2 Kings 5:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Gehazi, Elisha's servant, cannot accept that Naaman was sent away empty-handed and plots to catch him.
The Context of 2 Kings 5:20
While Elisha and Naaman part, Gehazi sees an opportunity to seize what his master refused.
What Does 2 Kings 5:20 Mean?
Gehazi watches the whole scene from the shadows. Naaman, commander of an army, healed by the word of the God of Israel—and he leaves with nothing in Elisha's hands? It makes no sense to Gehazi's eyes. The man is rich, grateful, alive. Surely some of that gratitude should translate into silver and gold. Gehazi thinks of his own poverty, his service, the endless thankless work of following Elisha. The injustice burns in him. So he lies: 'My master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought.' As if Elisha were too gracious, too lenient. Gehazi will correct that mistake.
Greed works by making us feel we are owed what we are not owed. It whispers that we deserve compensation for our goodness, that we are foolish to refuse what the world freely offers. Gehazi's heart is not yet turned to God, and so the world's logic makes perfect sense to him. But we know from Scripture that greed is a kind of idolatry (Colossians 3:5), and Gehazi is about to discover this truth in the most painful way.
How to Apply 2 Kings 5:20 Today
When you see others blessed by God, be careful of the envy that whispers 'I deserve that too.' Greed grows silently in the space between what we have and what we want.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 5:20
What does 2 Kings 5:20 mean?
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, cannot accept that Naaman was sent away empty-handed and plots to catch him.
What is the context of 2 Kings 5:20?
While Elisha and Naaman part, Gehazi sees an opportunity to seize what his master refused.
How can I apply 2 Kings 5:20 today?
When you see others blessed by God, be careful of the envy that whispers 'I deserve that too.' Greed grows silently in the space between what we have and what we want.