or גֵּחֲזִי; apparently from גַּיְא and חָזָה; valley of a visionary; Gechazi, the servant of Elisha; Gehazi.
Transliteration:Gêychăzîy
Pronunciation:gay-khah-zee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H1522}}`, Gêychăzîy (גֵּיחֲזִי), is a proper noun identifying a specific individual in the biblical narrative. Its base definition, as provided, is "valley of a visionary." This etymology is derived from two constituent Hebrew words: `{{H1516}}` (גַּיְא), meaning "valley" or "ravine," and `{{H2372}}` (חָזָה), meaning "to see," "behold," "gaze," "perceive," or "have a vision." The combination suggests a place or state associated with prophetic insight or divine revelation. This nominal meaning is particularly poignant given the character's role as the servant of the prophet Elisha, implying an inherent connection to the prophetic sphere, yet one that ultimately contrasts with his personal spiritual failure. The name itself, therefore, carries an ironic undertone, hinting at a potential for spiritual perception that Gehazi tragically failed to embody.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Gehazi is prominently featured in the Second Book of Kings as the attendant and chief servant of the prophet Elisha. His character arc provides significant theological and moral lessons.
1. **The Shunammite Woman and Her Son:** Gehazi first appears assisting Elisha in his interactions with the Shunammite woman. He is sent by Elisha to inquire about her needs ([[2 Kings 4:12-14]]) and later to attempt to revive her dead son by laying Elisha's staff upon him ([[2 Kings 4:29-31]]). His failure to resuscitate the boy highlights that divine power is not a transferable magical object, but flows directly from God through His chosen vessel. This initial failure subtly prefigures his later, more significant spiritual shortcomings.
2. **Naaman's Healing and Gehazi's Greed:** This narrative forms the pivotal moment of Gehazi's story ([[2 Kings 5:19-27]]). After Elisha miraculously heals Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army, Elisha steadfastly refuses any reward, demonstrating the selfless nature of God's grace and prophetic ministry ([[2 Kings 5:15-16]]). However, Gehazi, driven by covetousness, secretly pursues Naaman, fabricating a story about Elisha needing silver and garments for two prophetic students ([[2 Kings 5:20-24]]). His deceit is exposed by Elisha's prophetic discernment ([[2 Kings 5:25-26]]), leading to a severe divine judgment: Gehazi is afflicted with Naaman's leprosy, which clings to him and his descendants forever ([[2 Kings 5:27]]). This immediate and visible consequence underscores the gravity of his sin, particularly his avarice and dishonesty in the context of sacred ministry.
3. **Later Mention to the King:** Gehazi is briefly mentioned later, recounting Elisha's miracles to King Joram ([[2 Kings 8:4-5]]). This passage suggests that despite his leprosy, he was still alive and accessible, possibly indicating a level of isolation due to his condition. His ability to recount Elisha's powerful deeds further emphasizes the tragic irony of his own spiritual downfall, having been so close to divine power yet succumbing to worldly desires.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Gehazi's character intersects with several significant biblical concepts and related Hebrew terms:
* **Prophecy and Vision:** His name, derived from `{{H2372}}` (חָזָה), connects him directly to the concept of seeing or having a vision. This contrasts sharply with his spiritual blindness concerning divine principles. Related terms include `{{H5030}}` (נָבִיא), "prophet," and `{{H2377}}` (חָזוֹן), "vision."
* **Service and Attendant:** As Elisha's `{{H5288}}` (נַעַר), "servant" or "youth," Gehazi was in a position of close proximity and trust. This relationship mirrors Elisha's own service to Elijah, highlighting a potential for succession that Gehazi squandered.
* **Greed and Covetousness:** The primary sin leading to Gehazi's downfall is `{{H2530}}` (חֶמְדָּה), "desire" or "covetousness." This stands in stark contrast to Elisha's selfless refusal of payment.
* **Deceit and Lying:** Gehazi's actions involve direct `{{H8267}}` (שֶׁקֶר), "falsehood" or "lie," a grave offense in the biblical worldview, especially when it undermines the integrity of God's work.
* **Leprosy:** The affliction of `{{H6879}}` (צָרַעַת), "leprosy," serves as a physical manifestation of his spiritual corruption and divine judgment. In the Old Testament, leprosy often symbolizes impurity and the consequences of sin.
### Theological Significance
Gehazi's narrative carries profound theological implications:
1. **The Nature of Divine Power and Ministry:** Gehazi's failure with the staff and his attempt to profit from Naaman's healing underscore that God's power is not a commodity or a magical force to be manipulated for personal gain. Prophetic ministry is rooted in divine grace and God's sovereign will, not human ingenuity or avarice. It emphasizes that true spiritual authority comes from God alone and must be stewarded with integrity.
2. **Consequences of Sin, Especially Covetousness:** Gehazi's immediate and visible affliction with leprosy serves as a potent warning about the severe consequences of sin, particularly greed and dishonesty. It demonstrates that God takes integrity in ministry seriously and that sin, especially when committed by those close to His work, invites divine judgment. His punishment is a stark reminder that outward proximity to holiness does not guarantee inward purity or immunity from judgment.
3. **Integrity in Leadership and Service:** Elisha's unwavering refusal of Naaman's gifts established a clear principle of selfless service and detachment from material gain in prophetic ministry. Gehazi's actions directly contradicted this principle, highlighting the critical importance of integrity, purity of motive, and ethical conduct for all who serve God, especially those in positions of spiritual influence.
4. **Contrast Between True and False Discipleship:** Gehazi's story stands in stark contrast to Elisha's own faithful service to Elijah. It illustrates the difference between those who genuinely embrace the spirit of their calling and those who are merely outwardly associated with it, serving for personal advantage rather than for God's glory.
### Summary
Gehazi, whose name `{{H1522}}` means "valley of a visionary," served as the personal attendant to the prophet Elisha. Despite his close proximity to powerful divine manifestations and prophetic ministry, his story is a somber biblical account of spiritual failure. Driven by covetousness and deceit, he secretly sought material gain from Naaman, the Aramean commander, after Elisha had miraculously healed him. This act of dishonesty and avarice directly contradicted Elisha's selfless example and led to immediate divine judgment, as Gehazi was afflicted with Naaman's leprosy. His narrative serves as a timeless and potent warning against the dangers of greed and dishonesty, particularly within the context of spiritual service. It powerfully illustrates that divine power is not to be exploited, and that integrity, purity of motive, and selfless devotion are paramount for those who stand in close proximity to God's work.
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