King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:20 Mean?

2 Kings 5:20 in the King James Version says “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receivi... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 5:20 · KJV


Context

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?

22

And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גֵּֽיחֲזִ֗י2 of 27

But Gehazi

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

נַעַר֮3 of 27

the servant

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

אֱלִישָׁ֣ע4 of 27

of Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

אִישׁ5 of 27

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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֒6 of 27

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

הִנֵּ֣ה׀7 of 27
H2009

lo!

חָשַׂ֣ךְ8 of 27

hath spared

H2820

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

אֲדֹנִ֗י9 of 27

Behold my master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶֽת10 of 27
H853

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

נַעֲמָ֤ן11 of 27

Naaman

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

הָֽאֲרַמִּי֙12 of 27

this Syrian

H761

an aramite or aramaean

הַזֶּ֔ה13 of 27
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י14 of 27

him and take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִיָּד֖וֹ15 of 27

at his hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֵ֣ת16 of 27
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר17 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵבִ֑יא18 of 27

that which he brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חַי19 of 27

liveth

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָה֙20 of 27

but as the LORD

H3068

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

כִּֽי21 of 27
H3588

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

אִם22 of 27
H518

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

רַ֣צְתִּי23 of 27

I will run

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו24 of 27

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י25 of 27

him and take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵֽאִתּ֖וֹ26 of 27
H853

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

מְאֽוּמָה׃27 of 27

somewhat

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing


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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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