King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:3 Mean?

2 Kings 5:3 in the King James Version says “And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. with: Heb. before recover: Heb. gather in”

2 Kings 5:3 · KJV

Context

1

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. with: Heb. before. honourable: or, gracious: Heb. lifted up, or, accepted in countenance. deliverance: or, victory

2

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. waited: Heb. was before

3

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. with: Heb. before recover: Heb. gather in

4

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

5

And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. with: Heb. in his hand

Read 2 Kings 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

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.

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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 · 13 words
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 13

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּבִרְתָּ֔הּ3 of 13

“unto her mistress”

H1404

mistress

אַֽחֲלֵ֣י4 of 13

“Would”

H305

would that!

אֲדֹנִ֔י5 of 13

“God my lord”

H113

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

לִפְנֵ֥י6 of 13

“were with”

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

הַנָּבִ֖יא7 of 13

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 13
H834

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

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן9 of 13

“that is in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

אָ֛ז10 of 13

“for”

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֶֽאֱסֹ֥ף11 of 13

“he would recover”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֹת֖וֹ12 of 13
H853

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

מִצָּֽרַעְתּֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“him of his leprosy”

H6883

leprosy

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:29Luke 17:12-14Numbers 11:292 Kings 5:8Matthew 11:5Matthew 8:2-3

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 5 →

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