Gehazi is a biblical figure prominently featured in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 2 Kings. He is best known as the servant of the prophet Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as the leading prophet in Israel. Gehazi's narrative is intertwined with several key events that highlight themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of greed.

Service to Elisha

Gehazi first appears in the biblical narrative as the attendant to Elisha, the man of God. His role as a servant is significant, as he is involved in several of Elisha's miracles and interactions with others. Gehazi's presence is noted during the miraculous events surrounding the Shunammite woman, whose son Elisha raises from the dead. In 2 Kings 4:12-37, Gehazi acts as a messenger between Elisha and the Shunammite woman, and he is sent ahead by Elisha to lay the prophet's staff on the face of the dead child. However, it is Elisha's personal intervention that ultimately restores the child to life.

The Healing of Naaman

One of the most notable accounts involving Gehazi is the healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffered from leprosy. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman seeks healing from Elisha, who instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. After Naaman is healed, he offers gifts to Elisha, which the prophet refuses. Gehazi, however, sees an opportunity for personal gain and deceitfully pursues Naaman to accept gifts in Elisha's name. Gehazi's actions are recorded in 2 Kings 5:20-24:

"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, 'Look, my master has spared this Aramean Naaman, while not receiving from his hands what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.' So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, 'Is everything all right?' 'Everything is all right,' Gehazi replied. 'My master has sent me to say, "Just now two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing."'"

Naaman obliges, giving Gehazi more than he requested. Gehazi hides the gifts and returns to Elisha, who confronts him about his deceit. As a result of his actions, Gehazi is struck with Naaman's leprosy, as Elisha declares in 2 Kings 5:27: "Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever." Gehazi's greed and dishonesty lead to his downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness and deceit.

Later Appearances

Gehazi appears again in 2 Kings 8:4-5, where he is recounting to the king of Israel the great deeds performed by Elisha, including the restoration of the Shunammite woman's son. This encounter suggests that Gehazi, despite his earlier transgressions, remains a figure associated with Elisha's ministry and the miraculous works of God.

Theological Implications

Gehazi's account is often examined for its moral and spiritual lessons. His actions serve as a warning against the sin of greed and the importance of integrity in service to God. Gehazi's punishment underscores the seriousness with which God views deceit and the misuse of spiritual authority. His narrative also highlights the contrast between the faithfulness of Elisha and the failings of his servant, offering a broader reflection on the nature of discipleship and the responsibilities of those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership.Geha'zi (11 Occurrences)

2 Kings 4:12
And he said to Gehazi his servant: 'Call this Shunammite.' And when he had called her, she stood before him.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 4:14
And he said: 'What then is to be done for her?' And Gehazi answered: 'Verily she hath no son, and her husband is old.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 4:25
So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant: 'Behold, yonder is that Shunammite.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 4:27
And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said: 'Let her alone; for her soul is bitter within her; and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told Me.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 4:31
And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he returned to meet him, and told him, saying: 'The child is not awaked.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 4:36
And he called Gehazi, and said: 'Call this Shunammite.' So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said: 'Take up thy son.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 5:20
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said: 'Behold, my master hath spared this Naaman the Aramean, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; as the LORD liveth, I will surely run after him, and take somewhat of him.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 5:21
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw one running after him, he alighted from the chariot to meet him, and said: 'Is all well?'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 5:25
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.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 8:4
Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying: 'Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 8:5
And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored to life him that was dead, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said: 'My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.'
(See RSV)

Geha'zi (11 Occurrences)
Geha'zi. Gehazi, Geha'zi. Gehenna . Multi-Version Concordance Geha'zi (11
Occurrences). 2 Kings 4:12 And he said to Gehazi his servant ...
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Gehenna (12 Occurrences)

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Gehazi (14 Occurrences)

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