2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 2
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽאֲרָם֙
And the Syrians
H758
וַֽאֲרָם֙
And the Syrians
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
1 of 12
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
יָֽצְא֣וּ
had gone out
H3318
יָֽצְא֣וּ
had gone out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וַיִּשְׁבּ֛וּ
and had brought away captive
H7617
וַיִּשְׁבּ֛וּ
and had brought away captive
Strong's:
H7617
Word #:
4 of 12
to transport into captivity
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
קְטַנָּ֑ה
a little
H6996
קְטַנָּ֑ה
a little
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
8 of 12
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וַתְּהִ֕י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֕י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
2 Kings 6:23And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.2 Kings 13:20And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.
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
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
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.