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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 5:16 But Elisha replied, "As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it." And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/5-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/12_2Ki_05_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 5:16 - Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Elisha replied, As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it. And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/5-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/5-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm" title="2 Kings 5:15">◄</a> 2 Kings 5:16 <a href="/2_kings/5-17.htm" title="2 Kings 5:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The prophet answered, &#8220As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.&#8221 And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But he said, <i>As</i> the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take <i>it</i>; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But he said, “<i>As</i> the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take <i>it,</i> but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he said, “As <i>surely as</i> the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” And he urged him to accept <i>it,</i> but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But he said, &#8220As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.&#8221 And he urged him to take it, but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take <i>it,</i> but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take <i>it</i>, but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” He urged him to take it, but Elisha refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha said, &#8220As the LORD lives, I stand before Him. I will not accept it.&#8221 Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"I am a servant of the living LORD," Elisha answered, "and I swear that I will not take anything from you." Naaman kept begging, but Elisha kept refusing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Elisha said, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD whom I serve lives, I will not accept it." Naaman urged him to take it, but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Elisha answered, "By the living LORD, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift." Naaman insisted that he accept it, but he would not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not receive anything from you." Though Naaman urged him to take it, Elisha declined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha replied, ?As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.? And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha replied, "As certainly as the LORD lives (whom I serve), I will take nothing from you." Naaman insisted that he take it, but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But he said, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." He urged him to take it; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, “YHWH lives, before whom I have stood—if I take [it]”; and he presses on him to take, and he refuses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, before whom I have stood -- if I take it;' and he presseth on him to take, and he refuseth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Jehovah lives whom I stood before him if I will take. And he will press upon him to take, and he will refuse.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he answered: As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And when he pressed him, he still refused. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he responded, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And though he urged him strongly, he did not agree at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it.” And despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But he said, “As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!” He urged him to accept, but he refused.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But Elisha said, As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And be urged him to take it; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Elisha said: “As LORD JEHOVAH is living before whom I stand, I shall not take it!” And he begged of him to take it, and he was not willing.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But he said: 'As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none.' And he urged him to take it; but he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Elisaie said, <i>As</i> the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not take <i>one</i>. And he pressed him to take <i>one</i>: but he would not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/5-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=1631" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/5.htm">Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15</span>Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">But Elisha replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“As surely as the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before whom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·maḏ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">I stand,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: ’eq·qāḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">accept it.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6484.htm" title="6484: way·yip̄·ṣar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To push, press. A primitive root; to peck at, i.e. stun or dull.">And although Naaman urged</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qa·ḥaṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to accept it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3985.htm" title="3985: way·mā·’ên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To refuse. A primitive root; to refuse.">he refused.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Acts 8:20</a></span><br />But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Matthew 10:8</a></span><br />Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Genesis 14:22-23</a></span><br />But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a></span><br />Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">1 Corinthians 9:18</a></span><br />What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a></span><br />And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">2 Corinthians 12:14</a></span><br />See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:5-6</a></span><br />As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! / Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">1 Kings 13:8-9</a></span><br />But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-17.htm">Daniel 5:17</a></span><br />In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-34</a></span><br />I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-17.htm">2 Corinthians 2:17</a></span><br />For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">1 Timothy 6:5-6</a></span><br />and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. / Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a></span><br />Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">2 Corinthians 12:17-18</a></span><br />Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? / I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But he said, As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.</p><p class="hdg">As the Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/3-14.htm">2 Kings 3:14</a></b></br> And Elisha said, <i>As</i> the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a></b></br> And Elijah the Tishbite, <i>who was</i> of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, <i>As</i> the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-15.htm">1 Kings 18:15</a></b></br> And Elijah said, <i>As</i> the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.</p><p class="hdg">I will receive</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">2 Kings 5:20,26</a></b></br> But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, <i>as</i> the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Genesis 14:22,23</a></b></br> And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">1 Kings 13:8</a></b></br> And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-3.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-31.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Naaman</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">Presseth</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-64.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-49.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-11.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-11.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Urged</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-3.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-7.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-17.htm">Naaman</a> <a href="/psalms/38-2.htm">Presseth</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/esther/1-12.htm">Refuseth</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-17.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-18.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-25.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-25.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-23.htm">Urged</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/5-8.htm">Elisha, sending him to Jordan cures him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">He refusing Naaman's gifts grants him some of the earth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">Gehazi, abusing his master's name unto Naaman, is smitten with leprosy</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>But Elisha replied</b><br>Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is central to this narrative. His role as a prophet is to convey God's messages and perform miracles, demonstrating God's power and authority. Elisha's response is significant as it reflects his commitment to God's will and his role as a servant of the Lord.<p><b>“As surely as the LORD lives</b><br>This phrase is an oath, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of Elisha's statement. It reflects the Hebrew understanding of God as the living God, contrasting with the lifeless idols worshiped by surrounding nations. This expression is used frequently in the Old Testament to affirm the truthfulness of a statement (e.g., <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/4-2.htm">Jeremiah 4:2</a>).<p><b>before whom I stand</b><br>This indicates Elisha's position as a servant and representative of God. The phrase suggests a posture of readiness and obedience, similar to a courtier standing before a king. It underscores the prophet's direct accountability to God, as seen in other prophetic contexts (e.g., <a href="/1_kings/17.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a>).<p><b>I will not accept it.”</b><br>Elisha's refusal to accept gifts from Naaman highlights the principle that God's grace and healing cannot be bought. This act distinguishes the God of Israel from pagan deities, whose favor was often thought to be purchased. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching of salvation as a free gift (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>).<p><b>And although Naaman urged him to accept it</b><br>Naaman's insistence reflects the cultural norm of offering gifts in gratitude, especially after receiving a significant favor. In the ancient Near East, it was customary to reward those who performed miraculous deeds. Naaman's persistence also shows his misunderstanding of the nature of God's grace.<p><b>he refused.</b><br>Elisha's steadfast refusal serves as a testimony to the integrity of God's servants and the purity of God's work. It reinforces the message that divine blessings are not commodities to be traded. This act of refusal can be seen as a type of Christ, who also offered grace freely and without cost (<a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Matthew 10:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a></b><br>A prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and strong faith in God. In this passage, he demonstrates integrity and devotion to God by refusing a gift.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/naaman.htm">Naaman</a></b><br>A commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions. He represents a foreigner who comes to recognize the power of the God of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The God of Israel, whose power and presence are acknowledged by Elisha as the reason for his actions and decisions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/aram.htm">Aram (Syria)</a></b><br>The nation from which Naaman hails, often at odds with Israel, highlighting the cross-cultural and divine nature of the miracle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gift.htm">The Gift</a></b><br>The offering from Naaman to Elisha as a token of gratitude for his healing, which Elisha refuses to accept, emphasizing the grace and sovereignty of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_ministry.htm">Integrity in Ministry</a></b><br>Elisha's refusal to accept Naaman's gift underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and not allowing material gain to influence spiritual service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_god's_sovereignty.htm">Recognition of God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>By refusing the gift, Elisha points to God as the true source of healing and blessing, reminding us to give glory to God alone.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/grace_over_works.htm">Grace Over Works</a></b><br>Elisha's actions illustrate that God's grace cannot be bought or earned, aligning with the New Testament teaching of salvation by grace through faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_nations.htm">Witness to the Nations</a></b><br>Naaman's healing and subsequent acknowledgment of the God of Israel demonstrate God's desire to reveal Himself to all nations, encouraging believers to be witnesses of God's power and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_elisha_cure_naaman.htm">How did Elisha heal Naaman of his leprosy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_ahaz's_idolatry_less_condemned.htm">Why doesn't 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz's actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_many_wives_did_abraham_have.htm">What does the Bible say about seeing spirits and demons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_faith_healing.htm">What does the Bible say about faith healing?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">But</span>.--And (both times).<p><span class= "bld">I will receive none</span>.--Theodoret compares our Lord's "Freely ye have received, freely give" (<a href="/matthew/10-8.htm" title="Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give.">Matthew 10:8</a>). (Comp. <a href="/acts/8-20.htm" title="But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.">Acts 8:20</a>.) Such may have been Elisha's feeling. His refusal, strongly contrasting with the conduct of ordinary prophets, Israelite and heathen (comp. <a href="/context/1_samuel/9-6.htm" title="And he said to him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he said comes surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can show us our way that we should go.">1Samuel 9:6-9</a>), would make a deep impression upon Naaman and his retinue.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none.</span> Elisha regards it as best, under the circumstances, to refuse the offered recompense. It was not compulsory on him so to act; for the precept, "Freely ye have received, freely give" (<a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Matthew 10:8</a>), had not been yet uttered. Pious Israelites commonly brought gifts to the prophets whom they consulted (<a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">1 Samuel 9:7, 8</a>; <a href="/1_kings/14-3.htm">1 Kings 14:3</a>). But, in the case of a foreigner, ignorant hitherto of true religion, whom it was important to impress favorably, and, if possible, win over to the faith, Elisha deemed it advisable to take no reward. Naaman was thus taught that Jehovah was his true Healer, the prophet the mere instrument, and that it was to Jehovah that his gratitude, his thanks, and his offerings were due. <span class="cmt_word">And he urged him to take it; but he refused.</span> Contests of politeness are common in the East, where the one party offers to give and even insists on giving, while the other makes a pretence of declining; but here both parties were in earnest, and the gift was absolutely declined. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/5-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But Elisha replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“As surely as the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lives,</span><br /><span class="heb">חַי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before whom</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I stand,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָמַ֥דְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·maḏ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will not</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">accept it.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶקָּ֑ח</span> <span class="translit">(’eq·qāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And although Naaman urged</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפְצַר־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·ṣar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6484.htm">Strong's 6484: </a> </span><span class="str2">To peck at, stun, dull</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="heb">בּ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">to accept it,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָקַ֖חַת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·qa·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he refused.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְמָאֵֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(way·mā·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> </span><span class="str2">To refuse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 5:16 But he said As Yahweh lives before (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 5:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 5:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/5-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 5:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 5:17" /></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>