2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 25
But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
Original Language Analysis
וְהוּא
H1931
וְהוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בָא֙
But he went in
H935
בָא֙
But he went in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד
and stood
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד
and stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
3 of 16
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
אֲדֹנָ֔יו
before his master
H113
אֲדֹנָ֔יו
before his master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
5 of 16
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
מֵאַ֖ןִ
unto him Whence
H370
מֵאַ֖ןִ
unto him Whence
Strong's:
H370
Word #:
9 of 16
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָלַ֥ךְ
went
H1980
הָלַ֥ךְ
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
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
But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
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.