2 Kings Chapter 5

2 Kings 5 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 27 Bible verses from 2 Kings and discover their timeless wisdom.

ShareTweetShare
Verse card
Ask AI about this chapter
Size

Select text within one numbered verse, then choose Compare Versions.

1. Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2. At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. 3. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” 4. And Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5. “Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6. And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7. When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” 8. Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9. So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10. Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” 11. But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. 12. Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13. Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” 14. So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean. 15. Then 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.” 16. 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. 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. 18. Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.” 19. “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, 20. Gehazi, 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.” 21. So 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.’” 23. But 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. 24. When 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. 25. When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. 26. But 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? 27. Therefore, 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.

Jump to a verse

27 verses

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 27 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 27 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 27 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 27 Bible verses from 2 Kings, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 27 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

Related Guides from the Hub

View all

Related Topics to Explore

View all

Popular Chapters