King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 5:4 Mean?

2 Kings 5:4 in the King James Version says “And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 5:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.

Read 2 Kings 5 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וַיָּבֹ֕א1 of 11

“And one went in”

H935

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

וַיַּגֵּ֥ד2 of 11

“and told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לַֽאדֹנָ֖יו3 of 11

“his lord”

H113

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר4 of 11

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּזֹ֤את5 of 11
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְכָזֹאת֙6 of 11
H2063

this (often used adverb)

דִּבְּרָ֣ה7 of 11

“Thus and thus said”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔ה8 of 11

“the maid”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר9 of 11
H834

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

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ10 of 11

“that is of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃11 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:26-27John 4:28-292 Kings 7:9-11Mark 5:19John 1:42-46Mark 16:9-10

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