Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused. New Living Translation But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused. English Standard Version But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And he said, “As YHWH lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, and he refused. King James Bible 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. New King James Version But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. New American Standard Bible But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” And he urged him to accept it, but he refused. NASB 1995 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. NASB 1977 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. Legacy Standard Bible But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. Amplified Bible But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” He urged him to take it, but Elisha refused. Berean Annotated Bible But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it. And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. Christian Standard Bible But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused. Holman Christian Standard Bible But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, I stand before Him. I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused. American Standard Version But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. Contemporary English Version "I am a servant of the living LORD," Elisha answered, "and I swear that I will not take anything from you." Naaman kept begging, but Elisha kept refusing. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Elisha said, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD whom I serve lives, I will not accept it." Naaman urged him to take it, but he refused. Good News Translation Elisha answered, "By the living LORD, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift." Naaman insisted that he accept it, but he would not. International Standard Version But Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not receive anything from you." Though Naaman urged him to take it, Elisha declined. NET Bible But Elisha replied, "As certainly as the LORD lives (whom I serve), I will take nothing from you." Naaman insisted that he take it, but he refused. New Heart English Bible But he said, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." He urged him to take it; but he refused. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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. World English Bible But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “YHWH lives, before whom I have stood—if I take [it]”; and he presses on him to take, and he refuses. Berean Literal Bible And he said, “As YHWH lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, and he refused. Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, before whom I have stood -- if I take it;' and he presseth on him to take, and he refuseth. Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Jehovah lives whom I stood before him if I will take. And he will press upon him to take, and he will refuse. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he answered: As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And when he pressed him, he still refused. Catholic Public Domain Version But he responded, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And though he urged him strongly, he did not agree at all. New American Bible Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it.” And despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused. New Revised Standard Version But he said, “As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!” He urged him to accept, but he refused. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Elisha said, As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And be urged him to take it; but he refused. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Elisha said: “As LORD JEHOVAH is living before whom I stand, I shall not take it!” And he begged of him to take it, and he was not willing. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But he said: 'As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none.' And he urged him to take it; but he refused. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Elisaie said, As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not take one. And he pressed him to take one: but he would not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy15Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 16But 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. 17“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.… Cross References But Elisha replied, 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” Numbers 24:13 that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. 1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” “As surely as the LORD lives, 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” 2 Kings 3:14 Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you. 1 Kings 18:15 Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.” before whom I stand, Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. I will not accept it.” Genesis 14:23 that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ Acts 8:20 But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. And although Naaman urged him to accept it, 1 Kings 13:7-10 Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” / But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” … Genesis 33:10-11 But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. / Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted. Acts 16:15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. he refused. Daniel 1:8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself. Treasury of Scripture But he said, As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. As the Lord 2 Kings 3:14 And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. 1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1 Kings 18:15 And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day. I will receive 2 Kings 5:20,26 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… Genesis 14:22,23 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, … 1 Kings 13:8 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: Jump to Previous Accept Best Life Naaman Presseth Prophet Receive Refused Refuseth Servant Serve Stand Stood Surely UrgedJump to Next Accept Best Life Naaman Presseth Prophet Receive Refused Refuseth Servant Serve Stand Stood Surely Urged2 Kings 5 1. Naaman, by the report of a captive maid, is sent to Samaria to be cured of leprosy8. Elisha, sending him to Jordan cures him 15. He refusing Naaman's gifts grants him some of the earth 20. Gehazi, abusing his master's name unto Naaman, is smitten with leprosy But Elisha replied Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is central to this narrative. His role as a prophet is to convey God's messages and perform miracles, demonstrating God's power and authority. Elisha's response is significant as it reflects his commitment to God's will and his role as a servant of the Lord. “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. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and strong faith in God. In this passage, he demonstrates integrity and devotion to God by refusing a gift. 2. Naaman A commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions. He represents a foreigner who comes to recognize the power of the God of Israel. 3. The LORD The God of Israel, whose power and presence are acknowledged by Elisha as the reason for his actions and decisions. 4. Aram (Syria) The nation from which Naaman hails, often at odds with Israel, highlighting the cross-cultural and divine nature of the miracle. 5. The Gift The offering from Naaman to Elisha as a token of gratitude for his healing, which Elisha refuses to accept, emphasizing the grace and sovereignty of God. Teaching Points Integrity in MinistryElisha's refusal to accept Naaman's gift underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and not allowing material gain to influence spiritual service. Recognition of God's Sovereignty By refusing the gift, Elisha points to God as the true source of healing and blessing, reminding us to give glory to God alone. Grace Over Works Elisha's actions illustrate that God's grace cannot be bought or earned, aligning with the New Testament teaching of salvation by grace through faith. Witness to the Nations Naaman's healing and subsequent acknowledgment of the God of Israel demonstrate God's desire to reveal Himself to all nations, encouraging believers to be witnesses of God's power and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5:16?2. Why does Elisha refuse Naaman's gifts in 2 Kings 5:16? 3. How does Elisha's response demonstrate reliance on God's provision? 4. What does Elisha's refusal teach about serving God without seeking personal gain? 5. How can we apply Elisha's example of integrity in our daily lives? 6. What other biblical examples show rejecting material rewards for spiritual reasons? 7. Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's gift in 2 Kings 5:16? 8. What does Elisha's refusal of gifts teach about God's grace? 9. How does 2 Kings 5:16 challenge the prosperity gospel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5? 11. How did Elisha heal Naaman of his leprosy? 12. Why doesn't 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz's actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry? 13. What does the Bible say about seeing spirits and demons? 14. What does the Bible say about faith healing? What Does 2 Kings 5:16 Mean As surely as the LORD lives“But Elisha replied, ‘As surely as the LORD lives…’ ” • This sincere oath echoes other servants of God—see Ruth 3:13; 1 Samuel 17:55; 2 Kings 3:14. • It underscores absolute confidence that the God who just healed Naaman is alive and active, not a distant idea (Jeremiah 10:10). • Elisha wants Naaman to know that every decision he makes flows from loyalty to the living LORD, not human custom or reward. Before whom I stand “…before whom I stand…” • “Stand” pictures the posture of a servant in the king’s court (1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). • Elisha places himself publicly under divine authority; his accountability is vertical before it is horizontal (Romans 14:4). • By highlighting this relationship, Elisha reminds Naaman that the miracle came from God alone, not from any human power (Psalm 115:1). I will not accept it “…I will not accept it.” • Elisha refuses the lavish gifts so the grace of God remains untainted by any suggestion of purchase (Isaiah 55:1–2; Acts 8:20). • This protects Naaman from believing that blessings can be bought and guards Elisha’s ministry from greed (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:5). • By declining, the prophet highlights salvation as a gift—foreshadowing the free gift later revealed in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused “And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.” • Naaman’s insistence shows genuine gratitude (Luke 17:15–16), yet Elisha’s second refusal reinforces the earlier points: God’s work is never for sale. • The prophet’s steadfastness models integrity when worldly wealth presses in (Proverbs 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:6–10). • The healed commander leaves understanding that only wholehearted allegiance to the LORD—not silver or gold—honors the miracle (2 Kings 5:17). summary Elisha swears by the living LORD, declares his servant status, and resolutely rejects payment so that Naaman—and all readers—see God’s grace as freely given, uncompromised by profit, and worthy of exclusive devotion. (16) But.--And (both times).I will receive none.--Theodoret compares our Lord's "Freely ye have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). (Comp. Acts 8:20.) Such may have been Elisha's feeling. His refusal, strongly contrasting with the conduct of ordinary prophets, Israelite and heathen (comp. 1Samuel 9:6-9), would make a deep impression upon Naaman and his retinue. Verse 16. - But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. Elisha regards it as best, under the circumstances, to refuse the offered recompense. It was not compulsory on him so to act; for the precept, "Freely ye have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8), had not been yet uttered. Pious Israelites commonly brought gifts to the prophets whom they consulted (1 Samuel 9:7, 8; 1 Kings 14:3). But, in the case of a foreigner, ignorant hitherto of true religion, whom it was important to impress favorably, and, if possible, win over to the faith, Elisha deemed it advisable to take no reward. Naaman was thus taught that Jehovah was his true Healer, the prophet the mere instrument, and that it was to Jehovah that his gratitude, his thanks, and his offerings were due. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. Contests of politeness are common in the East, where the one party offers to give and even insists on giving, while the other makes a pretence of declining; but here both parties were in earnest, and the gift was absolutely declined.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But Elisha replied,וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life before whom לְפָנָ֖יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face I stand, עָמַ֥דְתִּי (‘ā·maḏ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations I will not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not accept it.” אֶקָּ֑ח (’eq·qāḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take And although Naaman urged וַיִּפְצַר־ (way·yip̄·ṣar-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6484: To peck at, stun, dull him בּ֥וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew to accept it, לָקַ֖חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3947: To take he refused. וַיְמָאֵֽן׃ (way·mā·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3985: To refuse Links 2 Kings 5:16 NIV2 Kings 5:16 NLT 2 Kings 5:16 ESV 2 Kings 5:16 NASB 2 Kings 5:16 KJV 2 Kings 5:16 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 5:16 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 5:16 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 5:16 French Bible 2 Kings 5:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 5:16 But he said As Yahweh lives before (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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