New International VersionAnd there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
New Living TranslationAnd many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”
English Standard VersionAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian."
King James BibleAnd many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
New King James VersionAnd many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
New American Standard BibleAnd there were many with leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
NASB 1995“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
NASB 1977“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
Amplified BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and not one of them was cleansed [by being healed] except Naaman the Syrian.”
Christian Standard BibleAnd in the prophet Elisha’s time, there were many in Israel who had leprosy, and yet not one of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd in the prophet Elisha’s time, there were many in Israel who had serious skin diseases, yet not one of them was healed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
American Standard VersionAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.
Contemporary English VersionDuring the time of the prophet Elisha, many men in Israel had leprosy. But no one was healed, except Naaman who lived in Syria.
English Revised VersionAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThere were also many people with skin diseases in Israel in the prophet Elisha's time. But God cured no one except Naaman from Syria."
Good News TranslationAnd there were many people suffering from a dreaded skin disease who lived in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha; yet not one of them was healed, but only Naaman the Syrian."
International Standard VersionThere were also many lepers in Israel in the prophet Elisha's time, yet not one of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
NET BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, yet none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
New Heart English BibleThere were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd there was also many a leper in Israel in the time of the Prophet Elisha, and yet not one of them was cleansed, but Naaman the Syrian was." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
World English BibleThere were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand many lepers were in the time of Elisha the prophet, in Israel, and none of them was cleansed, but—Naaman the Syrian.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian."
Young's Literal Translation and many lepers were in the time of Elisha the prophet, in Israel, and none of them was cleansed, but -- Naaman the Syrian.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd many leprous were during Eliseus the prophet in Israel; and none of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet: and none of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd there were many lepers in Israel under the prophet Elisha. And none of these was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian.”
New American BibleAgain, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
New Revised Standard VersionThere were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there were many lepers in Israel in the days of the prophet Elisha, and yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And there were many lepers among Israel in the days of the Elisha the Prophet and not one of them was purified except Naaman the Syrian.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd many lepers were in Israel, in the time of Elisha the prophet; and no one of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian.
Godbey New Testament
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha; and none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.
Haweis New Testament
And many lepers were in Israel in the days of the prophet Elisha, and no one of them was cleansed, but Naaman the Syrian.
Mace New Testament
and there were many lepers in the time of Elisha the prophet: yet none of them obtain'd a cure, except Naaman the Syrian.
Weymouth New Testament
And there was also many a leper in Israel in the time of the Prophet Elisha, and yet not one of them was cleansed, but Naaman the Syrian was."
Worrell New Testament
"And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and no one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."
Worsley New Testament
There were also many lepers in Israel, in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed; but Naaman the Syrianwas.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Rejection at Nazareth… 26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon. 27Andthere weremanylepersinIsraelin the timeof Elishatheprophet.Yetnot oneof themwas cleansed—onlyNaamantheSyrian.”28On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged.…
Cross References 2 Kings 5:1-14Now 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. / 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. / 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.” ...
Matthew 8:2-4Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 11:4-5Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: / The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
John 4:48Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”
John 9:1-7Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, / and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” / Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. ...
Acts 10:34-35Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
James 5:14-16Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. / And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. / Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
Leviticus 13:1-46Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, / “When someone has a swelling or rash or bright spot on his skin that may be an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest. / The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean. ...
Leviticus 14:1-32Then 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 12:10-15As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous, / and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. / Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” ...
Deuteronomy 24:8-9In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful to diligently follow everything the Levitical priests instruct you. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. / Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.
2 Kings 7:3-10Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? / If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” / So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. ...
2 Chronicles 26:19-21Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. / When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. / So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land.
Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
Matthew 10:8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Treasury of Scripture And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. Eliseus. 1 Kings 19:19-21 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, whowas plowingwith twelve yokeof oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him… Elisha. Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. Naaman. 2 Kings 5:1-27 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour,but he was a leper… Job 21:22 Shallany teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. Jump to Previous CleanCleansedCountryElijahElishaEli'shaExceptIsraelLepersNaamanNa'amanProphetSavingSidonianSyrianTimeWidowZarephathJump to Next CleanCleansedCountryElijahElishaEli'shaExceptIsraelLepersNaamanNa'amanProphetSavingSidonianSyrianTimeWidowZarephathLuke 4 1.The fasting and temptation of Jesus.14.He begins to preach.16.The people of Nazareth marvel at words, but seek to kill him.33.He cures one possessed of a demon,38.Peter's mother-in-law,40.and various other sick persons.41.The demons acknowledge Jesus, and are reproved for it.42.He preaches through the cities of Galilee.And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet.This phrase highlights the prevalence of leprosy in ancient Israel, a disease that rendered individuals ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized according to Levitical law (Leviticus 13-14). Elisha, a successor of Elijah, was a prominent prophet in Israel during the 9th century BC, known for performing miracles and serving as a conduit of God's power. The mention of lepers underscores the physical and spiritual plight of Israel at the time, reflecting a nation in need of divine intervention. The historical context suggests a period of spiritual decline, where despite the presence of a powerful prophet, the people often turned away from God. Yet not one of them was cleansed—
This part of the verse emphasizes the lack of healing among the Israelite lepers, which can be seen as a reflection of Israel's spiritual state. Despite the presence of a prophet like Elisha, who had the power to perform miracles, the Israelites' lack of faith and obedience to God resulted in their continued suffering. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in receiving God's blessings and healing. Theologically, it points to the idea that God's grace and mercy are not limited by ethnicity or nationality but are extended to those who demonstrate faith. only Naaman the Syrian.
Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (modern-day Syria), a nation often at odds with Israel. His healing is recorded in2 Kings 5, where he is cleansed of leprosy after following Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman's healing signifies God's willingness to extend grace beyond the boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. This act of cleansing a foreigner highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and the universality of His salvation. Naaman's faith and obedience, despite his initial reluctance, serve as a type of Christ's future ministry to the Gentiles, illustrating that faith, not heritage, is the key to receiving God's grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. Elisha the ProphetA significant prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and being a messenger of God. 2. Naaman the SyrianA commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria), who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions. 3. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often depicted in the Old Testament as struggling with faithfulness to God. 4. Lepers in IsraelIndividuals suffering from leprosy, a disease that rendered them ceremonially unclean and often led to social isolation. 5. Syria (Aram)A neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with Israel, yet here, a Syrian is the recipient of God's miraculous healing. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and GraceGod's grace is not limited by national or ethnic boundaries. He chooses whom to bless according to His sovereign will. Faith and ObedienceNaaman's healing required obedience to God's word through Elisha. Faith often requires action, even when it seems illogical or humbling. Humility Before GodNaaman's initial pride almost prevented his healing. Humility is essential in approaching God and receiving His blessings. God's Inclusive LoveThe account of Naaman illustrates that God's love and power extend beyond Israel, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant. The Role of ProphetsElisha's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers and the power of prophetic ministry in revealing God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 4:27?
2.How does Luke 4:27 illustrate God's sovereignty in choosing whom to heal?
3.What lessons can we learn from Naaman's healing about faith and obedience?
4.How does Luke 4:27 connect to the broader theme of God's grace in Scripture?
5.In what ways can we trust God's timing and methods in our lives?
6.How can Naaman's story inspire us to seek God's help in difficult times?
7.Why were only Naaman and not other lepers healed in Luke 4:27?
8.What does Luke 4:27 reveal about God's selective healing?
9.How does Luke 4:27 challenge the idea of God's impartiality?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 4?
11.Who was Naaman in the Bible?
12.How did Elisha heal Naaman of his leprosy?
13.If faith healing works, why do hospitals not use it?
14.What is the Bible's perspective on healthcare?What Does Luke 4:27 Mean And there were many lepers in Israel“Leprosy” in Scripture covered a range of dreaded skin diseases that isolated people from society and worship (Leviticus 13–14). Israel had “many” sufferers, a reminder that even God’s covenant people were not immune to the consequences of a fallen world. • Their presence underscored physical brokenness that pictured the deeper problem of sin (Isaiah 1:5-6). • Though priests could diagnose, only God could truly heal (2 Kings 5:7). • Jesus’ listeners in Nazareth would have grown up hearing about these regulations and the stigma attached (Luke 4:16-22).
in the time of Elisha the prophet.Elisha ministered during a spiritually dark era when Israel’s kings tolerated idolatry (2 Kings 3:1-3). Despite national unfaithfulness, God still sent a prophet full of power and compassion. • Elisha succeeded Elijah, inheriting a double portion of the Spirit (2 Kings 2:9-15). • His miracles—multiplying oil, raising the dead, making iron float—proved the living God was still at work even when the nation drifted (2 Kings 4–6). • Jesus’ citation links His own Nazareth ministry to Elisha’s: a prophet present, yet mostly unrecognized by his own people (Luke 4:24; cf.John 1:11).
Yet not one of them was cleansedThe striking point is God’s restraint: no Israelite leper of that generation experienced healing through Elisha. • Divine miracles are never random; they highlight faith and God’s redemptive purposes (John 20:30-31). • Israel’s widespread unbelief blocked reception of blessing—just as Jesus “could not do many miracles” in Nazareth because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5-6). • The statement warns that physical nearness to spiritual privilege does not guarantee benefit (Hebrews 3:12-19).
—only Naaman the Syrian.A Gentile military commander, an enemy of Israel, became the lone recipient of healing (2 Kings 5:1-14). • Naaman humbled himself, heeding a captured Israeli girl, Elisha’s messenger, and finally the prophet’s simple command: “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times” (2 Kings 5:10). • Faith, not ethnicity, opened the door to God’s grace—foreshadowing the gospel’s reach to outsiders (Luke 7:1-10;Acts 10:34-35). • For Jesus’ hometown audience, the implication was piercing: Gentiles may experience God’s favor when Israel refuses it (Romans 11:11).
summaryLuke 4:27 shows Jesus pressing home a timeless principle: God’s miraculous mercy flows where humble faith responds, regardless of national or religious pedigree. Israel had many lepers, yet none were healed; only Naaman, a believing Syrian, received cleansing. The verse calls every listener to move from mere familiarity with God to active trust, lest the blessings of His kingdom pass us by. (27) Eliseus the prophet.--The original gives, as was natural, the Greek form of Elisha, as before of Elijah. Saving Naaman.--Better,but Naaman. as before.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.there wereἦσαν(ēsan)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.manyπολλοὶ(polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.lepersλεπροὶ(leproi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3015:A leprous person, a leper. From the same as lepra; scaly, i.e. Leprous.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.IsraelἸσραὴλ(Israēl)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2474:Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.in the timeἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.of ElishaἘλισαίου(Elisaiou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1666:Elisha. Of Hebrew origin; Elissaeus, an Israelite.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.prophet.προφήτου(prophētou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396:From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.Yetκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.not oneοὐδεὶς(oudeis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.of themαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.was cleansed—ἐκαθαρίσθη(ekatharisthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2511:To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse.onlyεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.NaamanΝαιμὰν(Naiman)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3497:Naaman. Of Hebrew origin; Neeman, a Syrian.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Syrian.”Σύρος(Syros)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4948:Syrian, belonging to Syria. From the same as Suria; a Syran, a native of Syria.
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NT Gospels: Luke 4:27 There were many lepers in Israel (Luke Lu Lk) |
