2 Kings 5:26

KJV

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, Went {H1980} not mine heart {H3820} with thee, when the man {H376} turned {H2015} again from his chariot {H4818} to meet {H7125} thee? Is it a time {H6256} to receive {H3947} money {H3701}, and to receive {H3947} garments {H899}, and oliveyards {H2132}, and vineyards {H3754}, and sheep {H6629}, and oxen {H1241}, and menservants {H5650}, and maidservants {H8198}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha said to him, "Wasn't my heart there with you when the man left his chariot to meet you? Is this a time to receive silver and clothing - and olive groves and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female slaves?

Berean Standard Bible

But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Went not my heart with thee, when the man turned from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, and men-servants and maid-servants?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:26 captures the prophet Elisha's piercing confrontation with his servant Gehazi, revealing Elisha's supernatural discernment of Gehazi's secret, covetous act of pursuing and receiving gifts from Naaman, which Elisha had previously refused. The verse underscores the profound spiritual inappropriateness of Gehazi's actions, questioning whether it was an opportune moment to accumulate material wealth after a miraculous demonstration of God's free grace, thereby highlighting the stark contrast between spiritual priorities and worldly greed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of the narrative concerning Naaman's healing and Gehazi's subsequent deception. Immediately preceding this, Naaman, the Syrian commander, had been miraculously cleansed of leprosy by bathing seven times in the Jordan River, as instructed by Elisha, after initially resisting the prophet's simple command. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman offered Elisha lavish gifts, which the prophet steadfastly refused, emphasizing that God's power and salvation are freely given, not bought or earned ([2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses Gifts")). However, Gehazi, Elisha's servant, driven by greed, secretly pursued Naaman, fabricating a story about Elisha needing money and garments for two young prophets. Naaman, still grateful, willingly gave Gehazi double what he asked, which Gehazi then hid. Elisha's question in [2 Kings 5:26](/2_kings/5-26 "2 Kings 5:26 - Elisha Confronts Gehazi") is the direct, divinely informed interrogation of Gehazi upon his return, setting the stage for the severe judgment that follows in [2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi Struck with Leprosy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was customary to offer gifts to a healer or a powerful figure as a token of gratitude or to secure a favor. Naaman's generous gifts were in line with this cultural practice, reflecting the immense value placed on healing, especially from a debilitating and socially isolating disease like leprosy. However, Elisha's refusal of these gifts was a deliberate counter-cultural act, designed to highlight the unique nature of Israel's God, Yahweh, whose power could not be commodified or influenced by human wealth. Prophets in Israel often lived simply, relying on God's provision, and their integrity was paramount. Gehazi's actions directly violated this prophetic ethos, seeking personal enrichment through deceit, a grave offense in a society where honor and truthfulness were highly valued, especially in religious matters. The list of material possessions—money, garments, oliveyards, vineyards, sheep, oxen, menservants, and maidservants—represents the full spectrum of wealth and status in an agrarian society, underscoring the depth of Gehazi's covetousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Discernment and Omniscience**, demonstrating that God's knowledge penetrates even the most secret acts and intentions, a truth consistently affirmed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord")). Elisha's prophetic insight, "Went not mine heart [with thee]?", is a manifestation of this divine attribute. Secondly, it starkly portrays **The Dangers of Greed and Covetousness**, illustrating how the desire for material gain can corrupt even those in close proximity to God's work, leading to deceit and severe consequences, echoing warnings found in texts like [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money"). Thirdly, the passage underscores the critical importance of **Integrity in Ministry and Service**. Elisha's refusal of gifts was crucial for maintaining the purity of God's name and the prophetic office, ensuring that God alone received glory. Gehazi's actions fundamentally undermined this integrity, suggesting that divine blessings could be exploited for personal profit. Finally, Elisha's rhetorical question, "Is it a time to receive money...?", emphasizes the theme of **Appropriate Timing and Spiritual Priorities**, challenging believers to discern what is truly fitting and honoring to God in every circumstance, especially when God's miraculous power is on display.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (לֵב, _lev_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotion but the center of one's intellect, will, and spiritual being. When Elisha asks, "Went not mine heart [with thee]?", it signifies far more than emotional empathy. It conveys a profound spiritual and prophetic awareness, a divine insight that allowed Elisha to perceive Gehazi's actions and intentions as if he were physically present. It points to a supernatural revelation from God, granting Elisha full knowledge of Gehazi's secret pursuit and deception.
* **Time (עֵת, _'et_):** This word refers to a specific, appointed, or opportune moment. Elisha's question, "Is it a time to receive money...?", is deeply rhetorical. It implies that the current circumstances—the recent miraculous healing of a Gentile commander, demonstrating the free and sovereign power of Yahweh—made Gehazi's pursuit of personal wealth utterly inappropriate and spiritually perverse. It was a "time" for God's glory to be magnified, not for human greed to surface.
* **Receive (לָקַח, _laqach_):** This verb means "to take," "to get," "to acquire," or "to accept." In the context of Elisha's question, it highlights Gehazi's active decision to acquire the forbidden wealth. It contrasts sharply with Elisha's deliberate refusal to "receive" anything from Naaman, underscoring Gehazi's direct disobedience and covetous act of taking what was not rightfully his and what Elisha had specifically rejected for the sake of God's glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee],"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the confrontational tone and reveals Elisha's supernatural knowledge. The rhetorical question, as discussed, indicates that Elisha, through divine revelation, was fully aware of Gehazi's actions and intentions, despite not being physically present. It's a powerful declaration of prophetic insight, demonstrating God's omniscience.
* **"when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee?"**: This clause precisely pinpoints the moment of Gehazi's deception. Elisha's detailed knowledge of this specific event—Naaman turning back to meet Gehazi—leaves no room for Gehazi to deny his actions. It underscores the fact that Gehazi's pursuit was deliberate and calculated, involving a direct interaction with Naaman after Elisha had dismissed him.
* **"[Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?"**: This is the core of Elisha's rebuke, a powerful rhetorical question that highlights the profound spiritual incongruity of Gehazi's actions. The lengthy list of material possessions emphasizes the extent of Gehazi's covetousness, encompassing not just immediate wealth (money, garments) but also long-term assets (land, livestock) and human labor (servants). Elisha's question challenges Gehazi's priorities, pointing out that in a moment when God's free grace was powerfully demonstrated, it was utterly inappropriate to pursue personal gain, thereby defiling the sacred work and dishonoring God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Went not mine heart [with thee]?" and "Is it a time to receive money...?" These questions are not asked to elicit information but to make a forceful statement, emphasizing Elisha's divine knowledge and the utter spiritual inappropriateness of Gehazi's actions. The use of a **List** or **Catalog** of possessions ("money, and garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants") serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of Gehazi's greed, painting a vivid picture of the worldly wealth he coveted. There is also a strong sense of **Juxtaposition** between Elisha's selfless, grace-oriented ministry and Gehazi's self-serving, materialistic pursuit, which creates a dramatic contrast that highlights the moral and spiritual failings of the servant. Finally, **Irony** is present: Gehazi, who served a prophet demonstrating God's free power, sought to profit from that very power, ultimately bringing judgment upon himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse resonates with profound theological truths that extend far beyond the immediate narrative. It powerfully asserts God's absolute omniscience and omnipresence, reminding us that no action, thought, or intention is hidden from His sight. Elisha's prophetic insight, granted by the Spirit, serves as a tangible demonstration of this divine attribute, reinforcing the biblical principle that God sees and knows all. Furthermore, the passage serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of greed and materialism, illustrating how the pursuit of worldly gain can corrupt spiritual integrity and lead to severe consequences. It underscores the vital importance of maintaining pure motives in service to God, ensuring that His glory, not personal profit, remains the ultimate aim. The "time" element in Elisha's question also highlights the concept of spiritual discernment—understanding what is fitting and honoring to God in every season and circumstance, especially when God is working powerfully.

* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [Acts 8:18-20](/acts/8-18 "Acts 8:18-20 - Simon the Sorcerer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Gehazi and Elisha's piercing question serves as a timeless mirror for our own hearts and priorities. It calls us to a radical self-examination, reminding us that God's all-seeing eye penetrates beyond outward appearances to the deepest recesses of our motives and desires. In a world constantly clamoring for more, Gehazi's covetousness stands as a stark warning: the pursuit of material gain, especially when it compromises integrity or dishonors God's name, carries profound spiritual costs. This narrative challenges us to live with absolute transparency before God, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him. It compels us to guard our hearts against the allure of wealth, status, or personal advantage, particularly when engaged in spiritual service. Instead, we are called to cultivate a spirit of contentment and generosity, prioritizing God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom above all earthly possessions. Our lives should reflect the free grace of God, not a transactional spirituality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to pursue personal gain at the expense of spiritual integrity or God's glory?**
* **How does Elisha's prophetic insight challenge my understanding of God's omniscience and my own accountability?**
* **Am I discerning the "time" correctly in my life, ensuring my actions and pursuits align with God's purposes rather than worldly values?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that prioritizes spiritual wealth and God's free grace over material accumulation?**

### FAQ

**How did Elisha know what Gehazi had done, even though he wasn't physically present?**

Answer: Elisha's knowledge was not based on mere suspicion or human observation but on divine revelation. The phrase "Went not mine heart [with thee]" signifies a supernatural, prophetic insight granted by God. As a prophet of the Lord, Elisha was empowered by the Holy Spirit to discern Gehazi's actions and intentions, even when physically separated. This demonstrates God's omniscience, revealing that nothing is hidden from Him, and He can reveal secrets to His chosen servants, as seen in other prophetic accounts (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:19](/1_samuel/9-19 "1 Samuel 9:19 - Samuel's Prophetic Knowledge of Saul")).

**Why was it "not a time" for Gehazi to receive money and gifts?**

Answer: It was "not a time" because Gehazi's actions directly contradicted the profound spiritual lesson Elisha had just demonstrated. Elisha had refused Naaman's generous gifts to make it unequivocally clear that God's healing and salvation are freely given by grace, not earned or purchased. Gehazi's secret pursuit of these gifts undermined this divine truth, suggesting that God's power could be exploited for personal profit. It disgraced the name of Yahweh and the integrity of the prophetic office, turning a demonstration of divine grace into an opportunity for worldly gain. Such an act was profoundly out of alignment with God's purposes in that moment.

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

Answer: The consequence for Gehazi's greed and deceit was severe and immediate. Following Elisha's confrontation, Gehazi was struck with the very leprosy that Naaman had been healed of. [2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi Struck with Leprosy") states, "The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." This served as a powerful and visible judgment, demonstrating the gravity of his sin and the purity God demands from those who serve Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gehazi's covetousness and Elisha's prophetic discernment finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gehazi sought earthly gain, betraying his master and defiling the message of free grace, Jesus, the true Prophet and Servant, utterly rejected all worldly allurements. When tempted by Satan to gain all the kingdoms of the world through compromise, Jesus steadfastly refused, declaring that worship is due to God alone ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")). His entire ministry was characterized by self-emptying love and radical generosity, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. He came not to be served or to accumulate wealth, 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 sought to "receive" material possessions, Christ, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). The salvation He offers is truly free, a gift of living water that cannot be bought ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Living Water")), received by grace through faith, not by works or payment ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Gehazi's failure underscores the necessity of Christ's perfect integrity and His selfless provision, which alone can cleanse the leprosy of sin and offer true, eternal riches.

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.