2 Kings 5:22

KJV

And he said, All [is] well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, All is well {H7965}. My master {H113} hath sent {H7971} me, saying {H559}, Behold, even now there be come {H935} to me from mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669} two {H8147} young men {H5288} of the sons {H1121} of the prophets {H5030}: give {H5414} them, I pray thee, a talent {H3603} of silver {H3701}, and two {H8147} changes {H2487} of garments {H899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Yes," he replied. "My master sent me with this message: 'Two young men have just now come to me, guild prophets from the hills of Efrayim. Would you be kind enough to give them a talent of silver [sixty-six pounds] and two changes of clothes?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”

American Standard Version

And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there are come to me from the hill-country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets; give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of raiment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:22 records Gehazi's cunning deception of Naaman, the Syrian commander whom Elisha had miraculously healed of leprosy. Driven by unchecked greed, Gehazi invents a plausible but entirely false story about Elisha suddenly needing a talent of silver and two changes of garments for two young "sons of the prophets" who had supposedly just arrived from Mount Ephraim. This pivotal verse highlights Gehazi's calculated dishonesty, setting the stage for his severe punishment and serving as a stark contrast to Elisha's integrity and the freely given grace of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point within the broader narrative of [2 Kings chapter 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing"). The chapter opens with Naaman, a powerful Syrian general, afflicted with leprosy. Through the testimony of a young Israelite servant girl, he seeks out the prophet Elisha in Samaria. Elisha, without even meeting Naaman face-to-face, instructs him to wash seven times in the Jordan River, leading to his miraculous healing. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha lavish gifts, which Elisha resolutely refuses, stating, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none" ([2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses Gifts")). This refusal underscores Elisha's commitment to demonstrating that God's power and grace are not for sale. Immediately following Elisha's refusal, Gehazi, Elisha's servant, witnesses this act of selfless integrity but is consumed by covetousness. He secretly pursues Naaman, and 2 Kings 5:22 captures the precise moment of his elaborate lie, which directly contradicts Elisha's principled stance and sets in motion the events leading to his own downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the period of the divided monarchy, specifically the Northern Kingdom. Naaman is a high-ranking military official from Aram (Syria), a frequent adversary of Israel. His leprosy would have rendered him ritually unclean and socially ostracized in Israelite society, despite his military prowess. Prophets like Elisha held significant spiritual and sometimes political influence, acting as God's spokespersons. The "sons of the prophets" were groups or communities of prophetic disciples who lived together, often in humble circumstances, receiving instruction from a leading prophet. Mount Ephraim, a central mountainous region, was a common location for such prophetic communities. A "talent of silver" was a substantial sum, representing a significant amount of wealth (approximately 75 pounds of silver), while "changes of garments" were also valuable commodities, often used as gifts or indicators of status. Gehazi's request, therefore, was not trivial but a significant demand, making his lie more audacious and his greed more evident.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [2 Kings 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing") is the **sovereignty and power of God** demonstrated through miraculous healing, often transcending national and religious boundaries. However, within this grand display of divine grace, Gehazi's actions introduce stark counter-themes. This verse specifically highlights the destructive nature of **greed** and **deception**. Gehazi's covetousness leads him to betray the trust of his master and misrepresent God's work for personal gain, contrasting sharply with Elisha's **integrity** and **selflessness**. His fabricated story about the "sons of the prophets" is designed to exploit Naaman's generosity and Elisha's known benevolence towards these groups. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **consequences of sin**, foreshadowing Gehazi's eventual affliction with Naaman's leprosy, a direct divine judgment for his dishonest actions ([2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Punishment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"All [is] well" (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** This phrase, typically a common greeting signifying peace, well-being, or completeness, is employed by Gehazi with deceptive intent. Here, _shalom_ is a calculated lie, designed to disarm Naaman and provide a false sense of normalcy and legitimacy to Gehazi's fabricated request. It masks the true state of affairs—Gehazi's internal turmoil of greed and his deliberate intention to defraud. The use of such a culturally significant word for such a nefarious purpose underscores the depth of Gehazi's moral compromise.
* **"sons of the prophets" (Hebrew, _bĕnê han·nĕḇî'îm'_):** This term refers to the communal groups or schools of prophets who lived and studied under the tutelage of prominent prophets like Elisha. They were often poor and dependent on the generosity of others. Gehazi's inclusion of this detail in his lie was a clever manipulation, leveraging Naaman's newfound respect for Elisha and his understanding of the prophet's care for his disciples. It made the request seem plausible and in keeping with Elisha's character, thereby lending credibility to Gehazi's deceit.
* **"a talent of silver, and two changes of garments":** These items represent significant wealth and status. A talent of silver was an enormous sum, far more than what would typically be given to two young men, even "sons of the prophets." Two changes of garments were also valuable, often used as gifts or a sign of honor. Gehazi's specific request reveals the extent of his covetousness, aiming for substantial personal enrichment rather than a modest provision for others. This precise detail exposes the magnitude of his greed and the audacious nature of his fabricated story.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, All [is] well."**: Gehazi's opening statement is a deliberate falsehood, a disarming greeting intended to put Naaman at ease and mask his true intentions. It sets the tone for the entire interaction, establishing a foundation of deceit upon which the rest of his lie is built. This immediate lie reveals his hardened heart and willingness to manipulate for personal gain.
* **"My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets:"**: This clause presents the core of Gehazi's fabricated story. He falsely claims Elisha's direct authorization ("My master hath sent me"), lending an air of authority and urgency to his mission. The detail about "two young men of the sons of the prophets" arriving "even now" from "Mount Ephraim" adds specific, plausible elements to the lie. This specificity is designed to make the story sound authentic and to explain why Elisha would suddenly need these items after refusing Naaman's initial gifts.
* **"give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments."**: This is Gehazi's audacious request, the culmination of his deception. The specific, valuable items requested reveal the true motive: personal enrichment. By framing it as a need for the "sons of the prophets," Gehazi attempts to exploit Naaman's generosity and reverence for Elisha, leveraging the prophet's good name for his own illicit profit. This request directly contradicts Elisha's earlier refusal of gifts, highlighting Gehazi's profound lack of integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Kings 5:22 is rich with several literary devices that enhance its dramatic and thematic impact. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the reader is fully aware of Gehazi's deception, while Naaman remains oblivious, believing he is honoring Elisha's request. This creates tension and underscores Gehazi's cunning. **Deception** is the central plot device, meticulously crafted by Gehazi to achieve his greedy aims. His precise details about the "sons of the prophets" and their origin from Mount Ephraim exemplify his skill in fabricating a believable narrative. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Gehazi's audacious lie immediately signals that severe consequences are inevitable, setting the stage for his later affliction with leprosy. Finally, there is a powerful **Contrast** drawn between Elisha's integrity and selfless refusal of gifts in the preceding verses and Gehazi's immediate, self-serving pursuit of wealth. This stark juxtaposition highlights the moral decay of the servant against the spiritual purity of the master.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Gehazi's actions in 2 Kings 5:22 serve as a potent biblical warning against the insidious nature of greed and the perilous path of deception, especially within the context of spiritual service. His covetousness not only led him to lie and betray trust but also to tarnish the reputation of God's miraculous work and Elisha's integrity. This narrative underscores that God sees and judges hidden motives and actions, and that attempts to profit dishonestly from divine blessings will inevitably lead to severe consequences. It reminds us that true service to God is characterized by selflessness and integrity, not by the pursuit of material gain.

* [Proverbs 15:27](/proverbs/15-27 "Proverbs 15:27 - Greed Troubles One's House")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and Sapphira's Deception and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Gehazi is a timeless cautionary tale for all believers, particularly those in ministry or leadership. It powerfully illustrates how unchecked desires for wealth or personal gain can corrupt the heart, leading to dishonesty and a profound spiritual fall. Gehazi's sin was not merely a lie to Naaman, but a betrayal of Elisha, a misrepresentation of God's character, and ultimately, a sin against God Himself. His actions remind us that integrity is paramount in all aspects of life, especially when representing Christ. We are called to cultivate a spirit of contentment, trusting in God's provision rather than resorting to manipulative or dishonest means to acquire wealth or status. The temptation to profit from spiritual gifts or ministry can be subtle, but Gehazi's fate serves as a stark reminder that such actions carry severe spiritual consequences. Our witness for Christ is deeply impacted by our financial integrity and our commitment to truthfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the subtle ways greed might manifest in my own life or ministry today?**
* **How does Gehazi's deception challenge me to examine my own motives in serving God and others?**
* **In what situations am I tempted to compromise integrity for personal benefit, and how can I resist those temptations?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision that frees me from the desire for dishonest gain?**

### FAQ

**Why did Gehazi lie, and what was his motivation?**

Answer: Gehazi lied primarily out of **greed** and **covetousness**. He witnessed Elisha's steadfast refusal of Naaman's lavish gifts ([2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses Gifts")) and felt that a valuable opportunity for personal enrichment had been squandered. He desired the silver and garments for himself, seeing them as a means to improve his own financial standing. His motivation was purely selfish, contrasting sharply with Elisha's selfless demonstration of God's grace.

**Did Elisha know about Gehazi's deception immediately?**

Answer: Elisha did not know about Gehazi's deception immediately as it happened. Gehazi secretly pursued Naaman after Elisha had dismissed him. However, upon Gehazi's return, Elisha, through prophetic discernment, became aware of Gehazi's actions. When Gehazi denied having gone anywhere, Elisha confronted him, saying, "Did not my spirit go with you when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and clothes...?" ([2 Kings 5:26](/2_kings/5-26 "2 Kings 5:26 - Elisha Confronts Gehazi")). This demonstrates Elisha's prophetic insight and God's revelation of Gehazi's hidden sin.

**What was the consequence of Gehazi's actions?**

Answer: The consequence for Gehazi's deception and greed was severe: he was afflicted with Naaman's leprosy. Elisha declared, "Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever" ([2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Punishment")). This immediate and visible judgment served as a powerful testament to the seriousness of his sin, showing that God will not tolerate corruption and dishonesty, especially among those who represent Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gehazi's greed and deception, contrasted with Elisha's integrity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gehazi sought personal gain from God's miraculous work, Jesus, the true Prophet and Son of God, consistently refused earthly riches and acclaim, instead embracing a path of selfless service and sacrifice. He came not to be served, but "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Unlike Gehazi, who coveted a "talent of silver," Jesus, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His ministry was entirely free, offering healing and salvation without price, perfectly embodying the grace that Elisha sought to uphold. Jesus' life was marked by perfect integrity, truthfulness, and a complete submission to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world, not for personal gain, but out of infinite love, providing a perfect and free salvation that no amount of silver or changes of garments could ever purchase.

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

2 Kings 5:5

And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

Joshua 24:33

And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill [that pertained to] Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.

Exodus 38:24

All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy [place], even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Exodus 38:28

And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them.

1 Kings 20:39

And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king: and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver.

2 Corinthians 12:16

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

2 Corinthians 12:18

I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?