King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:23 Mean?

2 Kings 5:23 in the King James Version says “And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two c...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 5:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. tower: or, secret place

25

But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. no whither: Heb. not hither or thither

Read 2 Kings 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נַֽעֲמָ֔ן2 of 21

“And Naaman”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

הוֹאֵ֖ל3 of 21

“Be content”

H2974

properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition

קַ֣ח4 of 21

“take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

כִּכְּרַ֨יִם5 of 21

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

וַיִּפְרָץ6 of 21

“And he urged”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

בּ֗וֹ7 of 21
H0
וַיָּצַר֩8 of 21
H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

כִּכְּרַ֨יִם9 of 21

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

כֶּ֜סֶף10 of 21

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שְׁנֵ֣י11 of 21

“in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חֲרִטִ֗ים12 of 21

“bags”

H2754

properly, cut out (or hollow), i.e., (by implication) a pocket

שְׁנֵ֣י13 of 21

“in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חֲלִפ֣וֹת14 of 21

“changes”

H2487

alternation

בְּגָדִ֔ים15 of 21

“of garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיִּתֵּן֙16 of 21

“and laid”

H5414

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

אֶל17 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁנֵ֣י18 of 21

“in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

נְעָרָ֔יו19 of 21

“of his servants”

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

וַיִּשְׂא֖וּ20 of 21

“and they bare”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לְפָנָֽיו׃21 of 21

“them before”

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

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 5:23 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 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 12:102 Kings 2:17Isaiah 30:62 Kings 6:31 Kings 20:7Luke 11:54

Test Your Knowledge

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

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