2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 27
The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽעֲמָן֙
therefore of Naaman
H5283
נַֽעֲמָן֙
therefore of Naaman
Strong's:
H5283
Word #:
2 of 10
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
תִּֽדְבַּק
shall cleave
H1692
תִּֽדְבַּק
shall cleave
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָ
unto thee and unto thy seed
H2233
וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָ
unto thee and unto thy seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
5 of 10
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
for ever
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
for ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
And he went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
And he went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִלְּפָנָ֖יו
from his presence
H6440
מִלְּפָנָ֖יו
from his presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Exodus 4:6And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.2 Kings 15:5And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.Numbers 12:10And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
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
The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
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.