Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” New Living Translation But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” English Standard Version Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” Berean Standard Bible Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” Berean Literal Bible And Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said, “Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Aramaean—not receiving from his hands what he brought. For as YHWH lives, I will run after him and get from him something.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” New American Standard Bible But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, by not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” NASB 1995 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, by not receiving from his hands what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” NASB 1977 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, by not receiving from his hands what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Gehazi, the young man of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, by not receiving from his hands what he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” Amplified Bible when Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “My master has spared this Naaman the Aramean (Syrian), by not accepting from him what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” Berean Annotated Bible Gehazi (valley of vision), the servant of Elisha (God is salvation) the man of God {Elohim}, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean (exalted), Naaman (pleasantness), by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, I will run after him and get something from him. Christian Standard Bible Gehazi, the attendant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “My master has let this Aramean Naaman off lightly by not accepting from him what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Gehazi, the attendant of Elisha the man of God, thought: My master has let this Aramean Naaman off lightly by not accepting from him what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him. American Standard Version But 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. Contemporary English Version Gehazi said to himself, "Elisha let that Syrian off too easy. He should have taken Naaman's gift. I swear by the living LORD that I will talk to Naaman myself and get something from him." English Revised Version But 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 the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Gehazi, the servant of Elisha (the man of God), thought, "My master let this Aramean Naaman go without accepting what he had brought. As sure as the LORD lives, I'll run after Naaman and get something from him." Good News Translation when Elisha's servant Gehazi said to himself, "My master has let Naaman get away without paying a thing! He should have accepted what that Syrian offered him. By the living LORD I will run after him and get something from him." International Standard Version Gehazi, the attendant to Elisha, the man of God, told himself, "Look how my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman! He declined to take from him what he brought. As the LORD lives, I'm going to run after him and get something from him." NET Bible Gehazi, the prophet Elisha's servant, thought, "Look, my master did not accept what this Syrian Naaman offered him. As certainly as the LORD lives, I will run after him and accept something from him." New Heart English Bible But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Look, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take something from him." Webster's Bible Translation 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 from him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” World English Bible But 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.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Gehazi, servant of Elisha the man of God, says, “Behold, my lord has spared this Aramean Naaman, not to receive from his hand that which he brought; for YHWH lives; if I have run after him, then I have taken something from him.” Berean Literal Bible And Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said, “Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Aramaean—not receiving from his hands what he brought. For as YHWH lives, I will run after him and get from him something.” Young's Literal Translation And 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.' Smith's Literal Translation And Gehazi the boy of Elisha, the man of God, will say, Behold, my lord spared Naaman this Aramite from taking from his hand what he brought: Jehovah lives, for if I ran after him land book from him something. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut 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 some thing of him: Catholic Public Domain Version And Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, said: “My lord has spared Naaman, this Syrian, by not receiving from him what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him, and take something from him.” New American Bible when Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, thought to himself: “My master was too easy on this Aramean Naaman, not accepting what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something out of him.” New Revised Standard Version Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “My master has let that Aramean Naaman off too lightly by not accepting from him what he offered. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something out of him.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Gehazi the disciple of Elisha the prophet of God, said, Behold, my lord has spared Naaman the Aramean, in not accepting from him that which he brought; but, as the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take something from him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Gekhazi the disciple of Elisha, the Prophet of God, said:“Behold, my Lord spared Naaman the Edomite and has not taken from him the thing that he brought. As LORD JEHOVAH is living, I shall run after him and I shall take something from him.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said: 'Behold, my master hath spared this Naaman the Aramean, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; as the LORD liveth, I will surely run after him, and take somewhat of him.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Giezi the servant of Elisaie said, Behold, my Lord has spared this Syrian Naiman, so as not to take of his hand what he has brought: as the Lord lives, I will surely run after him, and take somewhat of him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy…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?”… Cross References Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, 2 Kings 4:12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him, 2 Kings 8:4 Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.” “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, 1 Kings 20:31-34 Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” / Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. … 2 Kings 6:22-23 “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” / So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. by not accepting what he brought. Genesis 14:22-23 But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / 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.’ 1 Samuel 12:3-5 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.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied. As surely as the LORD lives, 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 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 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!” I will run after him and get something from him.” 2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. Jude 1:11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. Acts 8:18-23 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! … Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Treasury of Scripture But 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 the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. Gehazi 2 Kings 4:12,31,36 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him… Matthew 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? my master Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. John 12:5,6 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? … as the Lord liveth 2 Kings 6:31 Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day. Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 1 Samuel 14:39 For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him. and take Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. Jeremiah 22:17 But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it. Jump to Previous Aramean Elisha Gehazi Hands Master Naaman Receiving Run Servant Somewhat Spared Surely Syrian ThoughtJump to Next Aramean Elisha Gehazi Hands Master Naaman Receiving Run Servant Somewhat Spared Surely Syrian Thought2 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 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said Gehazi is introduced as the servant of Elisha, who is recognized as a prophet and a man of God. Elisha succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles, demonstrating God's power and presence in Israel. Gehazi's role as a servant implies a close relationship with Elisha, providing him with unique insights into the workings of God through the prophet. This context sets the stage for Gehazi's actions, highlighting the contrast between his behavior and Elisha's integrity. Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman by not accepting what he brought As surely as the LORD lives I will run after him and get something from him Persons / Places / Events 1. GehaziThe servant of Elisha, who becomes central in this account due to his actions driven by greed and deceit. 2. Elisha A prophet and man of God, known for his miracles and teachings, who had just healed Naaman of leprosy without accepting any gifts. 3. Naaman A commander of the Aramean army who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. 4. Aram (Syria) The nation from which Naaman hails, often in conflict with Israel during this period. 5. The LORD The covenant God of Israel, whose name Gehazi invokes to justify his deceitful intentions. Teaching Points The Danger of GreedGehazi's desire for material wealth led him to sin. Believers must guard their hearts against the love of money and possessions. Integrity in Service As servants of God, we are called to act with integrity and honesty, reflecting the character of Christ in all our dealings. Consequences of Sin Gehazi's account reminds us that sin has consequences, not only spiritually but also physically and relationally. The Importance of Contentment Learning to be content with what God provides is crucial for a life of faith and obedience. The Role of Accountability Gehazi's actions went unchecked until it was too late. Believers should seek accountability within the community of faith to avoid similar pitfalls. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5:20?2. Why did Gehazi decide to pursue Naaman in 2 Kings 5:20? 3. How does Gehazi's action contrast with Elisha's integrity in 2 Kings 5? 4. What does 2 Kings 5:20 teach about the dangers of greed? 5. How can we guard against deceitful desires like Gehazi's in our lives? 6. What other Bible stories warn against the consequences of lying and greed? 7. Why did Gehazi lie to Elisha in 2 Kings 5:20? 8. What does Gehazi's greed in 2 Kings 5:20 teach about materialism? 9. How does 2 Kings 5:20 reflect on the consequences of sin? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5? 11. How did Elisha heal Naaman of his leprosy? 12. Who was Gehazi in the Bible? 13. What is the Bible's stance on honesty? 14. Why do so many preachers accumulate vast wealth when Jesus preached humility? What Does 2 Kings 5:20 Mean Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of GodGehazi stands in privileged proximity to one of Israel’s greatest prophets, yet proximity does not guarantee purity. • Like Joshua to Moses (Exodus 24:13) and Elisha to Elijah (2 Kings 2:2), Gehazi is meant to learn humility and faith. • Previous snapshots show both usefulness and cracks in his character (2 Kings 4:12, 31). • His title “servant of Elisha the man of God” magnifies the coming contrast: one minister serves God; the other serves self (Matthew 6:24). Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman Gehazi’s opening words drip with contempt. • “This Aramean” reveals national prejudice; Israel and Aram were frequent enemies (2 Kings 6:8). • Elisha saw Naaman as a soul to be healed and a testimony to God’s power (Luke 4:27). Gehazi sees only a foreigner who got off “too easy.” • When grace offends our pride, we are closer to the elder brother than to the Father (Luke 15:28-30). by not accepting what he brought Elisha had just refused lavish gifts so that Naaman would know “there is no God in all the earth except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15-16). • Salvation cannot be bought (Isaiah 55:1). • Simon the sorcerer’s money met the same rebuke (Acts 8:18-20). • Jesus commands, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Gehazi interprets Elisha’s generosity as naïveté rather than holiness. As surely as the LORD lives This oath formula is normally the mark of a prophet (1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 3:14). • Gehazi borrows sacred language to sanction selfish plans—proof that even correct theology can be weaponized by a corrupt heart (James 3:10). • His lips honor God while his intentions run the opposite direction (Matthew 15:8). I will run after him and get something from him The plan is immediate and determined. • “Run” signals eagerness; Proverbs 28:22 warns, “A stingy man hastens after wealth.” • Love of money entraps and pierces the soul (1 Timothy 6:9-10). • The parallel with Achan’s hidden plunder (Joshua 7:21) foreshadows Gehazi’s secret but soon-exposed sin (2 Kings 5:21-27). • What begins as “something” ends in everything: Naaman’s leprosy transfers to Gehazi. summary Gehazi’s single sentence exposes a heart unmoved by grace, resentful of mercy to outsiders, and captivated by greed. Though he serves a prophet, he serves himself. The verse warns that spiritual privilege without submission hardens into hypocrisy, while God’s free gift must remain free—offered without price and received without payment, to the glory of the living LORD. (20) Said--i.e., thought.This Syrian.--He justifies his purpose on the principle of "spoiling the Egyptians." But, as the Lord liveth, I will run.--Rather, by the life of Jehovah, but I will run. (Comp. Note on 2Kings 4:30.) Verse 20. - But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said (see 2 Kings 4:12-36 for the position held towards Elisha by Gehazi), Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian. Gehazi either honestly thinks, or at least persuades himself, that a Syrian ought to be, not spared, but spoiled, as being a foreigner and an enemy. In not receiving at his hands that which he brought (see ver. 5). Gehazi may not have known how much it was, but he had seen the laden animals, and rightly concluded that the value was great. But, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. "As the Lord liveth" seems a strange phrase in the mouth of one who is bent on lying and on stealing. But experience teaches us that religious formulae do drop from the lips of persons engaged in equally indefensible proceedings. This is partly because formulae by frequent use become mere forms, to which the utterer attaches no meaning; partly because men blind themselves to the wrongfulness of their actions, and find some excuse or other for any course of conduct by which they hope to profit.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Gehazi,גֵּיחֲזִ֗י (gê·ḥă·zî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1522: Gehazi -- perhaps 'valley of vision', servant of Elisha the servant נַעַר֮ (na·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer of Elisha אֱלִישָׁ֣ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet the man אִישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of God, הָאֱלֹהִים֒ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative said, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Look, הִנֵּ֣ה ׀ (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! my master אֲדֹנִ֗י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller has spared חָשַׂ֣ךְ (ḥā·śaḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2820: To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that Aramean, הָֽאֲרַמִּי֙ (hā·’ă·ram·mî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 761: Aramean -- an inhabitant of Aram (Syria) Naaman, נַעֲמָ֤ן (na·‘ă·mān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5283: Naaman -- a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian) general while not accepting מִקַּ֥חַת (miq·qa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3947: To take what אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he brought. הֵבִ֑יא (hê·ḇî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go As surely as the LORD יְהוָה֙ (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 I will run רַ֣צְתִּי (raṣ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7323: To run after him אַחֲרָ֔יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part and get וְלָקַחְתִּ֥י (wə·lā·qaḥ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take something מְאֽוּמָה׃ (mə·’ū·māh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3972: A speck, point, nothing from him.” מֵאִתּ֖וֹ (mê·’it·tōw) Preposition-m | Direct object marker | third person masculine singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Links 2 Kings 5:20 NIV2 Kings 5:20 NLT 2 Kings 5:20 ESV 2 Kings 5:20 NASB 2 Kings 5:20 KJV 2 Kings 5:20 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 5:20 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 5:20 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 5:20 French Bible 2 Kings 5:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 5:20 But Gehazi the servant of Elisha (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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