naaman's healing tell us about God's mercy and grace, even towards those who are not initially part of His chosen people? 15. In light of Gehazi's punishment, discuss the concept of sin and its consequences. How does this apply to our lives today? 16. How does Naaman's transformation inspire you to share your faith with others? 17. How does the servant girl's faithfulness inspire you to act in your current circumstances, regardless of how insignificant you might feel? 18. In what ways have you, like Naaman, had to humble yourself to experience God's blessings? 19. How can we apply the lessons from Gehazi's downfall to prevent greed and dishonesty in our lives? 20. Reflect on a situation where you, like Elisha, had to stand firm in your principles despite the lure of material gain. What was the outcome? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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