Old Testament
2 Kings 5:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, was troubled by his master's decision to refuse gifts from Naaman, a Syrian commander who had been healed of leprosy.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
when Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master let this Syrian off too easy by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I'm going to chase him down and get something from him."
But 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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, was troubled by his master's decision to refuse gifts from Naaman, a Syrian commander who had been healed of leprosy. He thought to himself that Elisha had let Naaman off too easily. Driven by greed and a desire for material gain, Gehazi decided to pursue Naaman and obtain something for himself. He believed that as long as the LORD was alive, he could justify his actions. This moment reveals Gehazi's internal conflict and his choice to prioritize personal gain over integrity. His actions set the stage for a significant moral lesson about honesty and the consequences of greed. Gehazi's story serves as a reminder that our choices can lead us down paths that compromise our values and relationships. Ultimately, his decision to chase after Naaman highlights the dangers of allowing selfish desires to dictate our actions, leading to unforeseen repercussions in our lives and the lives of others around us. It’s a powerful illustration of how temptation can lead us astray. Explore related materialism.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 5:20 to your life
Reflect on your motivations when making decisions. Are you driven by greed or a desire for recognition? Consider the impact of your choices on your integrity and relationships. Strive to prioritize honesty and selflessness in your actions, even when tempted otherwise. Remember, true fulfillment comes from living with integrity, not from material gain. “Be true to yourself.” “Choose wisely.” “Live with purpose.” “Seek what truly matters.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 5:20 teach about greed?
2 Kings 5:20 illustrates how Gehazi's greed led him to pursue material gain at the expense of his integrity. His desire for gifts from Naaman, despite Elisha's refusal, highlights the dangers of allowing selfish desires to dictate our actions. This verse serves as a warning about how greed can compromise our values and lead to negative consequences.
Why did Gehazi chase after Naaman?
Gehazi chased after Naaman because he believed that Elisha had let the Syrian commander off too easily by not accepting his gifts. Driven by his own greed and desire for material possessions, Gehazi thought he could justify his actions by claiming that as long as the LORD lives, he could pursue what he wanted. This decision ultimately reveals his internal conflict and lack of integrity.
What are the consequences of Gehazi's actions in this verse?
Gehazi's actions in 2 Kings 5:20 lead to significant consequences. His greed and dishonesty result in him being struck with leprosy as punishment for his deceit. This serves as a powerful reminder that choices driven by selfish desires can have serious repercussions, not only for ourselves but also for our relationships and integrity.
How can we apply the lessons from Gehazi's story today?
We can apply the lessons from Gehazi's story by reflecting on our motivations and ensuring that our decisions are not driven by greed or selfishness. It's important to prioritize honesty and integrity in our actions, even when faced with temptation. By choosing wisely and living with purpose, we can avoid the pitfalls that come from compromising our values for material gain.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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