2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 21
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף
followed
H7291
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף
followed
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
1 of 14
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
נַֽעֲמָן֙
And when Naaman
H5283
נַֽעֲמָן֙
And when Naaman
Strong's:
H5283
Word #:
4 of 14
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
וַיִּרְאֶ֤ה
saw
H7200
וַיִּרְאֶ֤ה
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נַֽעֲמָן֙
And when Naaman
H5283
נַֽעֲמָן֙
And when Naaman
Strong's:
H5283
Word #:
6 of 14
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וַיִּפֹּ֞ל
him he lighted down
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֞ל
him he lighted down
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
9 of 14
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
מֵעַ֧ל
H5921
מֵעַ֧ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִקְרָאת֖וֹ
to meet
H7125
לִקְרָאת֖וֹ
to meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
12 of 14
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
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
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
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.