New International VersionElisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
New Living TranslationBut Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
English Standard VersionAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”
Berean Standard BibleThen 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.”
King James BibleAnd Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
New King James VersionAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”
New American Standard BibleAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.”
NASB 1995Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.”
NASB 1977And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you and you shall be clean.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.”
Amplified BibleElisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.”
Christian Standard BibleThen Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your skin will be restored and you will be clean.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean.”
American Standard VersionAnd Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
Contemporary English VersionElisha sent someone outside to say to him, "Go wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then you'll be completely cured."
English Revised VersionAnd Elisha sent a messenger unto him saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationElisha sent a messenger to him. He said, "Wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, and your skin will be healthy and clean."
Good News TranslationElisha sent a servant out to tell him to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, and he would be completely cured of his disease.
International Standard VersionElisha sent a messenger out to him, who told him, "Go bathe in the Jordan River seven times. Your flesh will be restored for you. Now stay clean!"
NET BibleElisha sent out a messenger who told him, "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan; your skin will be restored and you will be healed."
New Heart English BibleElisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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.”
World English BibleElisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Elisha sends a messenger to him, saying, “Go, and you have washed seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh turns back to you—and be clean.”
Young's Literal Translation and Elisha sendeth unto him a messenger, saying, 'Go, and thou hast washed seven times in Jordan, and thy flesh doth turn back to thee -- and be thou clean.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Elisha will send a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash seven times in Jordan and, thy flesh shall: turn back to thee and be clean. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Eliseus sent a messenger to him, saying: Go, and wash seven times in the Jordan, and thy flesh shall recover health, and thee shalt be clean.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will receive health, and you will be clean.”
New American BibleElisha sent him the message: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.”
New Revised Standard VersionElisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you and you shall be clean.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Elisha sent to him by a Messenger: “Go immerse yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh shall return upon you, and it shall be cleansed.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying: 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come back to thee, and thou shalt be clean.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Elisaie sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash seven times in Jordan, and thy flesh shall return to thee, and thou shalt be cleansed.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Naaman Cured of Leprosy… 9So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10Then Elishasenthima messenger,who said,“Goand wash yourselfseventimesin the Jordan,and your fleshwill be restored,and you will be clean.”11But 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.…
Cross References Luke 4:27And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
John 9:7Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
Matthew 8:3Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Mark 1:40-42Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed.
Luke 17:12-14As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.
John 4:50“Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed.
Matthew 8:13Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Acts 9:17-18So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” / At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized,
John 11:43-44After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” / The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them.
Matthew 9:6-7But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” / And the man got up and went home.
Exodus 15:25And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,
Leviticus 14:1-7Then the LORD said to Moses, / “This is the law for the one afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing, when he is brought to the priest. / The priest is to go outside the camp to examine him, and if the skin disease of the afflicted person has healed, ...
Numbers 19:2-13“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke. / Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. / Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. ...
Joshua 3:13-17When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” / So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, ...
1 Kings 17:21-22Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!” / And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.
Treasury of Scripture And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean. Jump to Previous CleanCleansedElishaEli'shaFleshJordanMessengerRestoredServantSevenTimesWashWashedWashingWatersJump to Next CleanCleansedElishaEli'shaFleshJordanMessengerRestoredServantSevenTimesWashWashedWashingWaters2 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 him15.He refusing Naaman's gifts grants him some of the earth20.Gehazi, abusing his master's name unto Naaman, is smitten with leprosyThen Elisha sent him a messengerElisha, the prophet, chooses not to meet Naaman directly, which emphasizes the humility required for healing and the power of God's word over personal presence. This act can be seen as a test of Naaman's faith and obedience. In biblical times, prophets often used intermediaries to convey messages, highlighting the authority of God's word regardless of the messenger. This also prefigures the New Testament concept of faith in the unseen Christ ( John 20:29). who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan
The Jordan River holds significant biblical importance, being the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17) and where Jesus was later baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). The number seven symbolizes completeness and divine perfection in Scripture, seen in the creation week (Genesis 2:2-3) and the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 1:4). Naaman's washing in the Jordan signifies a complete cleansing and a step of faith, paralleling the spiritual cleansing through baptism in the New Testament. and your flesh will be restored
The promise of restoration is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with God's covenant faithfulness and mercy. Naaman's leprosy, a disease that rendered individuals ceremonially unclean, symbolizes sin and separation from God. The restoration of his flesh prefigures the spiritual restoration available through Christ, who heals and reconciles humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). and you will be clean.”
Cleansing in the biblical context often refers to both physical and spiritual purification. Levitical laws required cleansing rituals for those healed of leprosy (Leviticus 14), pointing to the need for holiness before God. Naaman's cleansing foreshadows the ultimate cleansing from sin through Jesus' sacrifice (1John 1:7). This act also demonstrates God's grace extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles, a theme further developed in the New Testament (Acts 10:34-35). Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and being a spokesperson for God. 2. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffered from leprosy and sought healing from the God of Israel. 3. Jordan RiverA significant river in the biblical account, often associated with cleansing and new beginnings. 4. MessengerAn unnamed servant of Elisha who delivers the prophet's instructions to Naaman. 5. LeprosyA chronic skin disease, symbolizing impurity and separation in biblical times. Teaching Points Obedience to God's InstructionsNaaman's healing required simple obedience to God's command through Elisha. This teaches us the importance of following God's instructions, even when they seem mundane or illogical. Faith and HumilityNaaman had to humble himself to follow the prophet's seemingly simple directive. Our faith often requires humility, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than ours. God's Power to CleanseThe Jordan River symbolizes God's power to cleanse and restore. Just as Naaman was cleansed of leprosy, God offers spiritual cleansing through faith in Christ. The Role of IntermediariesElisha's use of a messenger shows that God often works through intermediaries. We should be open to receiving God's word and guidance through others. The Universality of God's GraceNaaman, a foreigner, received healing, illustrating that God's grace extends beyond Israel to all who seek Him in faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5:10?
2.How does Elisha's instruction in 2 Kings 5:10 demonstrate faith in God's power?
3.What role does obedience play in experiencing God's healing, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10?
4.How can we apply Elisha's directive to "wash" in our spiritual lives today?
5.What other biblical examples show God's use of simple acts for miraculous outcomes?
6.How does Naaman's story encourage us to trust God's methods over our expectations?
7.Why did Elisha instruct Naaman to wash in the Jordan River specifically in 2 Kings 5:10?
8.How does Naaman's healing in 2 Kings 5:10 demonstrate faith and obedience?
9.What is the significance of the number seven in 2 Kings 5:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5?
11.How did Elisha heal Naaman of his leprosy?
12.What events are described in 2 Kings?
13.How do we reconcile Elisha’s instructions (2 Kings 5:10–12) with other Old Testament rites for healing that appear more complex or different?
14.What does the Bible say about energy healing?What Does 2 Kings 5:10 Mean Then Elisha sent him a messenger• Elisha does not come out in person; the focus stays on God’s power, not the prophet’s presence (cf.2 Kings 4:29;Luke 7:6–9). • Naaman’s status cannot purchase special treatment—grace levels every social distinction (Romans 2:11). • The messenger underscores the pattern of God working through humble means (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
who said• The authority lies in the word spoken, not in the speaker (John 12:49;2 Corinthians 4:5). • Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17); Naaman must respond to a message, just as Israel had to respond to prophetic words repeatedly ignored.
Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan• “Go” demands obedient action—faith that moves (James 2:17). • Washing in the Jordan recalls earlier acts of deliverance at this river (Joshua 3:15–17;2 Kings 2:8, 14). • Seven signals completeness in Scripture (Genesis 2:2–3;Revelation 1:4), pointing to God’s perfect work. • The simplicity of the command offends pride (1 Corinthians 1:18); Naaman expected something grand (2 Kings 5:11–12).
and your flesh will be restored• God promises not partial relief but full renewal—“like the flesh of a little child” (2 Kings 5:14). • Restoration is a hallmark of God’s covenant mercy (Joel 2:25–26;Mark 3:5). • Physical healing prefigures the greater restoration Christ brings (Matthew 12:13;Acts 3:19–21).
and you will be clean• Leprosy made one ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13–14); healing removes both stigma and separation. • Cleansing foreshadows the moral purification offered in the gospel (Psalm 51:7;1 John 1:9). • Only God can declare “clean,” whether of skin or of soul (Luke 5:13).
summaryElisha’s directive teaches that God grants complete cleansing through humble, faith-filled obedience to His word. Naaman must lay aside pride, accept a simple command, and trust God’s promise. When he does, the Lord restores his body and removes his uncleanness—an enduring picture of how sinners today receive full salvation by trusting and obeying the gracious word of God. (10) Elisha sent a messenger.--Avoiding personal contact with a leper. (Comp. 2Kings 5:15, where Naaman, when restored, goes in and stands before the prophet.) Perhaps reverence held back those who consulted a great prophet from entering his presence (comp. 2Kings 4:12); and therefore, Naaman stopped with his followers outside the house. Keil suggests that Elisha did not come out to Naaman, because he wished to humble his pride, and to show that his worldly magnificence did not impress the prophet. But, as Thenius says, there is no trace of pride about Naaman. Go.--Infinitive, equivalent to the imperative. (Comp.2Kings 3:16; and perhaps2Kings 4:43.) Wash in (the)Jordan.--This command would make it clear that Naaman was not cured by any external means applied by the prophet. "The Syrians knew as well as the Israelites that the Jordan could not heal leprosy" (Bahr). Naaman was to understand that he was healedby the God of Israel, at His prophet's prayer. (Comp.2Kings 5:15.) . . . Verse 10. - And Elisha sent a messenger unto him. Elisha asserted the dignity of his office. Naaman was "a great man" (ver. 1), with a high sense of his own importance, and regarded the prophet as very much inferior to himself. He expected to be waited on, courted, to receive every possible attention. Elisha no doubt intended very pointedly to rebuke him by remaining in his house, and communicating with the great man by a messenger. But there is no ground for taxing him with "priestly pride," or even with "impoliteness" on this account. He had to impress upon the Syrian noble the nothingness of wealth and earthly grandeur, and the dignity of the prophetic office. He did not do more than was requisite for these purposes. Saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times. Elisha speaks no doubt, "by the word of the Lord." He is directed to require of Naaman a compliance with a somewhat burdensome order. The nearest point on the course of Jordan was above twenty miles distant from Samaria. Naaman is to go thither, to strip himself, and to plunge into the stream seven times. The directions seem given to test his faith. They may be compared with that of our Lord to the blind man, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam," and, in another point of view, with that given to Joshua ( Joshua 6:3-5), and that of Elijah to his servant ( 1 Kings 18:43). To repeat a formal act six times with- out perceiving any result, and yet to persevere and repeat it a seventh time, requires a degree of faith and trust that men do not often possess. And thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. The scaly leprous scurf shall fall off and reveal clean flesh underneath. Thy body shall be manifestly freed from all defilement.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Elishaאֱלִישָׁ֖ע(’ĕ·lî·šā‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477:Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophetsentוַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח(way·yiš·laḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outhimאֵלָ֛יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toa messenger,מַלְאָ֣ךְ(mal·’āḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4397:A messenger, of God, an angelwho said,לֵאמֹ֑ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Goהָל֗וֹךְ(hā·lō·wḵ)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand wash yourselfוְרָחַצְתָּ֤(wə·rā·ḥaṣ·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7364:To wash, wash off or away, bathesevenשֶֽׁבַע־(še·ḇa‘-)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numbertimesפְּעָמִים֙(pə·‘ā·mîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471:A beat, foot, anvil, occurrencein the Jordan,בַּיַּרְדֵּ֔ן(bay·yar·dên)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383:Jordan -- the principal river of Palestineand your fleshבְּשָׂרְךָ֛(bə·śā·rə·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1320:Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, manwill be restored,וְיָשֹׁ֧ב(wə·yā·šōḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againand you will be clean.”וּטְהָֽר׃(ū·ṭə·hār)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2891:To be clean or pure
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OT History: 2 Kings 5:10 Elisha sent a messenger to him saying (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
