2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָ֣ךְ
a messenger
H4397
מַלְאָ֣ךְ
a messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 14
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הָל֗וֹךְ
Go
H1980
הָל֗וֹךְ
Go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
שֶֽׁבַע
seven
H7651
שֶֽׁבַע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
8 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
פְּעָמִים֙
times
H6471
פְּעָמִים֙
times
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
9 of 14
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
וְיָשֹׁ֧ב
shall come again
H7725
וְיָשֹׁ֧ב
shall come again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
11 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
John 9:7And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.Leviticus 14:7And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.Joshua 6:4And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.Leviticus 14:51And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:Leviticus 14:16And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:Leviticus 16:14And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.Leviticus 16:19And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.2 Kings 2:21And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.2 Kings 3:16And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 5 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Naaman's Healing and Gehazi's Greed) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 5 regarding god's grace extends to gentiles; judgment on greed?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 5: God's grace extends to Gentiles; judgment on greed. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.