2 Kings 5:18
In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.
Original Language Analysis
בַּדָּבָ֥ר
In this thing
H1697
בַּדָּבָ֥ר
In this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 27
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲדֹנִ֣י
that when my master
H113
אֲדֹנִ֣י
that when my master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
7 of 27
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בְּהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוָיָ֙תִי֙
and I bow
H7812
בְּהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוָיָ֙תִי֙
and I bow
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
10 of 27
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
שָׁ֜מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֜מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
11 of 27
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וְה֣וּא׀
H1931
וְה֣וּא׀
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 27
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 27
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָדִ֗י
on my hand
H3027
יָדִ֗י
on my hand
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
בְּהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוָיָ֙תִי֙
and I bow
H7812
בְּהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוָיָ֙תִי֙
and I bow
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
16 of 27
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
17 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בְּהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוָיָ֙תִי֙
and I bow
H7812
בְּהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוָיָ֙תִי֙
and I bow
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
19 of 27
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
20 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
נא
H4994
נא
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
23 of 27
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
24 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
2 Kings 7:2Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.2 Kings 7:17And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.2 Kings 17:35With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:Jeremiah 50:20In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.Exodus 20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;1 Kings 19:18Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
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
In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.
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.