2 Kings 5:14
2 Kings 5:14 in Multiple Translations
So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Then he went down seven times into the waters of Jordan, as the man of God had said; and his flesh became like the flesh of a little child again, and he was clean.
So Naaman went down and plunged himself underwater in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him. His body was healed, his skin became like a baby's, and he was clean.
Then went he downe, and washed him selfe seuen times in Iorden, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came againe, like vnto ye flesh of a litle child, and he was cleane.
And he goeth down and dippeth in Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh doth turn back as the flesh of a little youth, and is clean.
Then went he down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Then he went down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Then he went down, and washed in the Jordan seven times: according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored, like the flesh of a little child, and he was made clean.
So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and washed himself seven times, as ◄the prophet/Elisha► told him to do. Then his skin was restored/healed, and it became healthy/smooth, like the skin of a young child.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 5:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 5:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֗רֶד
וַ/יִּטְבֹּ֤ל
בַּ/יַּרְדֵּן֙
שֶׁ֣בַע
פְּעָמִ֔ים
כִּ/דְבַ֖ר
אִ֣ישׁ
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
בְּשָׂר֗/וֹ
כִּ/בְשַׂ֛ר
נַ֥עַר
קָטֹ֖ן
וַ/יִּטְהָֽר
וַ/יֵּ֗רֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּטְבֹּ֤ל
ṭâbal
H2881
to dip
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/יַּרְדֵּן֙
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Prep | N-proper
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
פְּעָמִ֔ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
כִּ/דְבַ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּשָׂר֗/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
כִּ/בְשַׂ֛ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Prep | N-ms
נַ֥עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
קָטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Adj
וַ/יִּטְהָֽר
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 5:14
וַ/יֵּ֗רֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
וַ/יִּטְבֹּ֤ל
ṭâbal
H2881
"to dip"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to dip or immerse something in a liquid, like water or oil. It is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as dipping food or plunging into water.
Definition: 1) to dip, dip into, plunge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dip in or into 1a2) to dip oneself 1b) (Niphal) to be dipped
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: dip, plunge. See also: Genesis 37:31; Numbers 19:18; Job 9:31.
בַּ/יַּרְדֵּן֙
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Prep | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
פְּעָמִ֔ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
כִּ/דְבַ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
בְּשָׂר֗/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
כִּ/בְשַׂ֛ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
נַ֥עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
קָטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
וַ/יִּטְהָֽר
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 5:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 5:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:14
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
- Sermons on 2 Kings 5:14
Context — Naaman Cured of Leprosy
12Are 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.
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’?”
14So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.
15Then 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.” 16But 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 33:25 | then his flesh is refreshed like a child’s; he returns to the days of his youth. |
| 2 | Luke 4:27 | 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.” |
| 3 | Luke 5:13 | Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. |
| 4 | Zechariah 14:8 | And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 5:10 | Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 47:1–9 | Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. 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. |
| 7 | John 2:5 | His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” |
| 8 | Job 31:13 | If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, |
| 9 | Proverbs 25:11–12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
| 10 | Zechariah 13:1 | “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. |
2 Kings 5:14 Summary
[This verse shows us that Naaman, a man with leprosy, was healed when he obeyed God's word and dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times. This story teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, just like we see in Psalm 107:20, where it says 'He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.' Naaman's healing was not just physical, but also spiritual, as he came to recognize the one true God of Israel. By obeying God's word, Naaman experienced restoration and renewal, and we can too, as we trust in God's goodness and power, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Naaman have to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times to be cleansed?
The Bible doesn't give a specific reason why seven times was required, but it may symbolize completion or perfection, as seen in other Bible verses like Joshua 6:4, where the Israelites marched around Jericho seven times before its walls fell.
Was Naaman's healing just physical or was it also spiritual?
While the verse primarily focuses on Naaman's physical healing, his subsequent declaration in 2 Kings 5:15 that 'there is no God in all the earth except in Israel' suggests that he also experienced a spiritual awakening, similar to what is described in Romans 10:9-10, where believing in Jesus Christ leads to salvation.
What can we learn from Naaman's initial reluctance to follow the prophet's instructions?
Naaman's initial reluctance, as seen in 2 Kings 5:12, teaches us the importance of humility and obedience, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
How does Naaman's story relate to the concept of faith and healing in the Bible?
Naaman's story illustrates the connection between faith, obedience, and healing, as seen in Mark 11:24, where Jesus teaches that whatever we ask for in prayer, we will receive if we believe, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and promises.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and promises, just like Naaman had to trust in the prophet's word?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience, as seen in Naaman's eventual decision to dip himself in the Jordan, to my own walk with God?
- What does Naaman's transformation from a leprous man to one with skin 'like that of a little child' teach me about God's ability to restore and renew me?
- In what ways can I, like Naaman, declare God's greatness and goodness to those around me after experiencing His healing and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:14
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God,.... He listened to the reasoning of his servant, and his passion subsided, and did as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:14
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
Like unto the flesh of a little child, i.e. fresh and pure, free from the least mixture or mark of the disease.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.Ver. 14. Then went he down, &c.] He was not so morose or self-willed, though now in a great pelt, but that he would hearken to reason, though it came from servants. According to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh, &c.] Long enough might Naaman have washed there in vain, if Elisha had not sent him, and said to him, Go, wash in Jordan seven times, &c. It is the word, the ordinance of the Almighty, which putteth efficacy into those means which by themselves are both impotent and improbable. What can water in baptism do of itself to the washing away of sin? Some tell us that by that water Constantine the Great was cured of a leprosy; but that was not, saith mine author, by the efficacy of the water, nor yet by the efficacy of baptism precisely and properly - since it was instituted for another purpose, - but because the baptismal water was to him divinae voluntatis et propheticae iussionis instrumentum, as Ambrose hath it of Jordan’ s water to Naaman, a means to convey good to him both for body and soul.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
(14) Then went he down.—And he went down: scil., from Samaria to the Jordan bed. The Syriac and Arabic, and some Hebrew MSS., read “and he departed;” probably an error of transcription. Seven times.—“Because seven was significant of the Divine covenant with Israel, and the cure depended on that covenant; or to stamp the cure as a Divine work, for seven is the signature of the works of God” (Keil). In the Assyrian monuments there is an almost exact parallel to the above method of seeking a cure. It occurs among the so-called exorcisms, and belongs to the age of Sargon of Agadê (Accad), before 2200 B.C. Merodach is represented as asking his father Hea how to cure a sick man. Hea replies that the sick man must go and bathe in the sacred waters at the mouth of the Euphrates. It thus appears that in bidding Naaman bathe seven times in the Jordan, Elisha acted in accordance with ancient Semitic belief as to the healing virtue of running streams.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
Verse 14. Then went he down] He felt the force of this reasoning, and made a trial, probably expecting little success. Like unto the flesh of a little child] The loathsome scurf was now entirely removed; his flesh assumed the appearance and health of youth; and the whole mass of his blood, and other juices, became purified, refined, and exalted! How mighty is God! What great things can he do by the simplest and feeblest of means!
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:14
14. Then went he down] His rage had first gone down, and thus he was in a fitter condition to undertake the journey commanded him. and dipped himself seven times] Not only in the journey to the river, which was without any display, and merely terminated in some lonely spot on the river’s brink, but also in the repeated dippings was the faith of Naaman put to the test. For if we may judge from the fall of the walls of Jericho, which stood unmoved till the last time the ark was carried round them, it seems probable that the cure did not shew itself till the whole of the ablutions were completed. like unto the flesh of a little child] In striking contrast to its former foul and diseased condition, it now became fresher and fairer than was natural in a full grown man.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:14
Seven times - Compare 1 Kings 18:43. In both cases a somewhat severe trial was made of the individual’s faith. Compare the seven compassings of Jericho, and the sudden fall of the walls Josh. 6:3-20.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:14
14. His flesh came again — Whether Naaman began to be cured at the first washing, and gradually lost his leprosy as he continued to wash, or whether the cure was instantaneously wrought at the last washing, we are not informed.
Sermons on 2 Kings 5:14
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The Little Maid by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience from their childhood, highlighting the importance of having evidence and personal encounters with God. They talk about grow |
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Elijah and Elisha 08 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the story of Naaman the leper from 2 Kings Chapter 5. He emphasizes the importance of each step in Naaman's journey towards healin |
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The Swelling of Jordan by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the significance of the river Jordan in the Bible, symbolizing experiences that stand between us and our future. He emphasizes the importance of fulfi |
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Like Unto the Flesh of a Little Child. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the beauty and purity of a child's flesh, contrasting it with the leprous state of our souls. He emphasizes that through Jesus, we can experience not just fo |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled |
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Have Faith in God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that true faith in God is simple and powerful, contrasting it with complex, reasoned faith that leads to confusion and disappointment. He warns against the |
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The Missing Puzzle by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort preaches about the importance of seeing the whole picture before making judgments, using examples like a hot plate, a woman named 'Banana' in honor of her late brother, |