King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:24 Mean?

2 Kings 5:24 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 5:24 · KJV

Context

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

26

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

Read 2 Kings 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 11 words
וַיָּבֹא֙1 of 11

“And when he came”

H935

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

אֶל2 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעֹ֔פֶל3 of 11

“to the tower”

H6076

a tumor

וַיִּקַּ֥ח4 of 11

“he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִיָּדָ֖ם5 of 11

“them from their hand”

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

וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד6 of 11

“and bestowed”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

בַּבָּ֑יִת7 of 11

“them in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח8 of 11

“go”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 11
H853

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

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים10 of 11

“and he let the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

וַיֵּלֵֽכוּ׃11 of 11
H1980

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

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 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 21:16Joshua 7:21Joshua 7:11-12Joshua 7:1Habakkuk 2:6Isaiah 29:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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