2 Kings 5:14
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֗רֶד
Then went he down
H3381
וַיֵּ֗רֶד
Then went he down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 14
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
שֶׁ֣בַע
himself seven
H7651
שֶׁ֣בַע
himself seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
4 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
פְּעָמִ֔ים
times
H6471
פְּעָמִ֔ים
times
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
5 of 14
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
כִּדְבַ֖ר
according to the saying
H1697
כִּדְבַ֖ר
according to the saying
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אִ֣ישׁ
of the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
of the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
came again
H7725
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
came again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
9 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כִּבְשַׂ֛ר
and his flesh
H1320
כִּבְשַׂ֛ר
and his flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
10 of 14
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
כִּבְשַׂ֛ר
and his flesh
H1320
כִּבְשַׂ֛ר
and his flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
11 of 14
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
נַ֥עַר
child
H5288
נַ֥עַר
child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
12 of 14
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
Cross References
Job 33:25His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:Luke 4:27And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.Luke 5:13And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.Zechariah 14:8And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.John 2:5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.2 Kings 5:10And 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.Zechariah 13:1In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.Job 31:13If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
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
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 5: God's grace extends to Gentiles; judgment on greed. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.