II Kings 5:19-27 · Bible study
2 Kings 5:19-27 Commentary: Greed Exposed, Grace Rejected
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
A study of Elisha's dismissal of Naaman, Gehazi's deceit and judgment, and the prophetic knowledge that exposes hidden sin.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Gehazi's greed leads him to lie, steal, and conceal, resulting in permanent judgment; Naaman's sincere faith is left in God's hands.
- Key words: Shalom (peace, welfare); dabaq (to cling, as of leprosy); lev (heart, used of Elisha's prophetic awareness).
- Main debate: Whether Elisha's “Go in peace” approved of Naaman's compromise or merely dismissed him pastorally.
- Theological theme: God's grace is free, but those who use it as cover for sin invite severe consequences.
- Best use: A cautionary tale about greed, hidden sin, and the all-seeing God; also a pastoral example of letting new believers grow in conscience.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
19“Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance,
20Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
21So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”
22“Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
23But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.
24When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed.
25When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.
26But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?
27Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
WEB World English Bible 2000
19He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a little way.
20But 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.”
21So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?”
22He said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, even now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’”
23Naaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they carried them before him.
24When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stored them in the house. Then he let the men go, and they departed.
25But he went in, and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you come from, Gehazi?” He said, “Your servant went nowhere.”
26He 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?
27Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your offspring forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.
KJV King James Version 1769
19And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
20But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
21So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
22And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
23And 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.
24And 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.
25But 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.
26And 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?
27The 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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
19And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
20But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: as Jehovah liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
21So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw one running after him, he alighted from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
22And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there are come to me from the hill-country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets; give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of raiment.
23And Naaman said, Be pleased to take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of raiment, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
24And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house; and he let the men go, and they departed.
25But 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.
26And he said unto him, Went not my heart with thee, when the man turned 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 men-servants and maid-servants?
27The 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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
19And he saith to him, `Go in peace.' And he goeth from him a kibrath of land,
20And Gehazi, servant of Elisha the man of God, saith, `Lo, my lord hath spared Naaman this Aramaean, not to receive from his hand that which he brought; Jehovah liveth; surely if I have run after him, then I have taken from him something.'
21And Gehazi pursueth after Naaman, and Naaman seeth one running after him, and alighteth from off the chariot to meet him, and saith, `Is there peace?'
22And he saith, `Peace; my lord hath sent me, saying, Lo, now, this, come unto me have two young men from the hill-country of Ephraim, of the sons of the prophets; give, I pray thee, to them, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.'
23And Naaman saith, `Be pleased, take two talents;' and he urgeth on him, and bindeth two talents of silver in two purses, and two changes of garments, and giveth unto two of his young men, and they bear before him;
24and he cometh in unto the high place, and taketh out of their hand, and layeth up in the house, and sendeth away the men, and they go.
25And he hath come in, and doth stand by his lord, and Elisha saith unto him, `Whence--Gehazi?' and he saith, `Thy servant went not hither or thither.'
26And he saith unto him, `My heart went not when the man turned from off his chariot to meet thee; is it a time to take silver, and to take garments, and olives, and vines, and flock, and herd, and men-servants, and maid-servants?
27yea, the leprosy of Naaman doth cleave to thee, and to thy seed, --to the age;' and he goeth out from before him--leprous as snow.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
19And he said to him, Go in peace. And he departed from him a little way.
20And Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master has spared Naaman, this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; but as Jehovah liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat of him.
21And Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he sprang down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
22And he said, All is well. My master has sent me saying, Behold, even now there are come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets; give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of raiment.
23And Naaman said, Consent to take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of raiment, and laid them upon two of his young men; and they bore them before him.
24And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stowed them in the house; and he let the men go, and they departed.
25And he entered in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
26And he said to him, Did not my heart go, 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 bondmen, and bondwomen?
27But the leprosy of Naaman shall fasten upon thee, and upon thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence leprous, as snow.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
19And he said to him: Go in peace. So he departed from him, in the spring time of the earth.
20But Giezi, the servant of the man of God, said: My master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving of him that which he brought: as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take something of him.
21And Giezi followed after Naaman: and when he saw him running after him, he leapt down from his chariot to meet him, and said: Is all well?
22And he said: Well: my master hath sent me to thee, saying: Just now there are come to me from mount Ephraim, two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
23And Naaman said: It is better that thou take two talents. And he forced him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, and two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants, and they carried them before him.
24And when he was come, and now it was the evening, he took them from their hands, and laid them up in the house, and sent the men away, and they departed.
25But he went in, and stood before his master. And Eliseus said: Whence comest thou, Giezi? He answered: Thy servant went no whither.
26But he said: Was not my heart present, when the man turned back, from his chariot, to meet thee? So now thou hast received money, and received garments, to buy oliveyards and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-servants.
27But the leprosy of Naaman, shall also stick to thee, and to thy seed for ever. And he went out from him a leper, as white as snow.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Kings 5:19
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that the primary focus of this passage is Gehazi's sin and punishment, not Elisha's response to Naaman's compromise. Barnes insists the clause “So he departed from him a little way” (v.19) must not be separated from what follows; the narrative immediately pivots to Gehazi's greed. Cambridge Bible argues Elisha's “Go in peace” is not an endorsement of bowing to Rimmon but a pastoral dismissal that leaves the seed of faith to bear fruit in God's time. Clarke notes a textual variant (reading “not” instead of “to him”) suggesting Naaman did not actually receive permission, Elisha simply released him. Gill reads the phrase as assurance of pardon for the sin Naaman had confessed. The consensus is clear: the verse is a bridge to Gehazi's story, not a statement on Naaman's ongoing compromise.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Elisha approved Naaman's compromise: The direct ‘Go in peace’ after Naaman’s request seems to give permission; Elisha does not correct him.
- Elisha dismissed him pastorally: The phrase is a formula of dismissal (cf. Exodus 4:18, I Samuel 1:17); the narrative immediately shifts to Gehazi, suggesting the focus is not on Naaman’s compromise but on the prophet’s wisdom in leaving the matter to God.
What is clear: Gehazi’s greed, lies and concealment are condemned, and he receives a severe, visible punishment that mirrors the disease Naaman lost.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'Go in peace' (v.19) | Elisha releases Naaman without confrontation; the phrase is a standard dismissal formula. | Some read it as implied permission to continue bowing to Rimmon, while others see it as pastoral leave-taking that trusts God's ongoing work without endorsing the practice. |
| Severity of Gehazi's punishment | Gehazi's sin includes greed, lying to a new believer, misuse of the prophet's name, and covering up. | Some argue leprosy is a fitting symbolic reversal (he took Naaman's wealth and got his disease); others question whether permanent leprosy on his descendants is just, noting similar collective punishments in the Old Testament (e.g., Korah). |
| Nature of Elisha's prophetic knowledge | Elisha knew Gehazi's actions supernaturally. | Whether this was a special gift for this moment or a constant feature of his prophetic office is not specified; some see it as an example of the Holy Spirit's omniscience working through a prophet. |
| Theological reading of Naaman's story | Naaman is presented as a genuine convert who acknowledges Yahweh as the only God. | Some emphasize his continued involvement in pagan culture as a model for diaspora believers; others view it as a concession that the text itself problematizes through the silent judgment in the Gehazi episode. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Naaman had just been healed of leprosy and declared faith in the God of Israel (II Kings 5:15). Yet he faced a real dilemma: as a high-ranking Syrian official, he would accompany his king into the temple of Rimmon and bow when the king leaned on his arm (v.18). This was not an act of worship but a required gesture of court protocol. Elisha's “Go in peace” releases Naaman to follow his conscience while trusting that God's work in him would continue.
The scene shifts abruptly. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, had witnessed the entire exchange. He saw a wealthy foreigner offering lavish gifts, and watched Elisha refuse them. In the ancient Near East, refusing a gift from a grateful client was extraordinary; it signaled that the blessing came from God alone, not from human transaction. Gehazi considered this foolishness. He swore by Yahweh (v.20) to pursue Naaman and “take something from him.” The Hebrew verb ruts (run) implies eager, predatory pursuit.
Naaman's response is striking. Seeing the prophet's servant running after him, he leaped down from his chariot, a mark of deep respect, and asked, “Is all well?” (v.21). Gehazi lied, inventing a sudden need for the sons of the prophets. Naaman, still overflowing with gratitude, insisted on doubling the gift: two talents of silver (about 120 pounds each) and two sets of clothing. Gehazi entrusted the treasure to Naaman's own servants, then hid the goods at “the hill” (Ophel, v.24), a likely guarded or secluded spot near the city. He dismissed the servants, covered his tracks, and stood before Elisha as if nothing had happened.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note one interesting textual variant: in some manuscripts (including De Rossi's MS 191), the word in v.19 reads lo (not) instead of lo (to him), potentially changing the meaning from “he said to him” to “he said, ‘Not.’” If original, this would mean Elisha directly refused Naaman's request about bowing to Rimmon. Most translations follow the reading “to him.” The Hebrew word Ophel (v.24) is rendered “hill” by most modern versions but “tower” in some older translations. No other significant textual variants are reported for this passage.
Reception History
This story has long served as a warning against greed in Christian tradition. Early church writers like Chrysostom used Gehazi as an example of how love of money can corrupt even those closest to God's servants. The phrase “the leprosy of Naaman” became proverbial for a curse that sticks across generations. During the Reformation, commentators such as Calvin and Luther emphasized the prophetic knowledge as evidence that God sees all secret sins, a message of both comfort and warning. In modern scholarship, the passage is often read as a narrative contrast: Naaman's faith accepted with grace versus Gehazi's greed met with judgment. The story continues to be used in sermons on integrity, especially in contexts of financial ethics and pastoral responsibility.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Danger of a Divided Heart (v.19). Naaman's request reveals the tension between new faith and old duties. Elisha does not demand immediate perfection; he trusts God's ongoing work.
- The Anatomy of Greed (vv.20-24). Gehazi rationalizes his sin (“my master spared this Syrian”), uses God's name to justify it, and then weaves a web of lies to accomplish it.
- The God Who Sees Everything (vv.25-27). Elisha's question “Didn't my heart go with you?” shows that no hidden deed escapes God's sight. Judgment follows swiftly: the leprosy Naaman lost clings to Gehazi and his descendants.
Five-point outline
- Grace received (Naaman's healing and confession).
- Grace tested (Naaman's honest question about Rimmon).
- Grace rejected (Gehazi's covetous pursuit).
- Concealment exposed (Elisha's prophetic knowledge).
- Consequences unleashed (leprosy as both judgment and sign).
Illustration hooks
- A worker who pads an expense report, thinking “the company can afford it” and no one will notice.
- A student who copies homework, rationalizing that the assignment is busywork anyway.
- A spouse who hides a minor purchase, telling themselves it protects their partner from worry.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Did Elisha really approve of Naaman serving God and bowing to Rimmon?
- Why does Gehazi's punishment seem so harsh compared to his crime?
- Does this mean God punishes every hidden sin immediately?
Leading a Discussion
This passage confronts us with two responses to God's grace: Naaman, who receives and wants to live faithfully in a messy world, and Gehazi, who sees grace as an opportunity for personal gain. Elisha sits in the middle, a prophet who knows both the patience of God and the certainty of divine judgment.
Discussion questions
- Naaman asks Elisha for pardon regarding bowing in Rimmon's temple. What does this tell you about his understanding of faith and discipleship?
- Elisha's reply is simply “Go in peace.” Why do you think he didn't give a longer answer?
- Gehazi says “my master has spared this Syrian” (v.20). What rationalizations do we use to justify dishonest gain?
- Naaman shows remarkable respect to Gehazi, leaping from his chariot. How does this contrast with Gehazi's deceit?
- Elisha asks Gehazi, “Is it a time to receive money…?” (v.26). What makes a “time” right or wrong for receiving gifts?
- Gehazi's lie is uncovered not by evidence but by prophetic knowledge. How does this challenge our sense of privacy?
- The leprosy of Naaman clings to Gehazi and his descendants. If you were in Gehazi's shoes, what would you want to say to God at that moment?
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 35:16 | They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. |
| Exodus 4:18 | Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” |
| I Samuel 1:17 | Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.” |
| I Samuel 25:35 | So David received from her hand that which she had brought him. Then he said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. Behold, I have listened to your voice and have granted your request.” |
| Matthew 9:16 | No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made. |
| Matthew 9:17 | Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” |
| Mark 5:34 | He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.” |
| Luke 7:50 | He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” |
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 highlights a significant textual variant in the original Hebrew where some manuscripts suggest Elisha answered Naaman with a firm "No" rather than granting permission to bow in Rimmon's temple. If this reading is correct, the prophet insisted Naaman maintain his holy resolve and avoid all idolatry.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes focuses on how Gehazi justifies his greed by telling himself that cheating a Syrian, a Gentile and enemy of Israel, is acceptable. He even uses a solemn religious phrase as a profane oath to make his sin seem proper. Elisha's rebuke cuts through this: this was the moment to impress a pagan with selfless faith, not to enrich oneself.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
Elisha's "Go in peace" does not approve mixing worship of God with worship of Rimmon. The prophet trusts the spiritual seed already sown to grow in Naaman's heart over time. Gehazi's greed then ruins the powerful impression Elisha made by refusing payment, so leprosy becomes Gehazi's permanent inheritance.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Gehazi’s covetousness as the root of his lies: he pretends Elisha sent him for money, then denies leaving the house. Elisha’s reply that his heart went with Gehazi shows prophetic knowledge exposes the fraud, bringing Naaman’s leprosy as just punishment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB sees Gehazi's punishment as fitting a sin far deeper than simple greed. His crime combined covetousness, misuse of Elisha's name to extort gifts, and deliberate lying to cover the theft. The heavy sentence matches the gravity of abusing a prophet's authority for personal gain.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch treats Gehazi’s sin as far more than greed. The greater offense was his lying and his abuse of the prophet’s name to deceive, which they compare to lying to the Holy Spirit. The leprosy taken from Naaman for his faith in the living God passed to Gehazi for his departure from the true God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that Naaman's confession was not merely intellectual but came from personal experience: the mercy of his own cure affected him more than the miracle itself. This is why he declares Israel's God the only God, a statement that also highlights how the Gentile world, with its many gods, was truly without God.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes the shocking contrast: Elisha's own servant was no saint but a greedy liar. He aggravated his sin by swearing by the Lord to carry it out and thought he could hide it. The prophet exposed not only the deed but Gehazi's secret intentions to buy property, proving that no sin escapes God's eye.