Old Testament
2 Kings 5:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Naaman went down to the Jordan and dipped himself in the water 7 times, just as the man of God had told him. His skin was completely restored — as smooth and healthy as a little child's — and he was clean.
Compare translations
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
What 2 Kings 5:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Naaman, a powerful military leader, was suffering from leprosy, a serious skin disease. He sought healing from the prophet Elisha, who instructed him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Initially hesitant, Naaman eventually obeyed and immersed himself in the water. After following the prophet's guidance, his skin transformed, becoming as smooth and healthy as a child's. This miraculous healing not only restored his physical health but also taught him a valuable lesson about humility and faith. Naaman learned that true healing often requires us to let go of our pride and follow simple instructions, even when they seem foolish. His experience reminds us that sometimes, the path to healing and restoration involves steps we might not understand at first, but they lead to profound change. Naaman's story encourages us to trust in guidance, even when it challenges our expectations or comfort zones, leading to unexpected blessings and renewal in our lives. His transformation was not just physical; it was a journey of faith and obedience.
How to apply 2 Kings 5:14 to your life
When faced with challenges, consider the steps you might need to take, even if they seem simple or unimportant. Trusting guidance, whether from a friend or a mentor, can lead to significant changes in your life. Embrace humility and be open to new experiences that can lead to personal growth and healing. Remember, sometimes the simplest actions can yield the greatest results in our lives. “Trust the process.” “Be open to change.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 5:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 5:14
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 5:14 mean?
2 Kings 5:14 describes how Naaman, a military leader with leprosy, followed the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River seven times. This act of obedience led to his miraculous healing, symbolizing the importance of faith and humility in seeking restoration.
What can we learn from Naaman's healing in 2 Kings 5:14?
Naaman's healing teaches us about the importance of humility and faith. It shows that sometimes, we must follow simple instructions and let go of our pride to experience significant change and healing in our lives.
How does 2 Kings 5:14 relate to personal growth?
This verse illustrates that personal growth often requires us to take simple, sometimes uncomfortable steps. Naaman's journey emphasizes that embracing humility and following guidance can lead to profound transformation and healing.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.