King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:17 Mean?

2 Kings 5:17 in the King James Version says “And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

2 Kings 5:17 · King James Version


Context

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.

17

And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

18

In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.

19

And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. a little: Heb. a little piece of ground


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

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.

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 · 22 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֮1 of 22

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נַֽעֲמָן֒2 of 22

And Naaman

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

וָלֹ֕א3 of 22
H3808

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

יֻתַּן4 of 22

Shall there not then I pray thee be given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נָ֣א5 of 22
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עַבְדְּךָ֜6 of 22

for thy servant

H5650

a servant

מַשָּׂ֥א7 of 22

burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

צֶֽמֶד8 of 22

two

H6776

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

פְּרָדִ֖ים9 of 22

mules

H6505

a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)

אֲדָמָ֑ה10 of 22

of earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)

כִּ֡י11 of 22
H3588

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

לֽוֹא12 of 22
H3808

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

יַעֲשֶׂה֩13 of 22

will henceforth offer

H6213

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

ע֨וֹד14 of 22
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עַבְדְּךָ֜15 of 22

for thy servant

H5650

a servant

עֹלָ֤ה16 of 22

neither burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וָזֶ֙בַח֙17 of 22

nor sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים18 of 22

gods

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

אֲחֵרִ֔ים19 of 22

unto other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

כִּ֖י20 of 22
H3588

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

אִם21 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לַֽיהוָֽה׃22 of 22

but unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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