2 Kings 5:23

KJV

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Naaman {H5283} said {H559}, Be content {H2974}, take {H3947} two talents {H3603}. And he urged {H6555} him, and bound {H6696} two {H8147} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701} in two {H8147} bags {H2754}, with two {H8147} changes {H2487} of garments {H899}, and laid {H5414} them upon two {H8147} of his servants {H5288}; and they bare {H5375} them before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"By all means, take two talents!" said Na'aman, pressing him. He tied up the two talents of silver in two bags and gave them, with the two changes of clothes, to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Geichazi.

Berean Standard Bible

But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.

American Standard Version

And Naaman said, Be pleased to take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of raiment, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures Naaman's profound gratitude for his miraculous healing, expressed through an extraordinarily generous gift to Elisha's servant, Gehazi. Naaman, eager to show his thankfulness, not only readily agreed to Gehazi's deceitful request for a talent of silver and two changes of garments but insisted on doubling the silver, binding two talents with the clothing onto his own servants for delivery. This act of lavish generosity, born of a transformed heart, stands in stark contrast to the covetousness and deception that motivated Gehazi, setting the stage for the dramatic consequences that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point in the narrative of Naaman's healing and its aftermath, found in [2 Kings 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing and Gehazi's Greed"). Immediately preceding this, Naaman, miraculously cleansed of leprosy by bathing in the Jordan River at Elisha's instruction, returned to the prophet's house full of newfound faith and offered lavish gifts as a token of immense gratitude. Elisha, however, steadfastly refused any compensation, declaring, "As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none" ([2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses Naaman's Gift")). This refusal underscored the freeness of God's grace and Elisha's integrity as a prophet who served God, not for personal gain. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, witnessed this exchange and, driven by covetousness, secretly pursued Naaman, fabricating a story about two young prophets arriving who needed provisions. This verse details Naaman's enthusiastic response to Gehazi's lie, demonstrating his overwhelming thankfulness and setting the stage for Gehazi's subsequent confrontation with Elisha and the dire consequences of his deceit in [2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Judgment").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, gift-giving was a deeply ingrained cultural practice, often signifying gratitude, respect, or the establishment of covenants. Refusing a gift, especially one offered by a person of Naaman's stature (a Syrian commander), was unusual and could be seen as an insult, though in this case, Elisha's refusal was a theological statement. Naaman's offer of "talents of silver" and "changes of garments" represented immense wealth. A talent (Hebrew: _kikkār_) was a substantial unit of weight, typically around 75 pounds (approx. 34 kg), making two talents of silver an extraordinary sum, far exceeding the annual income of most individuals. "Changes of garments" referred to expensive, finely woven clothing, often used for ceremonial purposes or as a display of status. The act of Naaman binding the silver in bags and having his servants carry them underscored the weight and value of the gift, as well as the commander's personal involvement and earnestness in expressing his gratitude, despite being deceived. This interaction also occurs within the broader context of political and military tension between Aram (Syria) and Israel, making Naaman's conversion and generosity particularly noteworthy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the broader narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the Bible. Firstly, it highlights **Generosity and Gratitude**, as Naaman's response to God's miraculous healing is an overflowing desire to give, even beyond what was requested. His eagerness to give double ("take two talents") underscores the depth of his thankfulness for the priceless gift of health and spiritual revelation. Secondly, it starkly contrasts this with **Greed and Deceit**, embodied by Gehazi. His actions are a direct consequence of his "love of money" ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")), a theme frequently warned against in scripture. Gehazi's internal monologue in [2 Kings 5:20](/2_kings/5-20 "2 Kings 5:20 - Gehazi's Covetousness") reveals his deliberate choice to exploit Naaman's gratitude for personal gain, directly opposing Elisha's selfless example. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Sin**, as Gehazi's successful acquisition of the gifts sets the stage for the divine judgment that will befall him, demonstrating that deceit, even when seemingly successful, ultimately leads to ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkār_):** This term refers to a large unit of weight, typically for precious metals like silver or gold. A single talent of silver was an enormous sum in the ancient world, equivalent to many years' wages for a common laborer, or even the annual tribute of a small kingdom. Naaman's offer of "two talents of silver" signifies a truly immense and extravagant gift, far exceeding what Gehazi had requested (one talent). This emphasizes the depth of Naaman's gratitude and the perceived value of his healing, while simultaneously highlighting the magnitude of Gehazi's covetousness.
* **Urged (Hebrew, _pāṣar_):** The verb _pāṣar_ means "to press," "to insist," or "to compel." Here, it describes Naaman's strong insistence that Gehazi accept the doubled gift. This is not a reluctant compliance but an eager and forceful expression of his desire to give. It underscores Naaman's noble character and his overwhelming thankfulness, making Gehazi's exploitation of him even more reprehensible. Naaman's earnestness contrasts sharply with Gehazi's calculated deception.
* **Changes of garments (Hebrew, _ḥălîfôṯ bəḡāḏîm_):** These were not ordinary clothes but expensive, often ornate, garments used for special occasions or as a sign of wealth and status. Such garments were valuable commodities, sometimes used as currency or significant gifts. The inclusion of two such changes further amplifies the lavishness of Naaman's offering, demonstrating his desire to give a complete and substantial gift, reflecting the immense blessing he had received.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents."**: Naaman's immediate response to Gehazi's fabricated request for one talent is to double the amount. The phrase "Be content" (literally, "Be pleased," or "Be satisfied") implies Naaman's eagerness to fulfill the request and exceed it, ensuring Gehazi's satisfaction and expressing his own overflowing gratitude. This doubling is a key detail, emphasizing Naaman's profound appreciation and generosity.
* **"And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments,"**: Naaman's active involvement in preparing the gift demonstrates his sincerity and earnestness. He doesn't just delegate; he personally "urged" Gehazi to accept the larger amount and oversaw the binding of the silver into "two bags," likely indicating the heavy weight of the talents, along with the valuable "two changes of garments." This detail underscores the physical effort and substantial nature of the gift.
* **"and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him."**: The practical logistics of transporting such a valuable and heavy gift are noted. Assigning "two of his servants" to carry the bags before Gehazi signifies the weight and bulk of the treasure, and also serves to publicly acknowledge the transaction. This detail further highlights Gehazi's successful deception and the significant material gain he acquired through his dishonest scheme.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, setting Naaman's sincere, overflowing gratitude and generosity against Gehazi's calculating, self-serving greed. Elisha's earlier refusal of gifts ([2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha's Refusal")) provides a moral benchmark, making Gehazi's actions a stark and reprehensible deviation. **Irony** is also powerfully present: Naaman, the former leper and foreigner, displays a noble character and profound thankfulness, while Gehazi, the servant of God's prophet, acts with duplicity and covetousness. The very act of Naaman "urging" Gehazi to take *more* than he asked for is tragically ironic, as it underscores the depth of Naaman's pure motives being exploited by Gehazi's impure ones. Furthermore, the repeated motif of "two" (two talents, two bags, two changes of garments, two servants) creates a subtle **foreshadowing** of Gehazi's "double-dealing" and the eventual "double portion" of Naaman's leprosy that will fall upon him ([2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Punishment")), linking the physical doubling of the gift to the spiritual doubling of his sin and its consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly focused on a material transaction, carries profound theological weight, revealing much about human nature, divine grace, and the integrity of spiritual service. Naaman's lavish generosity, born of a heart transformed by God's miraculous healing, serves as a powerful testament to the human desire to express gratitude for divine intervention. His willingness to give beyond expectation reflects a recognition of the immeasurable value of what he received – not just physical healing, but a spiritual encounter with the living God of Israel. In stark contrast, Gehazi's actions expose the insidious nature of covetousness, demonstrating how the pursuit of personal gain can corrupt even those in close proximity to sacred ministry. His deceit undermines the very principle of God's free grace, attempting to commodify a divine blessing. This narrative thus serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of materialism and a call to integrity, reminding believers that true service to God is motivated by love and not by the expectation of earthly reward.

* [Proverbs 15:27](/proverbs/15-27 "Proverbs 15:27 - Greed Troubles the House") - "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil") - "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters") - "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Naaman and Gehazi, particularly as highlighted in this verse, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Naaman's overflowing generosity, despite being exploited, challenges us to consider the depth of our own gratitude for God's blessings, both spiritual and physical. Do we respond to God's grace with such eagerness and open-handedness, or do we hold back? More critically, Gehazi's actions serve as a stark warning against the insidious nature of greed and deceit, especially for those involved in ministry or spiritual leadership. His desire for material gain led him to compromise his integrity, betray his master, and ultimately incur divine judgment. This reminds us that our motives in serving God and others matter immensely. We are called to serve with pure hearts, free from the love of money or personal ambition, understanding that true treasure lies not in earthly possessions but in faithfulness to God. The passage compels us to examine our own hearts: are we content with what God provides, or are we constantly seeking more, even through dishonest means?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naaman's immediate and amplified generosity challenge your own expression of gratitude for God's blessings?**
* **In what ways might the pursuit of personal gain subtly corrupt acts of service or ministry in today's world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate contentment and guard your heart against covetousness?**
* **How can this story encourage discernment regarding the motives of those who claim to serve God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's gifts, but Gehazi secretly took them?**

Answer: Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts, as stated in [2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses Naaman's Gift"), was a powerful theological statement. It demonstrated that God's healing and grace are freely given, not earned or bought. Elisha, as God's prophet, wanted to ensure that Naaman understood that his salvation was a gift from the Lord, not a transaction or a result of Elisha's personal power. His integrity upheld the freeness of God's work. Gehazi, on the other hand, was driven by personal covetousness and a desire for material wealth. He saw Elisha's refusal as a missed opportunity for personal gain, as evidenced by his internal monologue in [2 Kings 5:20](/2_kings/5-20 "2 Kings 5:20 - Gehazi's Covetousness"). His actions were a direct contradiction of his master's example and the divine principle of selfless service, leading him to deceive Naaman and betray Elisha's trust.

**What was the approximate value of "two talents of silver" in ancient times?**

Answer: Two talents of silver represented an enormous sum of wealth in the ancient world. A single talent (Hebrew: _kikkār_) typically weighed around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms). Therefore, two talents would be about 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of silver. To put this into perspective, a common laborer in ancient Israel might earn a few shekels a month, and a talent of silver could be equivalent to many years, even decades, of wages for an ordinary person. For example, the temple tax in Exodus was a half-shekel per person, and a talent was roughly 3,000 shekels. Thus, two talents would be 6,000 shekels of silver, an amount that could buy large estates or support a family for generations. Naaman's gift was truly extravagant, underscoring his immense gratitude for his miraculous healing.

**What happened to Gehazi after he received the gifts from Naaman?**

Answer: After Gehazi secretly received the two talents of silver and two changes of garments from Naaman, he hid them in his house. When he returned to Elisha, the prophet, by divine revelation, knew exactly what Gehazi had done, including his pursuit of Naaman and his covetous motives. Elisha confronted Gehazi, asking, "Went not my heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee?" ([2 Kings 5:26](/2_kings/5-26 "2 Kings 5:26 - Elisha Confronts Gehazi")). As a divine judgment for his greed, deceit, and bringing discredit upon God's name, Elisha pronounced that Naaman's leprosy would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. Immediately, Gehazi turned from Elisha's presence "a leper as white as snow" ([2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Judgment")). This swift and severe consequence serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of covetousness and dishonesty in the service of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gehazi's greed in 2 Kings 5:23, set against Naaman's overflowing gratitude and Elisha's selfless integrity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gehazi sought earthly gain through deceit, Jesus, the Son of God, emptied Himself of divine glory, taking the form of a servant, not for what He could gain, but for what He could give ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). He refused the temptations of earthly power and riches offered by Satan ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")), demonstrating that His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). Unlike Gehazi, who exploited Naaman's gratitude for personal profit, Jesus freely offered the ultimate healing—salvation from sin—without cost or expectation of return, proclaiming, "Freely ye have received, freely give" ([Matthew 10:8](/matthew/10-8 "Matthew 10:8 - Freely Give")). The true "treasure" that Christ offers is not silver or garments, but eternal life and reconciliation with God, a gift of immeasurable value that He purchased not with perishable things, but with His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")). His life perfectly embodies the integrity and selflessness that Gehazi lacked, revealing that true riches are found in serving God and others, echoing the divine generosity that Naaman experienced and sought to reciprocate, albeit in a context where human sin intervened. Jesus is the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, a gift given out of pure love, not for gain ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 5:16

But he said, [As] the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take [it]; but he refused.

2 Kings 2:17

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

2 Kings 12:10

And it was [so], when they saw that [there was] much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 30:6

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people [that] shall not profit [them].

1 Kings 20:7

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this [man] seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not.

2 Kings 6:3

And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

Luke 11:54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.