2 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 4
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֕א
And one went in
H935
וַיָּבֹ֕א
And one went in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּגֵּ֥ד
and told
H5046
וַיַּגֵּ֥ד
and told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
דִּבְּרָ֣ה
Thus and thus said
H1696
דִּבְּרָ֣ה
Thus and thus said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 11
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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 one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
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.