II Kings 5:16 · Bible study
2 Kings 5:16 Commentary: Elisha's Refusal
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's gift? This study examines the prophet's commitment to God's glory and the integrity of ministry.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Elisha refuses Naaman's gift to keep the glory for healing on God alone.
- Key words: 'stand before' (עמד/פנים), prophetic service; 'receive' (לקח), accept payment; 'refuse' (מאן), determined rejection.
- Main debate: Did Elisha refuse because accepting gifts is always wrong for prophets, or because this specific situation required it? Most commentators say the latter.
- Theological theme: God's grace is free and cannot be bought, earned, or repaid.
- Best use: Teaching on ministry integrity, the nature of grace, and the proper motives for serving God.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.
WEB World English Bible 2000
But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused.
KJV King James Version 1769
But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And he saith, `Jehovah liveth, before whom I have stood--if I take it ;' and he presseth on him to take, and he refuseth.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none! And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But he answered: As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And when he pressed him, he still refused.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Mas él dijo: Vive Jehová, delante del cual estoy, que no lo tomaré. E importunándole que tomase, él nunca quiso.
Mas ele disse: Vive o SENHOR, diante do qual estou, que não o tomarei. E insistindo-lhe que tomasse, ele não quis.
Élisée répondit: L’ Éternel, dont je suis le serviteur, est vivant! Je n’ accepterai pas. Naaman le pressa d’ accepter, mais il refusa.
Er aber sprach: So wahr der HERR lebt, vor dem ich stehe, ich nehme es nicht. Und er nötigte ihn, daß er's nähme; aber er wollte nicht.
Maar hij zeide: Zo waarachtig als de HEERE leeft, voor Wiens aangezicht ik sta, indien ik het neme! En hij hield bij hem aan, opdat hij het nam, doch hij weigerde het.
Ma Eliseo rispose: “Com’è vero che vive l’Eterno di cui sono servo, io non accetterò nulla”. Naaman lo pressava ad accettare, ma egli rifiutò.
A on rzekł: Jako żywy Pan, przed którego obliczem stoję, że nic nie wezmę; a choć go przymuszał, aby wziął, przecię nie chciał.
И сказал он: жив Господь, пред лицем Которого стою! не приму. И тот принуждал его взять, но он не согласился.
以利沙說：「我指著 所 事奉 永生 的耶和華起誓，我必不 受。」乃縵再三地求 他，他卻不受。
But he said, By the life of the Lord whose servant I am, I will take nothing from you. And he did his best to make him take it but he would not.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Kings 5:16
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gift was a deliberate act to direct glory to God alone. Adam Clarke states that since God alone performed the cure, God alone should receive the credit. Barnes notes that Elisha wanted to prevent Naaman from thinking the prophet acted from self-interest or that God's gift could be purchased, echoing Peter's rebuke of Simon Magus in Acts 8:20. The Cambridge Bible emphasizes that heathen priests were known for greed; Elisha's refusal stands as a sharp contrast. Matthew Henry observes that the mercy of the cure affected Naaman more than the miracle itself, and Elisha's refusal deepened that lesson. All agree that Elisha's oath formula, 'As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand', identifies him as a servant who answers to a higher master. The integrity of prophetic ministry required that no payment be accepted, lest the grace of God appear to be for sale.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Elisha refused the gift to ensure that Naaman's healing was attributed to God alone, not to the prophet.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Elisha's motive for refusing the gift | He refused to prevent Naaman from attributing the healing to human means or thinking God's favor could be purchased. | Some commentators (e.g., Wesley) emphasize that Elisha was not refusing gifts in principle, but acting on the special circumstances to honor God. Others (like Clarke) stress that God alone should get glory, implying that receiving payment would misdirect praise. |
| Whether prophets could accept gifts | Prophets in Israel did accept gifts on other occasions (1 Sam 9:7-8, 1 Ki 14:3). | The debate is whether acceptance of gifts was always permissible or only in certain contexts. Some argue Elisha's refusal sets a norm for refusing payment for spiritual services; others see it as a specific response to Naaman's situation. |
| Meaning of Naaman's request for earth (v.17) | Naaman asked for two mules' load of earth to take to Syria, likely to worship Yahweh on Israelite soil. | Some see this as showing Naaman's limited understanding of God's omnipresence; others view it as a genuine attempt to worship properly in a pagan land. Elisha's response 'Go in peace' suggests acceptance of Naaman's request. |
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, bringing gifts to a prophet was standard practice. First Samuel 9:7-8 shows Saul taking a quarter shekel to the seer, and 1 Kings 14:3 records Jeroboam sending gifts to Ahijah. Naaman's offer to Elisha would have seemed normal. But Elisha refuses, and the reasons run deep.
Naaman had just been healed of leprosy after dipping seven times in the Jordan. He returned confessing, 'I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel' (v.15). This is the first explicit acknowledgment of Israel's God by a Syrian commander. Elisha must now protect that confession. If he accepted the gift, Naaman might think the healing was a transaction, a purchase of divine favor. Worse, he might credit the prophet as a wonder-worker rather than YHWH.
The phrase 'before whom I stand' is a fixed formula for prophetic service. Elijah used it in 1 Kings 17:1 and 18:15; Elisha uses it in 2 Kings 3:14. It means the prophet is a servant in the divine court, not a freelance miracle-worker. Elisha stands before YHWH; he does not stand to receive payment from Naaman.
Naaman's next request, for two mules' load of earth to take to Syria (v.17), shows he understood worship as tied to land. Elisha's reply 'Go in peace' (v.19) indicates acceptance. But Gehazi's greed (v.20-27) provides the dark foil: he runs after Naaman, lies, and takes the gift, and is struck with leprosy. The contrast is intentional. Elisha's refusal preserves the free nature of God's grace.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for 2 Kings 5:16. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts, and the verse is quoted without variation in later biblical references.
Reception History
Throughout church history, this verse has been interpreted as a model for ministerial integrity. The contrast between Elisha's refusal and Gehazi's greed (2 Kings 5:20-27) is a recurring theme in homiletical tradition, warning against profiting from spiritual gifts. Reformation-era interpreters highlighted the free grace of God shown in the refusal, grace that cannot be purchased or earned. The verse has also been used in discussions of simony and the ethics of accepting honoraria for religious services, standing as a reminder that the Gospel is a gift.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God alone gets the glory. Elisha refuses because the cure came from YHWH, not from any human power (Clarke). Naaman must not go home thinking a prophet's skill or favor healed him.
- Prophetic integrity requires separation from gain. The oath 'before whom I stand' is a pledge: Elisha serves the living God, not Mammon. Barnes notes that receiving payment would make Naaman think 'the gift of God might be purchased with money' (Acts 8:20).
- Grace cannot be bought. Naaman wanted to give a blessing; Elisha says no. Forgiveness, cleansing, and new life are gifts. The only appropriate response is faith and gratitude, not a transaction.
Five-point outline
- Context: Naaman comes as a healed man with a confession and a gift. The moment is charged.
- The refusal: Elisha swears by YHWH's life, linking his answer to his identity as a prophet.
- The reason: To prevent anyone from confusing the instrument with the source.
- The pressure: Naaman urges him, but Elisha stands firm. Integrity is tested and holds.
- The outcome: Grace remains free; Naaman departs with clean skin and a clean theology.
Illustration hooks
- A doctor refuses payment from a poor patient, saying 'the cure was not my skill; it was the medicine and the body's own healing.'
- A pastor is offered a large gift after a baptism service. He declines, not wanting anyone to think salvation has a price.
- A child offers a parent money for forgiveness after breaking a vase. The parent tears the bill, saying 'love doesn't work that way.'
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God sometimes reject our offerings when we mean well?
- How do I serve in ministry without expecting something in return?
- What does it mean to 'stand before the Lord' in my daily work?
Lord, teach us to serve with pure hearts, giving You all the glory. Amen.
Leading a Discussion
This passage challenges us to examine our motives in serving God and receiving from Him. Elisha's refusal is not about money, it is about making sure grace stays free. As you discuss, keep the focus on what the story reveals about God's character and our response.
Discussion questions
- What reasons does Elisha give for refusing Naaman's gift? (v.16)
- How does Naaman react to the refusal? What does his persistence tell you about his character? (v.17-19)
- The oath 'As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand' appears in 1 Kings 17:1 and 18:15. Why does Elisha use it here? What does it say about his role?
- How does Gehazi's story (v.20-27) contrast with Elisha's example? What does this contrast teach us about the danger of profiting from spiritual work?
- The healing was free; Naaman only obeyed the command to wash. How does this story portray God's grace as a gift rather than a reward?
- In what situations might you be tempted to take credit for something God has done, or to expect payment for spiritual service?
- How does this passage help you understand the phrase 'the gift of God cannot be purchased with money' (Acts 8:20)?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 14:22 | Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, |
| Genesis 14:23 | that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ |
| I Kings 13:8 | The man of God said to the king, “Even if you gave me half of your house, I would not go in with you, neither would I eat bread nor drink water in this place; |
| I Kings 17:1 | Elijah the Tishbite, who was one of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” |
| I Kings 18:15 | Elijah said, “As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.” |
| II Kings 3:14 | Elisha said, “As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I respect the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you, nor see you. |
| II Kings 5:20 | But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will run after him, and take something from him.” |
| II Kings 5:26 | He said to him, “Didn’t my heart go with you when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and cattle, and male servants and female servants? |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke observes that refusing gifts from Naaman was an intentional act. Since prophets commonly received presents, Elisha wanted no suspicion that the healing had been a paid service. He insisted that God alone deserved the glory for the work.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes emphasizes that Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts was a deliberate departure from the common practice of prophets accepting presents. The refusal protected the holiness of God's gift from any appearance that it could be bought with money.Barnes emphasizes that Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts was a deliberate departure from the common practice of prophets accepting presents. The refusal protected the truth that God's blessing cannot be purchased with money.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
Elisha refused Naaman's gifts to keep attention fixed on God alone as the healer, not on himself as the instrument. Unlike heathen priests who greedily demanded rewards, God's servants directed all honor to their Master. Taking payment would have undone the very lesson Naaman needed to learn.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note highlights the solemn oath the speaker uses to refuse the gift, invoking the living Lord in whose presence he stands. The refusal is absolute, not merely polite, and the would-be giver presses him, but he still holds firm. This underscores the speaker's integrity and reverence.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Elisha's emphatic refusal of Naaman's gifts as deliberate testimony. The prophet swears by the Lord's name to make clear the healing came from God alone, not from any human power. He rejects the payment to keep the glory for Israel's God, not for personal gain.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange interprets Naaman's request for Israelite earth and his concern about bowing in Rimmon's temple as signs of a tender, scrupulous conscience rather than lingering polytheism. For Lange, Naaman's faith was decisive and genuine; Elisha's reply "Go in peace" confirms that the prophet approved, not merely dismissed, these requests.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry points out that Naaman's confession that Israel's God alone is God actually exposes the spiritual poverty of the Gentile world—having many gods meant having none. The personal mercy of healing affected Naaman more deeply than the bare miracle would have, showing that experience of grace produces genuine conviction.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley emphasizes that Elisha refused Naaman's gifts not because accepting presents is always wrong, but because the circumstances made refusal serve God's honor. It let the Syrians witness how God's ministers despised the worldly riches that pagan prophets eagerly pursued.