King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:14 Mean?

2 Kings 5:14 in the King James Version says “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh ca... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 5:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 5: God's grace extends to Gentiles; judgment on greed. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֵּ֗רֶד1 of 14

Then went he down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

וַיִּטְבֹּ֤ל2 of 14

and dipped

H2881

to dip, to immerse

בַּיַּרְדֵּן֙3 of 14

in Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

שֶׁ֣בַע4 of 14

himself seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פְּעָמִ֔ים5 of 14

times

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

כִּדְבַ֖ר6 of 14

according to the saying

H1697

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

אִ֣ישׁ7 of 14

of the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים8 of 14

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיָּ֣שָׁב9 of 14

came again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

כִּבְשַׂ֛ר10 of 14

and his flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

כִּבְשַׂ֛ר11 of 14

and his flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

נַ֥עַר12 of 14

child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

קָטֹ֖ן13 of 14

of a little

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וַיִּטְהָֽר׃14 of 14

and he was 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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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