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Couldn&#8217t I wash in them and be cleansed?&#8221 So he turned and went off in a rage. <a href="/nlt/2_kings/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/esv/2_kings/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/2_kings/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Are Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, not better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?&#8221 So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in wrath. <a href="/amp/2_kings/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus [in Aram], better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/csb/2_kings/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Aren’t Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean? ” So he turned and left in a rage. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Aren&#8217t Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?&#8221 So he turned and left in a rage. <a href="/asv/2_kings/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/cev/2_kings/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What about the Abana River or the Pharpar River? Those rivers in Damascus are just as good as any river in Israel. I could have washed in them and been cured." <a href="/erv/2_kings/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Abana and Pharpar Rivers in Damascus have better water than any of the rivers in Israel. Couldn't I wash in them and be clean?" So he turned around and left in anger. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Besides, aren't the rivers Abana and Pharpar, back in Damascus, better than any river in Israel? I could have washed in them and been cured!" <a href="/isv/2_kings/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Aren't the Abana and Pharpar rivers in Damascus better than all of the water in Israel? Couldn't I just bathe in them and become clean?" So he turned away and left, filled with anger. <a href="/msb/2_kings/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_kings/5.htm">NET Bible</a> The rivers of Damascus, the Abana and Pharpar, are better than any of the waters of Israel! Could I not wash in them and be healed?" So he turned around and went away angry. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Aren't Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn't I go wash in them, and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/web/2_kings/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Aren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Do I not wash in them and I have been clean?” And he turns and goes on in fury. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? do I not wash in them and I have been clean?' and he turneth and goeth on in fury. <a href="/slt/2_kings/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Is not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, good above all the waters of Israel? and shall I not wash in them And be cleansed? And he will turn and go in wrath.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Are not the Abana, and the Pharphar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel, that I may wash in them, and be made clean? So as he turned, and was going away with indignation, <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Are not the Abana and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel, so that I might wash in them and be cleansed?” But then, after he had turned himself away and was leaving with indignation, <a href="/nabre/2_kings/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Are not the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be cleansed?” With this, he turned about in anger and left. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Are not Amnan and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? I will go and wash in them and be clean. So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Are not Amnan and Pharpar, rivers of Darmsuq, better than all the waters of Israel? I would go wash in them and I am cleansed!” And he turned and he went on in anger.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Are not Amanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?' So he turned, and went away in a rage. <a href="/sep/2_kings/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Are not the Abana and Pharphar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not go and wash in them, and be cleansed? and he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/5-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=1567" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/5.htm">Naaman Cured of Leprosy</a> …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. 12<a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Are not</a> <a href="/hebrew/71.htm" title="71: ʾă·ḇå̄·nå̄h (N-proper-fs) -- A river near Damascus. Perhaps feminine of 'eben; stony; Abanah, a river near Damascus.">the Abanah</a> <a href="/hebrew/6554.htm" title="6554: ū·p̄ar·par (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- A river near Damascus. Probably from parar in the sense of rushing; rapid; Parpar, a river of Syria.">and Pharpar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: na·hă·rō·wṯ (N-mpc) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">the rivers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1834.htm" title="1834: dam·me·śeq (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Aram (Syria). Or Duwmeseq; or Darmeseq; of foreign origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">of Damascus,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kōl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">than all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê·mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">the waters</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Could I not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7364.htm" title="7364: ’er·ḥaṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To wash, wash off or away, bathe. A primitive root; to lave.">have washed</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">in them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2891.htm" title="2891: wə·ṭā·hā·rə·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To be clean or pure. A primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. to be pure.">and been cleansed?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: way·yi·p̄en (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">So he turned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and went away</a> <a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: bə·ḥê·māh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">in a rage.</a> 13Naaman’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’?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/4-27.htm">Luke 4:27</a> And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” <a href="/john/9-7.htm">John 9:7</a> Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. <a href="/matthew/8-2.htm">Matthew 8:2-3</a> Suddenly 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. <a href="/mark/1-40.htm">Mark 1:40-42</a> Then 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. <a href="/luke/5-12.htm">Luke 5:12-13</a> While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “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 the leprosy left him. <a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Exodus 15:25</a> And 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, <a href="/leviticus/14-2.htm">Leviticus 14:2-7</a> “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, / the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed. ... <a href="/numbers/19-2.htm">Numbers 19:2-13</a> “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. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30-31</a> be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” / You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. <a href="/1_kings/18-33.htm">1 Kings 18:33-35</a> Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, placed it on the wood, / and said, “Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it a second time,” he said, and they did it a second time. “Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time. / So the water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. <a href="/2_kings/2-8.htm">2 Kings 2:8</a> And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">2 Kings 4:41</a> Then Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Pour it out for the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot. <a href="/2_kings/6-6.htm">2 Kings 6:6</a> “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. <a href="/ezekiel/47-9.htm">Ezekiel 47:9</a> Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.Abana and Pharpar.better<a href="/2_kings/5-17.htm">2 Kings 5:17</a> And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.<a href="/2_kings/2-8.htm">2 Kings 2:8,14</a> And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground… <a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Joshua 3:15-17</a> And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/21-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-27.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-7.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-38.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-35.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-27.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/8-10.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-18.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-30.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-7.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-27.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-24.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-23.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-31.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-28.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 5</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">Naaman, by the report of a captive maid, is sent to Samaria to be cured of leprosy</a> 8. <a href="/2_kings/5-8.htm">Elisha, sending him to Jordan cures him</a> 15. <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">He refusing Naaman's gifts grants him some of the earth</a> 20. <a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">Gehazi, abusing his master's name unto Naaman, is smitten with leprosy</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, expresses his disdain for the Jordan River by comparing it to the rivers of his homeland. The Abanah (also known as the Barada) and Pharpar are significant rivers in Damascus, known for their clear and abundant waters. This reflects a common human tendency to value what is familiar and esteemed in one's own culture over what is foreign or seemingly inferior. The rivers of Damascus were vital to the region's agriculture and economy, making them highly valued. This comparison highlights Naaman's pride and misunderstanding of God's ways, which often use the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes. The Jordan River, though not as impressive, holds significant biblical importance, being the site of Israel's crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 3) and later, the baptism of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">Matthew 3:13-17</a>).Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” Naaman's question reveals his expectation that healing should come through grand or familiar means, rather than through the simple act of faith and obedience. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's power is often demonstrated through humble means, such as Moses striking a rock to bring forth water (<a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Exodus 17:6</a>) or Jesus using mud to heal a blind man (<a href="/john/9-6.htm">John 9:6-7</a>). Naaman's focus on the physical attributes of the rivers misses the spiritual lesson of obedience and faith. His statement also underscores a common human struggle with pride and the need for humility to receive God's grace.So he turned and went away in a rage. Naaman's reaction is one of anger and disappointment, illustrating the struggle between human pride and divine instruction. His rage is a barrier to receiving the healing he seeks, symbolizing how pride can obstruct spiritual growth and blessings. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for Naaman's eventual submission and healing, which occurs only after he humbles himself and follows the prophet Elisha's instructions. This narrative echoes the biblical principle that God's ways are higher than human ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>) and that humility is essential for receiving God's grace (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>). Naaman's initial rejection and subsequent acceptance of God's method of healing serve as a type of conversion experience, foreshadowing the transformative power of faith and obedience in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/naaman.htm">Naaman</a> A commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was a valiant soldier but suffered from leprosy. His account is central to this passage as he seeks healing from the prophet Elisha. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> A prophet in Israel who instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy. His role is pivotal as a representative of God's power and authority. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abana_and_pharpar.htm">Abana and Pharpar</a> Rivers in Damascus, mentioned by Naaman as superior to the Jordan River. These rivers symbolize Naaman's pride and his initial misunderstanding of God's ways. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jordan_river.htm">Jordan River</a> The river in Israel where Elisha instructs Naaman to wash. It represents God's chosen means of healing, emphasizing obedience and faith over human reasoning. 5. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> The capital of Aram (modern-day Syria), representing Naaman's homeland and his initial perspective that his own resources were superior to those of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_over_pride.htm">Obedience Over Pride</a> Naaman's account teaches us that God's instructions may not always align with our expectations or logic. True healing and blessing come through humble obedience. <a href="/topical/g/god's_ways_are_not_our_ways.htm">God's Ways Are Not Our Ways</a> The choice of the Jordan River over the rivers of Damascus illustrates that God's methods often challenge human wisdom. Trusting in God's plan requires faith beyond our understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_humility.htm">The Power of Humility</a> Naaman's eventual submission to Elisha's instructions demonstrates the power of humility in receiving God's grace and healing. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Naaman's healing required him to act on his faith by washing in the Jordan. Our faith is often demonstrated through our actions in response to God's word. <a href="/topical/g/god's_universal_grace.htm">God's Universal Grace</a> Naaman, a foreigner, receives healing, showing that God's grace extends beyond the boundaries of Israel. This foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5</a> <a href="/q/am_i_seeking_more_in_life.htm">What does the Bible say about Damascus?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_elisha's_simple_healing.htm">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? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_damascus.htm">What does the Bible say about Damascus?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Abana.--So Hebrew text; Hebrew margin, Amana; and so many MSS., Complut., LXX., Targum, Syriac. (Comp. Amana, <a href="/songs/4-8.htm" title="Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.">Song of Solomon 4:8</a>, as name of a peak of the Lebanon, which is common in the Assyrian inscriptions also.) The river is identified with the present Burada, or Barady ("the cold"), which descends from the Anti-Lebanon, and flows through Damascus in seven streams. (The Arabic version has Barda.)Pharpar.--Parpar ("the swift"), the present Nahr el-Awaj, which comes down from the great Hermon, and flows by Damascus on the south. Both rivers have clear water, as being mountain streams, whereas the Jordan is turbid and discoloured.Rivers of Damascus.--Add the. Damascus is still famous for its wholesome water.May I not wash in them, and be clean?--If mere washing in a river be enough, it were easy to do that at home, and to much better advantage.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? The "rivers of Damascus" are streams of great freshness and beauty. The principal one is the Barada, probably the Abaua of the present passage, which, rising in the Antilibanus range, and flowing through a series of romantic glens, bursts finally from the mountains through a deep gorge and scatters itself over the plain. One branch passes right through the city of Damascus, cutting it in half. Others flow past the city both on the north and on the south, irrigating the gardens and orchards, and spreading fertility far and wide over the Merj. A small stream, the Fidjeh, flows into the Barada from the north. Another quite independent river, the Awaaj. waters the southern portion of the Damascene plain, but does not approach within several miles of the city. Most geographers regard this as the "Pharpar;" but the identification is uncertain, since the name may very possibly have attached to one of the branches of the Barada. The Barada is limpid, cool, gushing, the perfection of a river: It was known to the Greeks and Romans as the Chrysorrhoas, or "river of gold." We can well understand that Naaman would esteem the streams of his own city as infinitely superior to the turbid, often sluggish, sometimes "clay-colored" (Robinson, ' Researches,' ver. 2. p. 256) Jordan. If leprosy was to be trashed away, it might naturally have appeared to him that the pure Barada would have more cleansing power than the muddy river recommended to him by the prophet. So he turned and went away in a rage. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/5-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>[Are] not הֲלֹ֡א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no Abanah אֲמָנָ֨ה (’ă·mā·nāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_71.htm">Strong's 71: </a> Abanah -- a river near Damascus and Pharpar, וּפַרְפַּ֜ר (ū·p̄ar·par) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6554.htm">Strong's 6554: </a> Pharpar -- a river near Damascus the rivers נַהֲר֣וֹת (na·hă·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> A stream, prosperity of Damascus, דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק (dam·me·śeq) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1834.htm">Strong's 1834: </a> Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria) better טוֹב֩ (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good than all מִכֹּל֙ (mik·kōl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the waters מֵימֵ֣י (mê·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen of Israel? יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Could I not הֲלֹֽא־ (hă·lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no have washed אֶרְחַ֥ץ (’er·ḥaṣ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7364.htm">Strong's 7364: </a> To wash, wash off or away, bathe in them בָּהֶ֖ם (bā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and been cleansed?” וְטָהָ֑רְתִּי (wə·ṭā·hā·rə·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2891.htm">Strong's 2891: </a> To be clean or pure So he turned וַיִּ֖פֶן (way·yi·p̄en) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> To turn, to face, appear, look and went away וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk in a rage. בְּחֵמָֽה׃ (bə·ḥê·māh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> Heat, anger, poison <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/5-12.htm">2 Kings 5:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-12.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 5:12 Aren't Abanah and Pharpar the rivers (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/5-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 5:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 5:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 5:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 5:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>