2 Kings 5:21

KJV

So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw [him] running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, [Is] all well?

KJV (with Strong's)

So Gehazi {H1522} followed {H7291} after {H310} Naaman {H5283}. And when Naaman {H5283} saw {H7200} him running {H7323} after {H310} him, he lighted down {H5307} from the chariot {H4818} to meet {H7125} him, and said {H559}, Is all well {H7965}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So Geichazi hurried off after Na'aman. When Na'aman saw someone running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him and asked, "Is everything all right?"

Berean Standard Bible

So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”

American Standard Version

So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw one running after him, he alighted from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:21 captures a critical juncture in the narrative of Naaman's healing, depicting Gehazi, Elisha's servant, in a moment of decisive moral failure. Driven by covetousness, Gehazi secretly pursues the recently healed Syrian general, Naaman, who, upon seeing the urgent approach of the prophet's servant, humbly dismounts his chariot to inquire about the well-being of Elisha and his household. This brief exchange sets the stage for Gehazi's deception and its severe consequences, highlighting the stark contrast between divine integrity and human greed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Naaman's miraculous healing from leprosy, achieved by obediently dipping seven times in the Jordan River as instructed by the prophet Elisha (see [2 Kings 5:14](/2_kings/5-14 "Naaman's Healing")). Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman offered Elisha a substantial gift, which Elisha firmly refused, emphasizing that God's power is not for sale and that divine healing is a free gift (see [2 Kings 5:15-16](/2_kings/5-15 "Elisha Refuses Naaman's Gift")). Gehazi, witnessing this refusal, saw an opportunity for personal gain, deciding to pursue Naaman under false pretenses. His actions here directly contravene Elisha's selfless example, setting up a dramatic confrontation that reveals Gehazi's character and foreshadows his downfall in the subsequent verses (see [2 Kings 5:25-27](/2_kings/5-25 "Gehazi's Punishment for Deception")). The narrative skillfully builds tension as Gehazi's secret pursuit unfolds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Naaman was a high-ranking military commander of Aram (Syria), a powerful nation often at odds with Israel. His status is underscored by his use of a chariot, a symbol of wealth, power, and military might in the ancient Near East. For such a figure to "light down from the chariot" to meet a mere servant demonstrates profound respect and concern. This act was a significant gesture of humility, reflecting the immense reverence Naaman had developed for Elisha and the God of Israel following his miraculous cure. In ancient cultures, gift-giving was a common practice, often signifying gratitude, honor, or the establishment of covenants. Elisha's refusal of gifts was highly unusual and underscored the unique nature of his prophetic ministry, which was distinct from the practices of pagan diviners who often charged for their services. Gehazi's actions, therefore, were not only a personal failing but also a cultural transgression against the established norms of prophetic integrity.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the themes of **greed and covetousness** versus **divine integrity**. Elisha's unwavering refusal of Naaman's gifts exemplifies a prophet's commitment to serving God without personal profit, upholding the sanctity of God's work. In stark contrast, Gehazi's secret pursuit of Naaman is driven purely by a desire for material wealth, revealing how the love of money can corrupt even those in close proximity to spiritual authority. This highlights the dangers of **deception** and **dishonesty**, as Gehazi intends to lie to Naaman and later to Elisha. Furthermore, the scene emphasizes **respect and humility**, particularly through Naaman's actions. Despite his superior status, Naaman's willingness to dismount his chariot to address Gehazi demonstrates his profound gratitude and newfound reverence for the God of Israel and His prophet, a humility that stands in stark contrast to Gehazi's spiritual arrogance. This episode serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the **nature of true service** and the consequences of compromising one's calling for personal gain, a theme echoed in other biblical accounts of covetousness like [Achan's sin](/joshua/7 "Achan's Sin at Jericho").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"followed after" (Hebrew, _rāḏap_):** This verb signifies a determined pursuit, often with an intention to overtake or capture. In this context, it highlights Gehazi's deliberate and focused effort to catch up with Naaman, driven by a specific, hidden agenda. It implies a sense of urgency and a calculated move, rather than a casual stroll.
* **"lighted down" (Hebrew, _yāraḏ_):** This verb means "to go down" or "to descend." When applied to Naaman, a high-ranking general, dismounting his chariot, it conveys an extraordinary act of humility and respect. Chariots were symbols of power and status; for Naaman to step down indicates his profound deference to Elisha (whose servant Gehazi was) and his genuine concern regarding Gehazi's urgent approach. It underscores his transformation from a proud commander to a humble recipient of divine grace.
* **"Is all well?" (Hebrew, _Ha-shalom?_):** The interrogative particle "Ha-" combined with "shalom" forms a profound question. The word _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם) is far richer than a simple greeting of "hello" or "is everything okay?" It encompasses a holistic concept of peace, completeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, and wholeness in every aspect of life – physical, spiritual, and relational. Naaman's question, therefore, reflects a deep concern for the overall welfare of Elisha and his household, possibly fearing that some misfortune had occurred or that Elisha had changed his mind about the healing, which would have dire implications for Naaman's newfound faith. It speaks to his genuine desire for assurance that all was in order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Gehazi followed after Naaman."**: This clause establishes Gehazi's deliberate and independent action, setting him apart from Elisha's earlier refusal of gifts. His "following after" is not out of obedience to Elisha but out of a personal desire for gain, initiated by his own covetous heart. This act is the first step in his deceitful plan.
* **"And when Naaman saw [him] running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him,"**: This describes Naaman's immediate and respectful reaction. Seeing Gehazi, a servant of the revered prophet Elisha, running urgently, Naaman's high regard for Elisha prompts him to humble himself. His dismounting from the chariot, a symbol of his power and status, demonstrates profound deference and genuine concern for the prophet's well-being or any potential message Gehazi might carry. This act highlights Naaman's transformed heart and his deep gratitude.
* **"and said, [Is] all well?"**: Naaman's question, "Ha-shalom?", conveys his anxiety and desire for reassurance. Having just experienced a miraculous healing, he is likely sensitive to any potential disruption or negative news from Elisha's camp. The question is not merely a polite inquiry but a heartfelt plea for confirmation that everything is in order, reflecting his newfound respect for the God of Israel and His prophet.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is central, vividly portraying the spiritual integrity of Elisha against the burgeoning greed of Gehazi. This moral dichotomy is underscored by Naaman's unexpected humility, which ironically surpasses that of the prophet's own servant. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Gehazi's secretive pursuit, hinting at the severe consequences that will befall him later in the chapter due to his deception and covetousness. There is also a strong element of **dramatic irony**, as the reader is privy to Gehazi's true, avaricious motives, while Naaman remains unaware, treating Gehazi with the respect due to Elisha's representative. This creates tension and anticipation for the inevitable revelation of Gehazi's sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 2 Kings 5:21 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine ministry and the dangers of personal corruption. Gehazi's actions starkly contrast with Elisha's selfless refusal of Naaman's gifts, which underscored that God's power and blessings are not commodities to be bought or sold. Gehazi's covetousness represents a fundamental betrayal of the prophetic office's integrity, seeking to profit from a divine miracle. This episode warns against the insidious nature of greed, illustrating how it can lead to deception, compromise one's spiritual standing, and ultimately bring severe judgment. It emphasizes that true service to God must be motivated by pure devotion, not by the pursuit of material gain, and that our character, even in seemingly private moments, is always under the divine gaze and impacts our spiritual journey and testimony.

* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [Proverbs 15:27](/proverbs/15-27 "He Who Is Greedy for Gain Troubles His Own House")
* [Joshua 7:20-21](/joshua/7-20 "Achan's Sin of Covetousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gehazi's fateful pursuit of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:21 offers a potent mirror for self-reflection on our own motivations and integrity. His actions, born of covetousness, remind us that even those closest to spiritual truth can fall prey to the allure of material gain, compromising their calling and character. We are challenged to examine our own hearts: Do we seek to serve God and others with pure motives, or are we secretly driven by personal profit, recognition, or comfort? The narrative also highlights Naaman's remarkable humility and respect, a striking contrast to Gehazi's spiritual arrogance. Naaman, a foreign general, demonstrates a deeper reverence for the divine and its representatives than Elisha's own servant. This prompts us to consider how we treat those who serve God, and more importantly, how our transformed lives should manifest in genuine humility and concern for others, regardless of their status. Our integrity, whether in public ministry or private dealings, is a testament to the God we claim to serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Gehazi's pursuit of wealth contrast with Elisha's integrity, and what lessons can we draw about the nature of true service and the dangers of spiritual compromise?**
* **In what ways might we, like Gehazi, be tempted to compromise our values or ethical standards for personal gain, and what practical steps can we take to guard against such temptations?**
* **What does Naaman's humble act of dismounting his chariot teach us about respect, empathy, and the importance of genuine concern for others, especially those in positions of service or vulnerability?**

### FAQ
**Why did Naaman dismount his chariot to meet Gehazi?**

Answer: Naaman's act of dismounting his chariot was a profound gesture of respect and concern. As a high-ranking general, his chariot symbolized his status and power. Stepping down from it to meet a servant indicated his immense deference to Elisha, the prophet of the God who had just miraculously healed him. He likely feared that Gehazi's urgent pursuit signaled a problem, a change of mind from Elisha, or perhaps a new message from the prophet. His recent experience of divine power had instilled in him a deep reverence for Elisha and the God of Israel, prompting this humble and anxious inquiry.

**What was Gehazi's motivation for pursuing Naaman?**

Answer: Gehazi's sole motivation was personal greed and covetousness. He had witnessed Elisha's firm refusal of Naaman's lavish gifts, which Elisha declined to demonstrate that God's power is not for sale. Gehazi, however, saw this as a missed opportunity for personal enrichment. He secretly decided to pursue Naaman under false pretenses, intending to claim some of the rejected gifts for himself, directly contradicting his master's integrity and the spiritual principles of the prophetic ministry.

**What does "Is all well?" imply about Naaman's state of mind?**

Answer: Naaman's question, "Ha-shalom?" (Is all well?), reflects a deep and holistic concern for the well-being of Elisha and his household. The Hebrew word "shalom" encompasses peace, completeness, health, prosperity, and overall well-being. Having just experienced a miraculous healing and conversion, Naaman was likely anxious to ensure that no misfortune had befallen the prophet or his household, or that Elisha had not changed his mind about the healing or his refusal of the gifts. It underscores his newfound reverence and desire for continued good relations with the prophet of the true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gehazi's covetousness and Naaman's humility in 2 Kings 5:21 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. Gehazi's pursuit of earthly gain stands in stark contrast to the self-emptying love of Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for our sake became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). While Gehazi sought to take from others for personal profit, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His ministry was characterized by radical generosity and a complete absence of self-interest, never seeking material gain or personal glory, but always doing the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "Jesus Does the Will of the Father")). Furthermore, Naaman's humble act of dismounting his chariot to meet a mere servant foreshadows the ultimate humility of Christ, who, though God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Christ's Humility and Self-Emptying")). Jesus, the true Prophet, came down from heaven to meet humanity in its fallen state, not to inquire if "all is well," but to make all things well, offering the ultimate shalom, peace with God, through His atoning sacrifice ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ is Our Peace")). He is the embodiment of integrity and selfless service, the perfect antithesis to Gehazi's tragic failure.

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

Acts 10:25

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].

Acts 10:26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Acts 8:31

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Luke 7:6

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Luke 7:7

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

2 Kings 9:17

And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, [Is it] peace?

2 Kings 9:22

And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?