2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 12
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹ֡א
H3808
הֲלֹ֡א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
טוֹב֩
better
H2896
טוֹב֩
better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 16
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
נַֽהֲר֣וֹת
rivers
H5104
נַֽהֲר֣וֹת
rivers
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
5 of 16
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
מִכֹּל֙
H3605
מִכֹּל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מֵימֵ֣י
than all the waters
H4325
מֵימֵ֣י
than all the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
8 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הֲלֹֽא
H3808
הֲלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְטָהָ֑רְתִּי
in them and be clean
H2891
וְטָהָ֑רְתִּי
in them and be clean
Strong's:
H2891
Word #:
13 of 16
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
וַיִּ֖פֶן
So he turned
H6437
וַיִּ֖פֶן
So he turned
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
14 of 16
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
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
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
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.