2 Kings 5:20
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
Original Language Analysis
נַעַר֮
the servant
H5288
נַעַר֮
the servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 27
(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
אִישׁ
the man
H376
אִישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 27
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֒
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֒
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 27
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
חָשַׂ֣ךְ
hath spared
H2820
חָשַׂ֣ךְ
hath spared
Strong's:
H2820
Word #:
8 of 27
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
אֲדֹנִ֗י
Behold my master
H113
אֲדֹנִ֗י
Behold my master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
9 of 27
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַעֲמָ֤ן
Naaman
H5283
נַעֲמָ֤ן
Naaman
Strong's:
H5283
Word #:
11 of 27
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י
him and take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י
him and take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
14 of 27
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִיָּד֖וֹ
at his hands
H3027
מִיָּד֖וֹ
at his hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
15 of 27
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵבִ֑יא
that which he brought
H935
הֵבִ֑יא
that which he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
18 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
חַי
liveth
H2416
חַי
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
19 of 27
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָה֙
but as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
but as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
21 of 27
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
22 of 27
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
רַ֣צְתִּי
I will run
H7323
רַ֣צְתִּי
I will run
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
23 of 27
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
24 of 27
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י
him and take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י
him and take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
25 of 27
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Cross References
2 Kings 4:12And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.2 Kings 4:36And 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.2 Kings 4:31And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.2 Kings 6:31Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.Exodus 20:7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
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
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
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.