### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Gêychăzîy** `{{H1522}}`, meaning "valley of a visionary," refers to Gehazi, the **servant** of the prophet Elisha. He appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the biblical record, primarily in the book of 2 Kings. His narrative is a significant account of a close associate of a great prophet.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Gehazi `{{H1522}}` is initially portrayed as an active assistant to Elisha. He is tasked with calling the Shunammite woman [[2 Kings 4:12]], and it is Gehazi who points out to Elisha that she has no **child** (`bên`) [[2 Kings 4:14]]. Elisha entrusts him with his own **staff** (`mishʻênâh`) in an attempt to restore the Shunammite's son to life, though Gehazi is unsuccessful [[2 Kings 4:31]]. Later, he is found recounting the **great things** (`gâdôwl`) Elisha had done to the **king** (`melek`) [[2 Kings 8:4]]. However, his story takes a dark turn when he greedily pursues Naaman the **Syrian** (`'Ărammîy`) to **take** (`lâqach`) a reward that Elisha had refused, saying "as the LORD{H3068} liveth{H2416}, I will run{H7323} after{H310} him, and take{H3947} somewhat{H3972} of him" [[2 Kings 5:20]]. He then lies to Elisha about his actions [[2 Kings 5:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding Gehazi's narrative:
* `{{H477}}` **'Ĕlîyshâʻ** (Elisha): Elisha, the famous prophet. As Gehazi's **master** (`'âdôwn`), Elisha's integrity stands in stark contrast to Gehazi's greed ([[2 Kings 5:20]], [[2 Kings 5:25]]).
* `{{H5288}}` **naʻar** (servant): This word describes Gehazi's role as a boy or servant in service to the **man** (`'îysh`) of **God** (`'ĕlôhîym`), highlighting his position of trust and proximity to divine works [[2 Kings 4:25]].
* `{{H5283}}` **Naʻămân** (Naaman): Naaman, the name of an Israelite and of a Damascene. The healing of this Syrian commander provides the context for Gehazi's fall from grace [[2 Kings 5:21]].
* `{{H7323}}` **rûwts** (to run): A primitive root meaning to run, often to rush. This action verb captures the urgency of Gehazi's greed as he **ran** after Naaman to secure a forbidden payment [[2 Kings 5:20]].
### Theological Significance
The story of Gehazi `{{H1522}}` illustrates several important themes:
* **Greed and Deceit:** Gehazi's desire for material gain led him to defy the example of his master. He vowed to **take** (`lâqach`) something from Naaman and then lied about it when confronted by Elisha ([[2 Kings 5:20]], [[2 Kings 5:25]]).
* **Consequences of Sin:** His disobedience resulted in a severe and immediate consequence. The leprosy that had afflicted Naaman was transferred to Gehazi, marking him for his transgression [[2 Kings 5:27]].
* **Proximity vs. Transformation:** Despite being the servant of Elisha and a witness to God's power, including the restoration of the dead to **life** (`châyâh`) [[2 Kings 8:5]], Gehazi's heart was not aligned with the God of his master.
* **Failure in Ministry:** As the servant of the **man of God**, Gehazi's actions misrepresented the nature of God's grace, which Elisha had demonstrated by not accepting payment from Naaman [[2 Kings 5:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1522}}` **Gêychăzîy** represents a figure of immense potential who succumbs to greed. As the trusted servant of Elisha, he was positioned to inherit a great spiritual legacy. Instead, his story serves as a powerful cautionary tale about how materialism and deceit can corrupt a person, even one who stands at the very center of divine miracles, leading to a tragic downfall.
TRV