2 Kings 5:3

KJV

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she said {H559} unto her mistress {H1404}, Would {H305} God my lord {H113} were with {H6440} the prophet {H5030} that is in Samaria {H8111}! for {H227} he would recover {H622} him of his leprosy {H6883}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She said to her mistress, "I wish my lord could go to the prophet in Shomron! He could heal his tzara'at."

Berean Standard Bible

She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.”

American Standard Version

And she said unto her mistress, Would that my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! then would he recover him of his leprosy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse introduces a young Israelite girl, captured and enslaved in Syria, who, despite her traumatic circumstances, demonstrates profound faith and compassion. Serving Naaman's wife, she boldly suggests that her master, the esteemed Syrian commander afflicted with leprosy, could be healed by "the prophet that is in Samaria." Her simple yet powerful declaration serves as the divine catalyst, setting in motion a remarkable chain of events that will lead Naaman on a journey of physical healing and spiritual transformation, highlighting God's sovereign ability to work through the most unexpected and humble instruments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Naaman, a powerful and respected Syrian general, who is nonetheless afflicted with leprosy, a condition that rendered him ritually unclean and socially ostracized in ancient societies ([2 Kings 5:1](/2_kings/5-1 "2 Kings 5:1 - Naaman's Condition")). The narrative then swiftly shifts from the general's public prestige to his private affliction, setting the stage for divine intervention. The girl's statement in [2 Kings 5:3](/2_kings/5-3 "2 Kings 5:3 - The Girl's Suggestion") acts as the narrative's turning point, initiating the plot Naaman's journey to Israel. It directly precedes the king of Syria's involvement ([2 Kings 5:4-5](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4-5 - Syrian King's Involvement")) and the subsequent, somewhat chaotic, interaction with the king of Israel, who misunderstands the request ([2 Kings 5:6-7](/2_kings/5-6 "2 Kings 5:6-7 - King of Israel's Reaction")). Ultimately, the girl's words lead Naaman to Elisha, the true source of healing, culminating in Naaman's miraculous cure and his confession of faith in the God of Israel ([2 Kings 5:14-15](/2_kings/5-14 "2 Kings 5:14-15 - Naaman's Healing and Confession")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Elisha's ministry (9th century BCE) was marked by frequent conflicts and raids between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and its powerful neighbor, Aram (Syria), often led by figures like Naaman. Capturing individuals during raids, especially young women, for domestic servitude was a common practice. Leprosy, in the ancient Near East, was not just a physical ailment but carried immense social and religious stigma, rendering individuals unclean and often isolating them from community life. It was widely considered incurable by human means, making the girl's confident assertion all the more extraordinary. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom, a significant political and religious center, and the base for many of Elisha's prophetic activities, which included confronting idolatry and demonstrating God's power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The Book of Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's sovereignty over all nations**, demonstrating His concern and redemptive plan extending beyond Israel to a powerful Gentile general. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine healing** and God's power to restore what is humanly impossible, contrasting sharply with the limitations of human power and medicine. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it illustrates **God's use of the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes**. A nameless, captive servant girl becomes the pivotal instrument of God's grace, challenging conventional notions of power and influence. This aligns with the broader biblical pattern of God choosing the weak and foolish to confound the strong, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Uses the Weak").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Would God (Hebrew, _ho'il_):** This phrase translates a Hebrew idiom expressing a strong, earnest wish or desire, often with an implied sense of "if only" or "I wish." It conveys the young girl's heartfelt conviction and not merely a casual suggestion. It reflects a deep, unwavering faith that what she proposes is not just possible, but divinely certain.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _navi'_):** The term "prophet" here specifically refers to Elisha, God's anointed messenger in Israel. The girl's use of the definite article ("the prophet") indicates that Elisha's reputation for divine power and miraculous works was known even beyond Israel's borders, implying a recognition of his unique connection to Yahweh.
* **Recover (Hebrew, _'asaph'_):** The verb _'asaph_ literally means "to gather," "to take away," or "to remove completely." In this context, it signifies a total and definitive cure, not just an alleviation of symptoms or a temporary improvement. The girl's choice of this word emphasizes her absolute certainty that Elisha, through God's power, would fully eradicate Naaman's leprosy, leaving no trace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she said unto her mistress":** This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker and her audience. The "she" is an anonymous Israelite girl, a captive slave, highlighting her low social status and vulnerability. Yet, she speaks to her "mistress," Naaman's wife, indicating a position of trust and perhaps even affection, despite her forced servitude. Her willingness to speak in such a context reveals remarkable courage and compassion.
* **"Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria!":** This is the core of the girl's declaration, expressing her earnest desire and conviction. "My lord" refers to Naaman, the Syrian commander. The phrase "with the prophet that is in Samaria" is a clear, if indirect, reference to Elisha, whose ministry was centered in the capital of the Northern Kingdom. The girl's faith is not vague; she knows precisely where and from whom Naaman could receive help, pointing to the specific, divinely appointed agent of healing.
* **"for he would recover him of his leprosy":** This final clause provides the reason and the confident assurance behind her wish. The girl states with absolute certainty that the prophet "would recover him," implying a complete and miraculous cure for a disease considered incurable. This conviction stems from her faith in the God of Israel and His power working through Elisha, demonstrating a profound understanding of divine capability that transcends her dire personal circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, as the fate of a powerful general rests on the words of a nameless, captive slave girl, subverting conventional power dynamics. This also exemplifies **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's ability to orchestrate significant events through seemingly insignificant individuals, demonstrating His control over all circumstances and nations. The girl's statement functions as **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting Naaman's eventual miraculous healing and setting the entire narrative in motion. There is a strong **Contrast** between Naaman's human power and the girl's spiritual insight, and between the incurability of leprosy by human means versus the absolute certainty of divine healing. The narrative also employs **Understatement** regarding the girl's personal suffering, focusing instead on her faith and compassion, which makes her bold declaration even more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's universal concern and His sovereign ability to work through unexpected channels. It challenges human notions of importance and influence, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by social status, national boundaries, or human understanding of what is possible. The girl's faith, born out of a relationship with the God of Israel, becomes the conduit for a miracle that impacts a Gentile nation, foreshadowing the broader scope of God's redemptive plan for all humanity. It underscores that God's grace extends beyond the covenant people of Israel, reaching out to those in need regardless of their background or perceived "worthiness."

* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Uses the Foolish")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Luke 4:27](/luke/4-27 "Luke 4:27 - Jesus Mentions Naaman")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Israelite girl in 2 Kings 5:3 stands as a profound example of faith, compassion, and courage in the face of adversity. Despite being a captive in a foreign land, stripped of her freedom and family, her spirit remained unbroken, and her faith in God's power unwavering. Her willingness to speak a word of hope to her master, an "enemy" general, demonstrates a radical compassion that transcends national and personal grievances. This challenges us to consider our own opportunities for witness: are we willing to speak truth and hope in difficult or uncomfortable environments? Do we allow our circumstances to dictate our faith, or do we, like this girl, trust in God's ability to work beyond our limitations? Her story reminds us that God often chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His greatest works, inviting us to embrace our own roles, however small they may seem, in His grand redemptive narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "captive" or difficult circumstances might God be calling us to speak a word of hope or truth to those around us?**
* **How does the humility and anonymity of the Israelite girl challenge our understanding of effective witness and influence in God's kingdom?**
* **What "incurable" situations in our lives or the lives of others are we invited to bring before God with the same unwavering faith that He "would recover" them?**

### FAQ
**Who was this Israelite girl, and why is her role so significant despite her anonymity?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide her name, emphasizing her anonymity and humble status as a captive servant. Her significance lies precisely in this: she represents how God can use the most unexpected and seemingly insignificant individuals to initiate His divine purposes. Despite her traumatic circumstances—being taken from her home and forced into servitude by an enemy—she harbored deep faith in the God of Israel and compassion for her master. Her simple, yet profound, statement was the catalyst for Naaman's journey to healing and conversion, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by human status or worldly power, and that a single act of faith and kindness can have monumental ripple effects. Her story highlights that God's instruments are often those overlooked by the world, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Uses the Weak").

**What does Naaman's leprosy symbolize in the broader biblical narrative?**

Answer: In the biblical context, leprosy was often more than just a physical disease; it carried significant symbolic weight. It represented uncleanness, separation, and often, the pervasive nature of sin. Individuals with leprosy were ritually unclean and ostracized from the community, mirroring how sin separates humanity from a holy God ([Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Leprosy")). Therefore, Naaman's physical healing from an incurable disease serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual cleansing and redemption from the incurable "leprosy" of sin. His journey from a powerful but afflicted general to a humble, healed believer who acknowledges the one true God underscores the transformative power of divine grace, which addresses both physical and spiritual brokenness.

**How does this story relate to the conflict between Israel and Syria?**

Answer: The story of Naaman unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and animosity between Israel and Syria (Aram). Naaman himself was a commander of the Syrian army, likely responsible for raids against Israel, which resulted in the very captivity of the girl who would eventually point him to healing. This context makes the narrative even more striking. It demonstrates that God's grace and redemptive plan transcend national boundaries and political enmities. Despite the historical conflict, God extends His healing power and revelation to a prominent Gentile, showcasing His universal sovereignty and His desire for all nations to know Him. Jesus himself later referenced Naaman's healing as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel, highlighting the often-unpopular truth that God's favor is not exclusive to one people group ([Luke 4:27](/luke/4-27 "Luke 4:27 - Jesus Mentions Naaman")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Naaman's healing, initiated by the humble words of a captive Israelite girl, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Naaman's incurable leprosy serves as a potent Old Testament type for humanity's incurable spiritual disease of sin, which separates us from a holy God and leads to spiritual death ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as the Israelite girl, a member of God's chosen people, pointed an outsider to the prophet Elisha for physical healing, so the Church, the spiritual Israel, is called to point a lost and dying world to Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Great Physician, for spiritual healing and eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). Naaman's eventual cleansing in the Jordan, through simple obedience to Elisha's seemingly foolish command, foreshadows the cleansing power of baptism and salvation through faith in Christ's finished work, not through human merit or grand gestures ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, truly takes away the sin of the world, offering a complete "recovery" from the leprosy of sin, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). His own reference to Naaman in [Luke 4:27](/luke/4-27 "Luke 4:27 - Jesus Mentions Naaman") underscores God's sovereign grace extending to the Gentiles, a truth fully realized in the global scope of the Gospel message.

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

Luke 17:12

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

Luke 17:14

And when he saw [them], he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

Acts 26:29

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Numbers 11:29

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

2 Kings 5:8

And it was [so], when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

Matthew 8:2

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Matthew 8:3

And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.