New International VersionSo Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. “Is everything all right?” he asked.
New Living TranslationSo Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. “Is everything all right?” Naaman asked.
English Standard VersionSo Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”
Berean Standard BibleSo 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?”
King James BibleSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
New King James VersionSo Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “ Is all well?”
New American Standard BibleSo Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him and said, “ Is everything well?”
NASB 1995So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”
NASB 1977So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”
Legacy Standard BibleSo Gehazi pursued Naaman. And Naaman saw one running after him, so he came down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all at peace?”
Amplified BibleSo Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”
Christian Standard BibleSo Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”
American Standard VersionSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw one running after him, he alighted from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
Contemporary English VersionSo he hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he got out of his chariot to meet him. Naaman asked, "Is everything all right?"
English Revised VersionSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw one running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo Gehazi went after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he got down from his chariot to speak to him. "Is something wrong?" he asked.
Good News TranslationSo he set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw a man running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him, and asked, "Is something wrong?"
International Standard VersionSo Gehazi ran after Naaman. When Naaman noticed someone running after him, he came down from his chariot, greeted him and asked, "Is everything all right?"
NET BibleSo Gehazi ran after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him and asked, "Is everything all right?"
New Heart English BibleSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, "Is all well?"
Webster's Bible TranslationSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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?”
World English BibleSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Gehazi pursues after Naaman, and Naaman sees one running after him, and comes down off the chariot to meet him, and says, “Is there peace?”
Young's Literal Translation And Gehazi pursueth after Naaman, and Naaman seeth one running after him, and alighteth from off the chariot to meet him, and saith, 'Is there peace?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Gehazi will pursue after Naaman, and Naaman will see he ran after him, and will descend from his chariot to meet him, and he will say, Is it peace? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible21And Giezi followed after Naaman: and when he saw him running after him, he leapt down from his chariot to meet him, and said: Is all well?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, Gehazi followed after the back of Naaman. And when he had seen him running toward him, he leaped down from his chariot to meet him, and he said, “Is all well?”
New American BibleSo Gehazi hurried after Naaman. Seeing that someone was running after him, Naaman alighted from his chariot to wait for him. He asked, “Is everything all right?”
New Revised Standard VersionSo Gehazi went after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he jumped down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is everything all right?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo Gehazi ran after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he alighted from his chariot to meet him and said to him, Is all well?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Gekhazi ran after Naaman, and Naaman saw that he ran after him, and came down from his chariot to meet him, and he said to him: “Do you bring peace?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw one running after him, he alighted from the chariot to meet him, and said: 'Is all well?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationSo Giezi followed after Naiman: and Naiman saw him running after him, and turned back from his chariot to meet him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy… 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 GehazipursuedNaaman.And when Naamansaw himrunningtoward him,he got downfromthe chariotto meet himand 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.’ ”…
Cross References Acts 8:18-23When 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 6:24No 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 6:9-10Those 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 16:13No 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.”
Proverbs 15:27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
Exodus 20:17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Joshua 7:20-21“It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: / When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
1 Samuel 15:19So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”
1 Kings 21:20When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
2 Peter 2:15They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.
James 1:14-15But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Micah 2:1-2Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. / They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance.
Isaiah 56:11Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
Jeremiah 6:13“For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
Ezekiel 33:31So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
Treasury of Scripture So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? he lighted Luke 7:6,7 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: … Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Acts 10:25,26 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshippedhim… Is all well [heb] is there peace? 2 Kings 4:26 Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her,Is it well with thee?is it well with thy husband?is it well with the child? And she answered,It is well. 2 Kings 9:17-22 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say,Is it peace? … Jump to Previous AlightedAlightethCarriageChariotFollowedGehaziGeha'ziHurriedLightedMeetNaamanNa'amanPeacePursuedPursuethRightRunningSprangJump to Next AlightedAlightethCarriageChariotFollowedGehaziGeha'ziHurriedLightedMeetNaamanNa'amanPeacePursuedPursuethRightRunningSprang2 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 leprosySo Gehazi pursued Naaman.Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, takes action driven by greed and deceit. This pursuit marks a significant departure from the integrity expected of a prophet's servant. Gehazi's actions contrast with Elisha's earlier refusal of Naaman's gifts, highlighting a moral and spiritual decline. The pursuit itself is symbolic of Gehazi's internal chase after material wealth, which ultimately leads to his downfall. This moment foreshadows the consequences of covetousness, as seen in other biblical narratives such as Achan's sin in Joshua 7. And when Naaman saw him running toward him,
Naaman, a Syrian commander, had just experienced a miraculous healing from leprosy after following Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. His willingness to stop and engage with Gehazi reflects his gratitude and respect for the prophet's household. The act of running indicates urgency, which may have led Naaman to believe there was an important message or need. This scene underscores the cultural importance of hospitality and communication in ancient Near Eastern societies. he got down from the chariot to meet him
Naaman's descent from the chariot is a gesture of respect and humility, especially significant given his high status. In the ancient world, chariots were symbols of power and prestige, and stepping down from one to meet someone on foot demonstrated a willingness to engage on equal terms. This act can be seen as a continuation of Naaman's transformation, not just physically but spiritually, as he had acknowledged the God of Israel after his healing. and asked, “Is everything all right?”
Naaman's inquiry reflects concern and a readiness to assist, indicating a change in his character post-healing. This question is a common greeting in the biblical text, often used to express genuine interest in another's well-being. It also sets the stage for Gehazi's deceitful response, contrasting Naaman's sincerity with Gehazi's duplicity. The question echoes the biblical theme of seeking peace and well-being, as seen in other scriptures likeJeremiah 29:7, where seeking the peace of the city is encouraged. Persons / Places / Events 1. GehaziThe servant of Elisha, the prophet. Gehazi's actions in this chapter reveal his greed and deceit, which ultimately lead to his downfall. 2. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. 3. ElishaA prophet in Israel, known for his miracles and as a successor to Elijah. He refused Naaman's gifts, demonstrating the grace of God. 4. ChariotRepresents Naaman's status and wealth. His willingness to get down from the chariot shows respect and urgency in addressing Gehazi. 5. PursuitGehazi's pursuit of Naaman signifies his intent to deceive and gain material wealth under false pretenses. Teaching Points The Dangers of GreedGehazi's pursuit of Naaman for personal gain serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of greed. Integrity in ServiceAs a servant of Elisha, Gehazi's actions remind us of the importance of integrity and honesty, especially when serving others. Consequences of DeceitGehazi's account illustrates that deceit can lead to severe consequences, both spiritually and physically. Respect and HumilityNaaman's willingness to get down from his chariot shows respect and humility, qualities that are essential in our interactions with others. God's Grace and ProvisionElisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts highlights that God's grace cannot be bought, and His provision is sufficient. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5:21?
2.Why did Gehazi pursue Naaman, and what does this reveal about his heart?
3.How does Gehazi's action in 2 Kings 5:21 contrast with Elisha's integrity?
4.What scriptural principles warn against greed, as seen in Gehazi's pursuit?
5.How can we guard our hearts against similar temptations in our lives?
6.What lessons on honesty and integrity can we apply from Gehazi's story?
7.Why did Gehazi pursue Naaman in 2 Kings 5:21 despite Elisha's instructions?
8.What does Gehazi's action in 2 Kings 5:21 reveal about human nature and temptation?
9.How does 2 Kings 5:21 challenge the concept of obedience to spiritual authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5?
11.Who was Gehazi in the Bible?
12.What are the key events in 2 Kings?
13.What protects Elisha's claim to divine power in this chapter (2 Kings 5:8-9) from being just legend or folklore?
14.Why does Gehazi's curse (2 Kings 5:26-27) seem disproportionately harsh compared to other sins in the Old Testament?What Does 2 Kings 5:21 Mean So Gehazi pursued Naaman• The servant of Elisha chooses to chase after the Syrian commander, revealing a heart already set on personal gain (compare1 Timothy 6:10;Acts 8:18–20). • Gehazi’s action contrasts sharply with Elisha’s earlier refusal of gifts (2 Kings 5:16), underscoring the danger of coveting what God has declined. • Pursuit here is more than physical; it is moral descent—just as Achan “saw,” “coveted,” and “took” (Joshua 7:20–21).
And when Naaman saw him running toward him• Naaman, newly cleansed, perceives Gehazi’s approach and immediately assumes goodwill (1 Corinthians 13:7;Titus 1:15). • The image of the healed man watching the prophet’s aide signals how quickly trust can be won—or betrayed. • Running implies urgency; Naaman expects some prophetic message, not manipulation (Proverbs 3:27–28).
He got down from the chariot to meet him• Dismounting shows Naaman’s humility, a striking change from his earlier pride (2 Kings 5:11); see alsoLuke 18:13 for a humbled petitioner. • In near-Eastern culture, stepping down concedes honor to the one approached (Philippians 2:3). • Naaman’s gesture mirrors the Ethiopian eunuch who invites Philip into his chariot for deeper truth (Acts 8:31).
And asked, “Is everything all right?”• The question (literally, “Is there shalom?”) reveals Naaman’s concern for relational peace (Romans 12:18). • This greeting of welfare emphasizes that grace had softened the warrior’s heart (Ephesians 4:32). • Tragically, Gehazi will answer deceitfully, echoing Cain’s denial of responsibility (Genesis 4:9).
summary2 Kings 5:21 records a moment pregnant with contrast: Naaman, the once-leprous outsider, now walks in humility and goodwill, while Gehazi, insider to prophetic truth, sprints toward sin. The verse warns that unchecked covetousness can overtake even those close to holy things, yet it also showcases how God’s grace can transform a pagan commander into a man of courtesy and peace. (21) He lighted down from the chariot to meet him.--An Oriental mark of respect. Literally, fell from off the chariot: an expression denoting haste ( Genesis 24:64). The LXX. has "he turned," which implies an ellipsis of "and descended." Is all well?--Naaman feared something might have befallen the prophet. The LXX. omits this. Verse 21. - So Gehazi followed after Naaman. A company of travelers in the East, even though it consist of the retinue of a single great man, will always contain footmen, as well as those who ride on horses or in chariots, and will not travel at a faster pace than about three miles an hour. Thus Gehazi, if he went at his best speed, could expect to overtake, and did actually overtake, the cavalcade of Naaman. He probably overtook them at a very short distance from Samaria. And when Naaman saw him running after him. Gehazi was pressed for time. He could not start at once, lest he should make it too plain that he was going m pursuit of Naaman; and he could not absent himself from the house too long, lest his master should call for him. He had, therefore, at whatever loss of dignity, to hurry himself, and actually "run after" the Syrian. Naaman, either accidentally looking back, or warned by some of his train, sees him, recognizes him, and is only too glad to respond to his wishes. He lighted down from the chariot to meet him. An act of great condescension. As Bahr notes, "Descent from a vehicle is, in the East, a sign of respect from the inferior to the superior;" and Naaman, in lighting down from his chariot, must have intended to "honor the prophet in his servant" ('Commentary on Kings,' vol. 2. p. 55). But such honor is not commonly paid, and thus the act of Naaman was abnormal. And said, Is all well? The words admit of no better translation. Seeing Gehazi's haste and anxious looks, Naaman suspects that all is not well, that something has happened since he left the prophet's house, and accordingly puts his question, אךנמו תנעס ךנךתשׂךרּ ־ הֲשָׁלום? (Vulgate).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So Gehaziגֵּיחֲזִ֖י(gê·ḥă·zî)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1522:Gehazi -- perhaps 'valley of vision', servant of Elishapursuedוַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף(way·yir·dōp̄)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7291:To pursue, chase, persecuteNaaman.נַֽעֲמָ֑ן(na·‘ă·mān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5283:Naaman -- a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian) generalAnd when Naamanנַֽעֲמָן֙(na·‘ă·mān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5283:Naaman -- a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian) generalsaw [him]וַיִּרְאֶ֤ה(way·yir·’eh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seerunningרָ֣ץ(rāṣ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7323:To runtoward him,אַחֲרָ֔יו(’a·ḥă·rāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310:The hind or following parthe got downוַיִּפֹּ֞ל(way·yip·pōl)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, liefromמֵעַ֧ל(mê·‘al)Preposition-m
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe chariotהַמֶּרְכָּבָ֛ה(ham·mer·kā·ḇāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4818:A chariotto meet himלִקְרָאת֖וֹ(liq·rā·ṯōw)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7125:Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the wayand asked,וַיֹּ֥אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Is everything all right?”הֲשָׁלֽוֹם׃(hă·šā·lō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace
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OT History: 2 Kings 5:21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
