2 Kings 5:13
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּגְּשׁ֣וּ
came near
H5066
וַיִּגְּשׁ֣וּ
came near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
1 of 19
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
דִּבֶּ֥ר
and spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
and spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אָבִי֙
My father
H1
אָבִי֙
My father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
דָּבָ֣ר
thing
H1697
דָּבָ֣ר
thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
גָּד֗וֹל
thee do some great
H1419
גָּד֗וֹל
thee do some great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
8 of 19
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
דִּבֶּ֥ר
and spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
and spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
wouldest thou not have done
H6213
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
wouldest thou not have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְאַ֛ף
it how much rather then
H637
וְאַ֛ף
it how much rather then
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
14 of 19
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
2 Kings 6:21And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?2 Kings 2:12And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.2 Kings 13:14Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.Revelation 7:14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Acts 22:16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and 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.