2 Kings 5:23
2 Kings 5:23 in Multiple Translations
But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.
And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
And Naaman said, Be pleased to take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of raiment, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
And Naaman said, Be good enough to take two talents. And forcing him to take them, he put two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and gave them to his two servants to take before him.
But Naaman replied, “Please, take two talents.” He insisted that Gehazi accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags as well as two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, who carried them for Gehazi.
And Naaman saide, Yea, take two talents: and he compelled him, and bound two talents of siluer in two bagges, with two change of garments, and gaue them vnto two of his seruants, that they might beare them before him.
And Naaman saith, 'Be pleased, take two talents;' and he urgeth on him, and bindeth two talents of silver in two purses, and two changes of garments, and giveth unto two of his young men, and they bear before him;
Naaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they carried them before him.
And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bore them before him.
And Naaman said: It is better that thou take two talents. And he forced him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, and two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants, and they carried them before him.
Naaman replied, “Certainly! You can have 150 pounds of silver!” He urged Gehazi to take it. He also gave him two sets of clothing. He tied up the silver in two bags and gave them to two of his servants to carry back to Elisha.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 5:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
נַעֲמָ֔ן
הוֹאֵ֖ל
קַ֣ח
כִּכָּרָ֑יִם
וַ/יִּפְרָץ
בּ֗/וֹ
וַ/יָּצַר֩
כִּכְּרַ֨יִם
כֶּ֜סֶף
בִּ/שְׁנֵ֣י
חֲרִטִ֗ים
וּ/שְׁתֵּי֙
חֲלִפ֣וֹת
בְּגָדִ֔ים
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙
אֶל
שְׁנֵ֣י
נְעָרָ֔י/ו
וַ/יִּשְׂא֖וּ
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נַעֲמָ֔ן
Naʻămân
H5283
Naaman
N-proper
הוֹאֵ֖ל
yâʼal
H2974
be willing
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
קַ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
כִּכָּרָ֑יִם
kikkâr
H3603
talent
N-cd
וַ/יִּפְרָץ
pârats
H6555
to break through
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בּ֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יָּצַר֩
tsârar
H6887
to confine
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּכְּרַ֨יִם
kikkâr
H3603
talent
N-cd
כֶּ֜סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
בִּ/שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj
חֲרִטִ֗ים
chârîyṭ
H2754
purse
N-mp
וּ/שְׁתֵּי֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
חֲלִפ֣וֹת
chălîyphâh
H2487
change
N-fp
בְּגָדִ֔ים
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
נְעָרָ֔י/ו
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 5:23
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נַעֲמָ֔ן
Naʻămân
H5283
"Naaman"
N-proper
Naaman was a man from the tribe of Benjamin and also the name of a commander from Syria who was healed by Elisha. His name means 'pleasantness' and he is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:7 and 2 Kings 5.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.7; son of: Ehud (H0164); brother of: Ahijah (H0281K), Gera (H1617J), Uzza (H5798H) and Ahihud (H0284) § Naaman = "pleasantness" 1) son of Bela of the family of Benjamin; he was among the family of Jacob that went down to Egypt 2) commander-in-chief of the army of Syria; stricken with leprosy he went to Elisha, eventually followed his instructions, and was cured
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Naaman. See also: Genesis 46:21; 2 Kings 5:17; 1 Chronicles 8:7.
הוֹאֵ֖ל
yâʼal
H2974
"be willing"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.
Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.
קַ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
כִּכָּרָ֑יִם
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
N-cd
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.
וַ/יִּפְרָץ
pârats
H6555
"to break through"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.
Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.
בּ֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יָּצַר֩
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.
כִּכְּרַ֨יִם
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
N-cd
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.
כֶּ֜סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
בִּ/שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
חֲרִטִ֗ים
chârîyṭ
H2754
"purse"
N-mp
This word refers to a purse or bag, something that is hollow or cut out. It is used to describe a container for carrying things, like money. This word is found in the book of 2 Kings.
Definition: bag, purse
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bag, crisping pin. See also: 2 Kings 5:23; Isaiah 3:22.
וּ/שְׁתֵּי֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
חֲלִפ֣וֹת
chălîyphâh
H2487
"change"
N-fp
This word refers to a change or replacement, like switching clothes or taking turns, and is used in the Bible to describe things like changing courses in life.
Definition: 1) a change, change (of garments), replacement 1a) change (of raiment) 1b) relays 1c) relief (from death) 1d) changing, varying (course of life)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: change, course. See also: Genesis 45:22; 2 Kings 5:5; Psalms 55:20.
בְּגָדִ֔ים
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
נְעָרָ֔י/ו
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-mp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וַ/יִּשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 5:23
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Context — Gehazi’s Greed and Leprosy
21So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”
22“Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
23But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.
24When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed. 25When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 12:10 | Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would go up, count the money brought into the house of the LORD, and tie it up in bags. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:7 | Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 2:17 | But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. |
| 4 | Luke 11:54 | waiting to catch Him in something He might say. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 5:16 | But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:6 | This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 6:3 | Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. |
2 Kings 5:23 Summary
[In this verse, Naaman is showing his gratitude to Elisha by wanting to give a generous gift to his servant, Gehazi. He insists on giving two talents of silver, which is a significant amount of money, and also gives two sets of clothing. This act of kindness is similar to the way God shows us kindness and generosity, as seen in Psalm 103:2-5. However, as we see in the next verses, Gehazi's response to this gift is not what it should be, and it leads to trouble.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Naaman to insist on giving Gehazi two talents of silver?
Naaman's generosity was likely motivated by his gratitude towards Elisha for healing him of leprosy, as seen in 2 Kings 5:15-19, and he wanted to show his appreciation by giving to Elisha's servant, similar to the way the widow of Zarephath showed kindness to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Was it wrong for Gehazi to accept the gifts from Naaman?
While Naaman's intentions were good, Gehazi's actions were deceitful, as he had not been instructed by Elisha to accept the gifts, and he lied about it later, as seen in 2 Kings 5:25, which is reminiscent of the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11.
What can we learn from Naaman's actions in this verse?
Naaman's actions demonstrate the importance of generosity and kindness, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, and his insistence on giving more than was requested shows his eagerness to bless others, similar to the way God blesses us abundantly, as seen in Ephesians 3:20.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Naaman and Elisha?
This verse is a pivotal part of the story, as it sets the stage for Gehazi's punishment in 2 Kings 5:26-27, and it highlights the contrast between Naaman's kindness and Gehazi's deceit, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Matthew 6:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness and generosity to others, like Naaman did in this verse?
- How can I avoid the temptation to be deceitful, like Gehazi, and instead be honest and transparent in my interactions with others?
- What are some times when I have been blessed by someone's generosity, and how can I pay that blessing forward to others?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude, like Naaman, and express my thanks to God and others for the blessings in my life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:23
And Naaman said, be content,.... Or be pleased; do not object to it: take two talents: a talent for each young man, which amounted to between three hundred and four hundred pounds apiece: and he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:23
And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. In two bags.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:23
He urged him, who at first refused it upon a pretence of modesty and obedience to his master’ s command.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:23
2 Kings 5:23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him.Ver. 23. Be content, take two talents.] Which amount to seven hundred and fifty pounds sterling. God saith as much in effect to his suitors, pressing and heaping mercies upon them.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:23
(23) Be content.—Be willing, consent to take. The Vatican LXX. omits; the Alexandrian renders αὐτοῦ, owing to a transposition of the Hebrew letters (hγlτ’ for hτ’κl). Bound.—Deuteronomy 14:25. Bags.—Only here and in Isaiah 3:22, where it means “purses.” Laid them upon two.—Gave them to two of his (i.e., Naaman’s) young men. The courtesy of the act is obvious. Before him.—Gehazi.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:23
Verse 23. He - bound two talents of silver] It required two servants to carry these two talents, for, according to the computation above, each talent was about 120lbs. weight.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:23
23. bound two talents of silver in two bags] The money was put into the bag, and the opening tied up. The word translated ‘bags’ (LXX., θύλακοι) occurs in the list of female finery in Isaiah 3:22 and is rendered by R.V. ‘satchels’. Probably the bag was of an ornamental character, as the root word signifies ‘to engrave’. Perhaps there was some embroidery, or network in its formation. laid them upon two of his servants] For the money must have been of considerable weight, and Naaman having had no opportunity of doing honour to Elisha, would be the more anxious to pay all attention to Gehazi.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:23
Be content - i. e. “consent.”
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:23
23. Naaman said… take two talents — Worth about three thousand three hundred and twenty dollars. Upon two of his servants — Naaman’s servants. Comp. 2 Kings 5:24. The gift was a weight which one could not well carry.
Sermons on 2 Kings 5:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Luke) 33 - Outworkings of Prayer Cont by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of prayer, which is the fifth topic in the teaching of Jesus. The chapter on prayer, chapter 11, begins with the Lord's Prayer, whic |
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Pharisees Seek to Catch Others in Their Words by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the behavior of the Pharisees who sought to trap Jesus with their questions, particularly regarding the lawfulness of divorce. He draws parallels to modern-day |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 30:6 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas amidst the busyness and distractions of the season. He recommends |