2 Kings 5:1

KJV

¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now Naaman {H5283}, captain {H8269} of the host {H6635} of the king {H4428} of Syria {H758}, was a great {H1419} man {H376} with {H6440} his master {H113}, and honourable {H5375}, because by him the LORD {H3068} had given {H5414} deliverance {H8668} unto Syria {H758}: he was also a mighty {H1368} man {H376} in valour {H2428}, but he was a leper {H6879}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Na'aman, commander of the king of Aram's army, was highly respected and esteemed by his master; because through him ADONAI had brought victory to Aram. But although he was a brave warrior, he also suffered from tzara'at.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

American Standard Version

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him Jehovah had given victory unto Syria: he was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:1 introduces Naaman, a figure of immense power and prestige within the Syrian kingdom, serving as the captain of its army. He was highly esteemed by his king and renowned for his valor, with the text explicitly stating that his military successes, which brought deliverance to Syria, were orchestrated by the LORD, the God of Israel. This remarkable declaration underscores God's sovereign hand at work even in the affairs of nations hostile to His covenant people. Yet, despite his formidable public achievements and esteemed status, the verse concludes with a stark and poignant revelation: Naaman was a leper, a condition that carried profound physical, social, and spiritual implications in the ancient world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the narrative hinge, pivoting from previous accounts of Elisha's miracles—such as the raising of the Shunammite's son in [2 Kings 4:32-37](/2_kings/4-32-37 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son") and the purification of poisoned stew in [2 Kings 4:38-41](/2_kings/4-38-41 "2 Kings 4:38-41 - Elisha Purifies the Stew")—to a new, significant episode involving a foreign dignitary. The preceding chapters have established Elisha as a powerful prophet through whom Yahweh works wonders, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's power extending beyond Israel's borders. The introduction of Naaman, a prominent non-Israelite, immediately signals a shift in focus, preparing the reader for a story of divine intervention that transcends ethnic and national boundaries, ultimately highlighting Yahweh's universal sovereignty and His willingness to reveal Himself to those outside the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Naaman served the King of Syria (Aram), a powerful kingdom that frequently engaged in conflict with Israel, as evidenced by earlier accounts in [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Wars with Syria") and [2 Kings 6-7](/2_kings/6-7 "2 Kings 6-7 - Siege of Samaria"). His position as "captain of the host" indicates he was the supreme military commander, a role of immense authority, wealth, and public honor in ancient Near Eastern societies. However, the mention of leprosy (Hebrew: *tsara'ath*) introduces a profound cultural and religious contrast. In biblical times, leprosy was a severe and often incurable skin disease, carrying not only physical debilitation but also immense social stigma and ceremonial uncleanness. Under the Mosaic Law, those afflicted were considered ritually impure and were often isolated from the community, as detailed in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for the Leper"). For a man of Naaman's standing, this condition would have been a deeply humiliating and isolating secret, undermining all his public achievements and personal dignity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several major theological and narrative themes that will unfold throughout the chapter. First, it underscores **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations**: The declaration that "the LORD" (Yahweh, the God of Israel) was the true source of Syria's "deliverance" through Naaman emphasizes that God's divine providence extends beyond His chosen people, Israel, to govern the affairs and destinies of all nations, even those who do not acknowledge Him. It highlights His ultimate control over all [kingdoms and world events](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Second, it introduces the theme of **The Human Condition and Hidden Flaws**: Naaman's impressive resume—"great," "honourable," "mighty in valour"—is immediately qualified by the devastating "but he was a leper." This stark juxtaposition highlights the universal truth that outward success, power, or prestige cannot mask or alleviate inner struggles, weaknesses, or afflictions. His leprosy serves as a potent metaphor for the hidden burdens, sins, or vulnerabilities that affect all humanity, regardless of status. Finally, the verse is rich with **Irony and Contrast**: A man who brought "deliverance" to his nation desperately needed deliverance from his own personal affliction. His public honor stood in stark contrast to his private shame and suffering, setting the stage for a narrative where God's unexpected grace will address Naaman's greatest need.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Naaman (Hebrew, _Naʻămân'_):** This name, meaning "pleasantness" or "graciousness" (H5283), stands in stark irony to his underlying, debilitating condition. While the name itself refers to the individual, its root meaning highlights the deceptive nature of outward appearance and status, contrasting his public "pleasantness" with his private suffering.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term (H3068) refers to "the self-Existent or Eternal," the personal and covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. The explicit mention of "the LORD" as the one who gave deliverance to Syria through Naaman is a profound theological statement, asserting Yahweh's universal sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of all nations, even those outside the covenant.
* **Leper (Hebrew, _tsâraʻ'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H6879) meaning "to scourge" or "to be stricken with leprosy," this term describes someone afflicted with a severe skin disease. In the biblical context, *tsara'ath* (the noun form related to this root) rendered the afflicted person ritually unclean and socially ostracized, making Naaman's hidden affliction a profound source of shame and isolation despite his public glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable,"**: This opening clause establishes Naaman's formidable public identity. He is presented as a man of immense stature, holding the highest military office in a powerful nation, enjoying the favor of his king, and commanding widespread respect. This sets a high benchmark for his worldly achievements and social standing.
* **"because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria:"**: This is theologically the most striking part of the verse. It attributes Naaman's military successes, which resulted in "deliverance" for Syria, directly to the sovereign action of "the LORD" (Yahweh), the God of Israel. This statement reveals God's active involvement in the affairs of all nations, even those considered enemies of Israel, demonstrating His universal power and providential control over history.
* **"he was also a mighty man in valour,"**: This phrase further reinforces Naaman's personal qualities, emphasizing his courage, strength, and effectiveness as a warrior. It paints a picture of a truly exceptional individual, a hero in his own land, whose accomplishments were a testament to his personal prowess.
* **"[but he was] a leper."**: This final, abrupt clause introduces a devastating contrast that shatters the image of perfection. The conjunction "but" (though implied in the Hebrew, explicitly added in KJV for clarity) creates a stark juxtaposition. Despite all his power, honor, and valor, Naaman harbored a debilitating and defiling disease that rendered him ceremonially unclean and socially outcast, highlighting the profound paradox of his life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is masterfully crafted using several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, dramatically contrasting Naaman's outward glory—his high rank, honor, and valor—with his hidden, debilitating leprosy. This immediate and stark contrast highlights the fragility of human achievement and the universality of suffering. **Irony** pervades the verse, as a man who brought "deliverance" to an entire nation desperately needed deliverance from his own personal affliction. His public triumphs stand in sharp opposition to his private shame and physical decay. This ironic tension sets the stage for the entire narrative, which will explore how true deliverance comes from an unexpected source. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as Naaman's incurable condition immediately establishes the central problem of the story and hints at the need for a supernatural solution, preparing the reader for a miraculous intervention. The use of **Contrast** between Naaman's public identity and his private reality serves to underscore a profound theological point: human greatness, apart from God's grace, is ultimately incomplete and vulnerable to the ravages of sin and brokenness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 5:1 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including nations that do not acknowledge Him. The declaration that "by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria" is a powerful reminder that Yahweh's purposes transcend national boundaries and human alliances. He uses even those outside His covenant community as instruments for His will, demonstrating that His plan is cosmic in scope, not limited to Israel. Furthermore, Naaman's paradox—a man of immense power yet afflicted by a debilitating disease—serves as a universal metaphor for the human condition. It reveals that outward success and prestige cannot mask or heal inner brokenness, sin, or suffering. This truth humbles humanity, reminding us that all are in need of divine intervention, regardless of status.

* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over Kingdoms")
* [Psalm 38:1-11](/psalms/38-1-11 "Psalm 38:1-11 - A Prayer of One Suffering")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Kings 5:1 offers several profound insights for contemporary life. It challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize that individuals who seem to "have it all" often carry significant private burdens, illnesses, or spiritual needs. This encourages a posture of empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the human condition that transcends outward success or public image. We are reminded that true brokenness can exist even in the most celebrated lives. Furthermore, the verse powerfully illustrates God's universal reach and His sovereign involvement in all aspects of history and human life. It teaches us that God can work through unexpected people and circumstances, even those outside the visible covenant community, to achieve His purposes and reveal His glory. This should broaden our perspective on where and how God is at work in the world today, fostering a sense of awe at His boundless wisdom and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naaman's story challenge our perceptions of success and brokenness in ourselves and others?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be outwardly strong or accomplished but inwardly struggling with a "hidden leprosy"?**
* **How does the statement "by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria" impact our understanding of God's global sovereignty and His work in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why would the LORD give deliverance to Syria, an enemy of Israel?**

Answer: This detail highlights God's universal sovereignty. The LORD, Yahweh, is not just the God of Israel, but the God of all creation. He exercises His dominion over all nations, using them as instruments for His purposes, whether they acknowledge Him or not. He can raise up or bring down kingdoms, even those hostile to His chosen people, to accomplish His ultimate plan, which includes demonstrating His power and drawing people to Himself, as seen later in Naaman's conversion. This concept is echoed in passages like [Isaiah 45:5-7](/isaiah/45-5-7 "Isaiah 45:5-7 - God's Universal Sovereignty"), where God declares His control over all things, even for those who do not know Him.

**What was the significance of leprosy in biblical times?**

Answer: In biblical times, "leprosy" (*tsara'ath*) was a broad term for various severe skin diseases. Beyond the physical suffering, it carried immense social and religious implications. Afflicted individuals were considered ceremonially unclean and were often isolated from the community, as detailed in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Leprosy"). This isolation was not merely for public health but also for ritual purity. For a man of Naaman's status, leprosy meant not only physical decay but also profound social shame and spiritual defilement, making his need for healing desperate on multiple levels.

**Is Naaman's leprosy a metaphor for something else?**

Answer: Yes, Naaman's leprosy serves as a powerful metaphor. While a literal physical ailment, it symbolizes the universal human condition of brokenness, sin, and the need for divine cleansing and healing. Just as Naaman's outward glory could not hide his inner affliction, so too human achievements and status cannot mask our spiritual brokenness before God. His story, therefore, becomes a parable for humanity's desperate need for God's grace and transformative power, regardless of our perceived righteousness or accomplishments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Naaman's story, beginning with this initial verse, powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of God's grace and the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Naaman, a "great man" in the eyes of the world but inwardly afflicted by a debilitating and defiling disease, perfectly illustrates the human condition apart from God: outwardly impressive, perhaps, but inwardly corrupted by sin and in desperate need of cleansing. His leprosy, which rendered him unclean and isolated, serves as a vivid Old Testament type for the pervasive nature of sin, which separates humanity from a holy God and from one another. Just as Naaman's healing required humble obedience to an unexpected command, so too humanity's spiritual cleansing requires humble faith in the seemingly foolish message of the cross. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not only to heal physical ailments but to provide ultimate deliverance from the spiritual leprosy of sin. His atoning sacrifice offers a cleansing that is not merely ceremonial but transforms the very core of our being, making us truly clean and acceptable before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself referenced Naaman as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles ([Luke 4:27](/luke/4-27 "Jesus Mentions Naaman")), highlighting that salvation in Christ is for all who believe, regardless of their background or previous status, fulfilling the promise that God's light would be a [light for the Gentiles](/isaiah/49-6 "A Light for the Gentiles"). Naaman's need for a prophet to mediate God's healing points to Christ, our ultimate [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who perfectly mediates God's grace and brings complete restoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 4:27

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

Romans 15:18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

Leviticus 13:2

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh [like] the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:

Leviticus 13:3

And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and [when] the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight [be] deeper than the skin of his flesh, it [is] a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.

Esther 9:4

For Mordecai [was] great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

Deuteronomy 2:37

Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, [nor] unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.