2 Kings 5:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The leprosy {H6883} therefore of Naaman {H5283} shall cleave {H1692} unto thee, and unto thy seed {H2233} for ever {H5769}. And he went out {H3318} from his presence {H6440} a leper {H6879} as white as snow {H7950}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Na'aman's tzara'at will cling to you and your descendants forever." He left Elisha's presence with tzara'at as white as snow.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse 2 Kings 5:27 delivers a swift and severe divine judgment upon Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha, who, driven by covetousness and deceit, pursued and accepted gifts from Naaman, the Syrian commander, after Elisha had explicitly refused them. As a direct and immediate consequence of his profound greed and dishonesty, Gehazi is afflicted with the very leprosy from which Naaman had just been miraculously healed, a condition that is pronounced to cleave to him and his descendants forever, manifesting instantly as he departs Elisha's presence, appearing "as white as snow."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic and tragic culmination of the narrative concerning Naaman's healing and Gehazi's subsequent fall. It immediately follows Elisha's divinely revealed confrontation with Gehazi, where the prophet exposes his servant's secret sin, asking, "Was it a time to receive money and garments, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?" (2 Kings 5:26). The preceding narrative meticulously details Naaman's miraculous cleansing from leprosy in the Jordan River, a healing that Elisha insists is a pure, unmerited gift from God, steadfastly refusing any payment or reward (2 Kings 5:1-19). Gehazi's actions directly undermine Elisha's integrity and the purity of God's grace, making his swift and visible punishment a stark contrast to Naaman's restoration and a powerful statement on the severe consequences of misusing spiritual privilege for personal gain. The chapter's opening with Naaman's affliction and its close with Gehazi's creates a powerful narrative arc of reversal and divine justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Leprosy (Hebrew: _tzara'at_) in ancient Israel and the broader Near East was far more than a physical ailment; it carried profound social, ritual, and theological implications. Individuals afflicted with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean and were often ostracized from society, compelled to live apart from the community (Leviticus 13:45-46). The visible symptoms, particularly the "white as snow" appearance, were unmistakable and frequently associated with direct divine judgment, as evidenced in the cases of Miriam (Numbers 12:10) and King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:19-21). Culturally, it was common practice for prophets and healers to receive gifts for their services, which makes Elisha's resolute refusal of Naaman's generous reward a radical and intentional demonstration of God's unmerited grace and the non-commercial nature of His power. Gehazi's deceitful pursuit of these gifts was, therefore, not merely an act of personal greed but a public affront to the character of God and the integrity of His prophetic representative.

* **Key Themes:** The story of Naaman and Gehazi, culminating in this verse, powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout [the book of 2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - A History of Kings and Prophets"). Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and omniscience of God**, demonstrating that no hidden sin escapes His notice, even when concealed from human eyes, reinforcing the truth that God knows the secrets of the heart (compare with [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Knowledge")). Secondly, it highlights the severe **consequences of greed and deception**, particularly when intertwined with spiritual authority or service. Gehazi's covetousness directly undermines the selfless and gracious nature of God's gifts and ministry. Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes the **purity and freeness of God's grace**; Naaman's healing was unearned, and Gehazi's attempt to commercialize it defiled this sacred principle. Finally, the hereditary nature of the curse ("unto thy seed for ever") serves as a stark warning about the long-reaching impact of profound spiritual transgression, reflecting a principle of corporate responsibility or familial consequence seen elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _dâbaq'_):** This primitive root signifies to impinge, cling, or adhere. In the context of 2 Kings 5:27, it powerfully conveys the permanent and inescapable nature of Gehazi's judgment. The leprosy is not a temporary affliction but becomes an inseparable, intrinsic part of Gehazi and his lineage, much like Naaman's leprosy had "cleaved" to him before his miraculous healing. This term emphasizes being inextricably bound to the curse, highlighting the divine decree's absolute and lasting effect.
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sow," this term refers to offspring, descendants, or posterity. Its inclusion in the divine pronouncement signifies that the judgment extends beyond Gehazi himself, impacting his future generations. This hereditary curse underscores the extreme gravity of Gehazi's sin—his abuse of spiritual privilege and the sacred trust placed in him as Elisha's servant—and its enduring consequences that transcend a single lifetime.
* **Leprosy (Hebrew, _tsâraʻath'_):** This noun, derived from the verb "to scourge" or "to be stricken with leprosy," refers specifically to the skin disease of leprosy. In this verse, it is the very affliction from which Naaman was healed, now transferred to Gehazi. The use of this specific term underscores the divine irony and poetic justice: Gehazi, who sought to gain from the healing of Naaman's leprosy, is now cursed with the same disease, making his punishment a direct reversal of the miracle he witnessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee":** This clause establishes the direct, immediate, and specific nature of the judgment. The conjunction "therefore" explicitly links the punishment directly to Gehazi's preceding actions of greed and deception. The phrase "the leprosy of Naaman" is crucial, signifying not just any leprosy, but the very disease from which Naaman was miraculously healed, creating a powerful and ironic reversal. It means that Gehazi, who sought to gain from Naaman's healing, would instead inherit his affliction, a profound act of divine retribution.
* **"and unto thy seed for ever":** This phrase extends the judgment beyond Gehazi's personal lifetime, pronouncing a perpetual, hereditary curse upon his descendants. This highlights the extreme severity of his sin, particularly his covetousness and the commercialization of God's free grace, which had implications not just for him but for his entire lineage. It serves as a stark warning about the long-term, intergenerational consequences of profound spiritual transgression and the abuse of sacred trust.
* **"And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow":** This final clause describes the immediate and visible fulfillment of Elisha's prophetic word. The transformation is instantaneous and undeniable, confirming the divine origin and certainty of the judgment. The vivid description "as white as snow" graphically portrays the advanced and unmistakable stage of the leprosy, making Gehazi's condition publicly apparent and serving as a stark, visible sign of his disgrace and divine punishment. It marks his dramatic and tragic exit from the narrative, no longer Elisha's trusted servant but a ritually unclean outcast.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 5:27 employs several powerful literary devices to heighten its impact. **Irony** is profoundly central, as Gehazi, in his pursuit of material gain from Naaman's healing, is instead afflicted with Naaman's very disease. This demonstrates a potent **poetic justice**, where the "gift" Gehazi coveted transforms into a devastating curse. The phrase "as white as snow" functions as a striking example of **paradoxical imagery**; while white often symbolizes purity or cleansing in other biblical contexts, here it signifies the advanced, unmistakable, and defiling nature of leprosy, ironically marking Gehazi as utterly unclean. The immediate manifestation of the leprosy upon Gehazi's departure from Elisha's presence serves as a powerful instance of **divine retribution**, emphasizing God's swift and certain justice. Furthermore, the story masterfully uses **contrast**, juxtaposing Naaman's humility and spiritual cleansing with Gehazi's greed and subsequent physical and spiritual defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The judgment on Gehazi in 2 Kings 5:27 powerfully underscores God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly concerning the integrity of His prophetic ministry and the purity of His grace. Gehazi's sin was not merely personal greed but a profound desecration of a divine encounter, an audacious attempt to commercialize a miraculous act of God's free mercy. This incident serves as a stark reminder that God is not mocked and that those who operate within spiritual authority are held to a higher standard, with severe consequences for hypocrisy and covetousness. It highlights the principle that true spiritual blessings are not for sale and that attempts to exploit them for personal gain will incur severe divine displeasure, demonstrating God's zealous protection of His own reputation and the sacredness of His work.

* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Peril of Backsliding")
* [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and Sapphira's Deception")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Root of All Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic story of Gehazi serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all believers, especially those entrusted with positions of spiritual leadership or service within God's kingdom. It compels us to rigorously examine our hearts for any subtle inclinations towards greed, dishonesty, or the misuse of spiritual gifts and opportunities for personal enrichment. Gehazi's dramatic downfall reminds us that God sees not only our outward actions but also the hidden motives and intentions of our hearts, for nothing is concealed from Him (Hebrews 4:13). True ministry is characterized by selfless service, unwavering integrity, and a profound reverence for God's unmerited grace, recognizing that His blessings are not commodities to be bought or sold. We are called to cultivate a spirit of contentment with what God provides, to walk in transparency before Him and others, and to honor the sacredness of His work, trusting that our true reward comes from Him alone. This narrative challenges us to cultivate humility and accountability, recognizing that our actions, even those done in secret, have far-reaching consequences that can impact not only ourselves but also those connected to us and the integrity of the gospel message itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise integrity for personal gain, especially in spiritual or service contexts?**
* **How does Gehazi's story deepen my understanding of God's justice and His omniscience regarding hidden motives?**
* **Am I truly serving God out of selfless love and gratitude, or are there hidden motives of personal benefit, recognition, or material gain?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater contentment and guard my heart against the insidious temptation of covetousness?**

### FAQ
**Was Gehazi's punishment fair, especially the hereditary aspect "unto thy seed for ever"?**

Answer: The severity of Gehazi's punishment, including its hereditary nature, reflects the profound gravity of his sin in the eyes of God within the Old Testament covenant context. Gehazi was not merely a common person but the trusted servant of a great prophet, privy to divine power, revelation, and the sacred work of God. His actions represented a profound betrayal of trust, a blatant commercialization of God's free grace, and a public discredit to the prophetic ministry. In the Old Testament, particularly in cases of severe covenant violation or profound spiritual transgression (e.g., [Achan's sin in Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment")), consequences sometimes extended to the offender's family or lineage. This served to emphasize the corporate nature of identity and responsibility within ancient Israel, where the actions of an individual could impact the entire family unit or community. This served as a powerful deterrent and underscored the seriousness of sin that impacted the community and God's holy reputation. While the New Covenant emphasizes individual responsibility and the cleansing power of Christ's blood for individual sin, this Old Testament account highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and the profound consequences of misusing spiritual authority and gifts for selfish gain. It underscores that God takes the purity and integrity of His work very seriously.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gehazi's judgment, set against the backdrop of Naaman's miraculous healing, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Naaman's cleansing from leprosy, a disease symbolizing the pervasive nature of sin and ritual uncleanness, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual cleansing and healing offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Naaman was made "clean" and his flesh restored "like the flesh of a little child" (2 Kings 5:14), so too are believers made pure and spiritually renewed by the sacrificial work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Gehazi's covetousness and the resulting leprosy stand in stark contrast to the selfless, unmerited grace embodied by Christ. While Gehazi sought to gain earthly riches through deception, Jesus, though rich, [became poor for our sake, so that we through His poverty might become rich](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Selfless Giving"). The "leprosy" of sin that "cleaves" to fallen humanity is removed not by human effort, payment, or deceit, but by the [precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"), which cleanses us and makes us [whiter than snow](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Sins Washed White"). Gehazi's immediate, visible judgment serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's free grace and seeking self-gain, contrasting sharply with the New Testament's emphasis on genuine faith and selfless service, where true and lasting reward comes from God alone (Matthew 6:1-4). Ultimately, Christ's perfect sacrifice ensures that the "leprosy" of sin does not cleave to those who believe, but rather their sins are completely removed, [as far as the east is from the west](/psalms/103-12 "Psalm 103:12 - God Forgives Our Sins"), offering eternal life and purity instead of perpetual curse.

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

Exodus 4:6

And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand [was] leprous as snow.

Numbers 12:10

¶ And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam [became] leprous, [white] as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, [she was] leprous.

2 Kings 15:5

And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son [was] over the house, judging the people of the land.

Malachi 2:8

But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 2:9

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

2 Kings 5:1

¶ 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.

2 Samuel 3:29

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.