King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:25 Mean?

2 Kings 5:25 in the King James Version says “But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy serv...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 5:25 · KJV

Context

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?

27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

Read 2 Kings 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וְהוּא1 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בָא֙2 of 16

“But he went in”

H935

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

וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד3 of 16

“and stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֶל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹנָ֔יו5 of 16

“before his master”

H113

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

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר6 of 16

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע8 of 16

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

מֵאַ֖ןִ9 of 16

“unto him Whence”

H370

where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)

גֵּֽחֲזִ֑י10 of 16

“comest thou Gehazi”

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר11 of 16

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא12 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָלַ֥ךְ13 of 16

“went”

H1980

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

עַבְדְּךָ֖14 of 16

“Thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וָאָֽנָה׃15 of 16

“no whither”

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

וָאָֽנָה׃16 of 16

“no whither”

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

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 5:25 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 5:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 5:22Proverbs 30:20Genesis 4:9Genesis 16:8John 13:26-302 Kings 20:14

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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