King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:13 Mean?

2 Kings 5:13 in the King James Version says “And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wo... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2 Kings 5:13 · King James Version


Context

11

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. I thought: Heb. I said. or, I said with my self, He will surely come out, etc. strike: Heb. move up and down

12

Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. Abana: or, Amana

13

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

15

And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 5 regarding god's grace extends to gentiles; judgment on greed?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּגְּשׁ֣וּ1 of 19

came near

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

עֲבָדָיו֮2 of 19

And his servants

H5650

a servant

דִּבֶּ֥ר3 of 19

and spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָיו֒4 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָמַ֥ר5 of 19

unto him and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָבִי֙6 of 19

My father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

דָּבָ֣ר7 of 19

thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

גָּד֗וֹל8 of 19

thee do some great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַנָּבִ֛יא9 of 19

if the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

דִּבֶּ֥ר10 of 19

and spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֖יךָ11 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֲל֣וֹא12 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה13 of 19

wouldest thou not have done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְאַ֛ף14 of 19

it how much rather then

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

כִּֽי15 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֥ר16 of 19

unto him and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֖יךָ17 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רְחַ֥ץ18 of 19

to thee Wash

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

וּטְהָֽר׃19 of 19

and be clean

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 5:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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