King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:2 Mean?

2 Kings 5:2 in the King James Version says “And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. waited: Heb. was before”

2 Kings 5:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. with: Heb. before. honourable: or, gracious: Heb. lifted up, or, accepted in countenance. deliverance: or, victory

2

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. waited: Heb. was before

3

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. with: Heb. before recover: Heb. gather in

4

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

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 · 12 words
וַֽאֲרָם֙1 of 12

“And the Syrians”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

יָֽצְא֣וּ2 of 12

“had gone out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

גְדוּדִ֔ים3 of 12

“by companies”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

וַיִּשְׁבּ֛וּ4 of 12

“and had brought away captive”

H7617

to transport into captivity

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ5 of 12

“out of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נַֽעֲרָ֣ה7 of 12

“maid”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

קְטַנָּ֑ה8 of 12

“a little”

H6996

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

וַתְּהִ֕י9 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִפְנֵ֖י10 of 12

“and she waited on”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֵ֥שֶׁת11 of 12

“wife”

H802

a woman

נַֽעֲמָֽן׃12 of 12

“Naaman's”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 6:232 Kings 13:201 Samuel 13:17-18Psalms 123:2Judges 9:34

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 5 →

Test Your Knowledge

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