King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:21 Mean?

2 Kings 5:21 in the King James Version says “So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Kings 5:21 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

23

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

Read 2 Kings 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 14 words
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף1 of 14

“followed”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

גֵּֽיחֲזִ֖י2 of 14

“So Gehazi”

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו3 of 14

“after”

H310

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

נַֽעֲמָן֙4 of 14

“And when Naaman”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

וַיִּרְאֶ֤ה5 of 14

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נַֽעֲמָן֙6 of 14

“And when Naaman”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

רָ֣ץ7 of 14

“him running”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו8 of 14

“after”

H310

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

וַיִּפֹּ֞ל9 of 14

“him he lighted down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מֵעַ֧ל10 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמֶּרְכָּבָ֛ה11 of 14

“from the chariot”

H4818

a chariot

לִקְרָאת֖וֹ12 of 14

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר13 of 14

“him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲשָׁלֽוֹם׃14 of 14

“Is all well”

H7965

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

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 5:21 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 5:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 10:25-262 Kings 4:262 Kings 9:17-22Acts 8:31Luke 7:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 5 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes