King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:19 Mean?

2 Kings 5:19 in the King James Version says “And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. a little: Heb. a little piece of ground” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 5:19 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

20

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

21

So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? Is: Heb. Is there peace?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.

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.

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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 · 8 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 8

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֖וֹ2 of 8
H0
לֵ֣ךְ3 of 8
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְשָׁל֑וֹם4 of 8

“in peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ5 of 8
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מֵֽאִתּ֖וֹ6 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כִּבְרַת7 of 8

“from him a little”

H3530

properly, length, i.e., a measure (of uncertain dimension)

אָֽרֶץ׃8 of 8

“way”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 1:17Exodus 4:18Mark 5:34Genesis 35:16Matthew 9:16-17John 16:12

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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