2 Kings 5:18 Meaning: Naaman's Dilemma
In this thing may Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, may Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing.”
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing.
In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant in this thing.
For this thing Jehovah be propitious to thy servant, in the coming in of my lord into the house of Rimmon to bow himself there, and he was supported by my hand, and I bowed myself in the house of Rimmon; for my bowing myself in the house of Rimmon Jehovah be propitious, I pray thee, to thy servant in this thing.'
In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to bow down there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon — when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant, I pray thee, in this thing.
Meaning in one sentence
Naaman, newly healed, asks pardon for bowing in the temple of Rimmon. Does this show compromise or a tender conscience? See God's grace in Elisha's response.
Context
This verse comes near the end of one of the Old Testament's most striking conversion stories. Naaman, a Syrian army commander, was healed of leprosy after dipping in the Jordan at Elisha's instruction. He returned to the prophet a changed man, declaring that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel. He vowed to offer sacrifice only to Yahweh. But as a royal official, Naaman would still accompany his king into the temple of Rimmon, the Syrian storm god. When the king leaned on his arm and bowed, Naaman would have to bow too. His request for pardon rises from a conscience alive to the conflict between his new faith and his old duties.
Key Words
The Hebrew word for forgive (yislach) appears in only one form in the Old Testament, a prayer that God would pardon. It's a verb used exclusively of divine forgiveness, never of human beings pardoning each other. So Naaman, even in this complicated request, is looking only to Yahweh for mercy.
The verb for bow down (shachah) is the same word the Bible uses for worshipping God, and for bowing to idols. Naaman uses it three times in this single verse. He knows what the action looks like. And his conscience is troubled by the appearance.
Finally, the word for leans (nish'an, from sha'an) means to support yourself on someone. The king literally depends on Naaman for stability. This is not a choice to bow for worship; it's a necessity of his role. The text invites us to see the difference between a heart that wants to obey and a body caught in an impossible situation.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this verse in two main ways. Some interpreters, including Adam Clarke, believe Naaman is asking forgiveness for past bowing, actions done while he was still ignorant of the true God. They point out that the Hebrew grammar can support a past tense reading, and that to read it otherwise would imply God grants permission for future sin.
Other commentators, such as those of the Cambridge Bible, see Naaman asking pardon for a future pattern: bowing out of civil duty while his heart belongs to Yahweh. They note that Elisha's reply, "Go in peace," does not either approve or condemn. It leaves the matter between God and this new believer's conscience. The grace in that silence has comforted Christians across traditions who struggle with complex ethical choices in a world that does not follow Christ.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Naaman was asking permission to keep worshipping the idol Rimmon in secret. In fact, he had just declared he would no longer offer sacrifice to any god but Yahweh. His request is about the physical act of bowing when the king leans on him, not an act of worship, but of court protocol. His honest confession of the struggle and his plea for pardon show a tender conscience, not a wilful compromise.
Living This Out
You might face a situation this week where your faith and your daily responsibilities seem to pull in opposite directions. Maybe it's a work meeting that asks you to stay quiet about something you know is wrong. Or a family gathering where you have to be present for a conversation that feels spiritually uneasy.
Naaman did not have a perfect answer. He brought his awkward, honest request to God's servant and trusted the rest to mercy. You don't have to have it all figured out either. You can bring the conflict to God exactly as it is, the unclear lines, the divided loyalties, the decision you cannot see your way through. He sees the heart that wants to obey even when the body is bent out of shape by circumstances.
Main takeaway: God meets us where we are and does not dismiss the tender conscience that grieves over even the appearance of wrong.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Naaman learned that God is real. But he still had to go to work with the king who bowed to a false god. Naaman asked God to forgive him if it looked like he was bowing to that idol too. God understood his heart.
For ages 9, 12
Naaman had just been healed and wanted to worship only God. But his job required him to stand beside the king in the temple of a false god. He couldn't just quit. He asked God for forgiveness for the times it would look like he was worshipping that idol. Elisha didn't tell him to leave his job or to disobey the king. He just said, "Go in peace." Sometimes following God means living with tensions you can't fix. You can bring those to God honestly.
Questions People Ask
Was Naaman asking permission to keep sinning by bowing to an idol?
Not exactly. Naaman had just declared he would worship only Yahweh. His request was about the physical act of bowing when the king leaned on him for support, it was a duty of his office, not a worship ritual. He was troubled that even the appearance of bowing in that temple might look like idolatry, so he asked for pardon. The question is whether he was asking for future grace to cover a repeated act or for forgiveness of past actions done in ignorance.
What does 'Rimmon' refer to?
Rimmon was the Syrian god of storms and thunder, often associated with the planet Saturn or with the god Hadad. The name comes from a Hebrew word meaning 'to be high.' Some scholars connect it with the Assyrian god Rammanu, who was depicted wielding a thunderbolt. The temple of Rimmon was in Damascus, where the king of Syria worshipped.
Why didn't Elisha rebuke Naaman for this request?
Elisha's response, 'Go in peace,' is notable for what it doesn't say. He doesn't approve the practice or condemn it. Many commentators believe Elisha understood that Naaman was a new believer with limited understanding. He had just come out of a lifetime of paganism. Rather than burden him with a standard he couldn't yet keep, Elisha left the matter between Naaman and God. This reflects God's patience with those who are growing in faith.
Does this verse mean it's okay to participate in idolatrous practices if I have a good reason?
No. The book of Kings is clear that bowing to other gods is forbidden (2 Kings 17:35). Naaman's situation was unique: he was a new convert who couldn't leave his government position, and his bowing was driven by the king leaning on him, not by his own worship. Christians across traditions agree that if a practice requires actual worship of a false god, we must not do it. But when a situation is forced by duty and the heart is set against idolatry, God sees the heart and can extend grace. If you're unsure about your own situation, talk to a pastor or mature believer.
Did Naaman continue to follow God after this?
The text doesn't say explicitly, but the surrounding story suggests he did. He took home two mule-loads of Israelite earth to build an altar to Yahweh. Later, when Elisha's servant Gehazi tricked Naaman out of silver and garments, Naaman willingly gave them, showing he still honored the prophet's God. The Jewish tradition recorded in the Talmud says Naaman became a sincere worshipper of God.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study