Elisha and Naaman

The words

1. Abana

   Naaman names Abana as a river of Damascus, asking why he cannot wash there instead of in Israel’s waters.

   2 Kings 5:12 (opens a new tab)

2. Blessing

   Naaman asks Elisha to accept a “blessing” after his return; Elisha refuses even when Naaman urges him.

   2 Kings 5:15–16 (opens a new tab)

3. Captain

   Naaman commands the Syrian king’s army and enjoys his master’s favor; the narrator also describes him as a man with a skin disease.

   Did you know?

   Alongside the royal letter, Naaman takes ten changes of clothing on the journey, as well as gold and silver.

   2 Kings 5:1; 2 Kings 5:5 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 5:1 (opens a new tab)

4. Damascus

   In anger, Naaman praises the rivers of Damascus over Israel’s waters; his servants then urge him to follow the prophet’s instruction.

   2 Kings 5:11–13 (opens a new tab)

5. Dipped

   Naaman dips himself seven times in the Jordan; the narrator describes his flesh restored like a child’s and calls him clean.

   2 Kings 5:14 (opens a new tab)

6. Elisha

   Elisha sends a messenger to Naaman at his door; Naaman angrily says he expected the prophet to come out himself.

   Did you know?

   Before Naaman reaches Elisha, Israel’s king tears his clothes over the request for healing; the prophet asks that the commander be sent to him.

   2 Kings 5:7–11 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 5:11–14 (opens a new tab)

7. Gehazi

   Gehazi falsely claims Elisha needs gifts for two young prophets; he hides the silver, and Elisha declares Naaman’s condition will cling to him.

   2 Kings 5:20–27 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 5:25–27 (opens a new tab)

8. Leprosy

   A biblical term covering several skin diseases, according to the ESV note.

   The KJV calls Naaman a leper; the NET Bible reads “skin disease” and cautions that this probably was not Hansen’s disease.

   2 Kings 5:1 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 5:1 (opens a new tab) · ESV: 2 Kings 5:1 (opens a new tab)

9. Little Maid

   A girl taken captive from Israel serves Naaman’s wife; she tells her mistress about the prophet in Samaria.

   2 Kings 5:2–3 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 5:2-3 (opens a new tab)

10. Naaman

    After washing in the Jordan, Naaman returns to Elisha and declares that there is no God except in Israel.

    Did you know?

    Naaman asks Elisha for two mules’ burdens of earth before departure, a request made after the prophet refuses his gift.

    2 Kings 5:14–17 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 5:15–19 (opens a new tab)

11. Pharpar

    Naaman pairs Pharpar with Abana in his angry comparison; he turns away before his servants persuade him to wash.

    2 Kings 5:12–14 (opens a new tab)

12. Rimmon

    Naaman asks pardon for bowing in Rimmon’s temple while supporting his master, who leans on his hand; Elisha says, “Go in peace.”

    2 Kings 5:18–19 (opens a new tab)

13. Seven Times

    Elisha’s messenger tells Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan; his servants persuade him to obey the simple instruction.

    2 Kings 5:10 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 5:13–14 (opens a new tab)

14. Syria

    The Syrian king sends Naaman to Israel’s king with a letter requesting healing; the captive girl’s earlier advice has prompted the journey.

    2 Kings 5:2–6 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 5:6–10 (opens a new tab)

15. Talents

    A talent weighed about 75 pounds (34 kg), in the ESV note.

    Gehazi asks for one talent of silver, but Naaman gives him two, packed in two bags and carried by two servants.

    2 Kings 5:5 · 2 Kings 5:22–23 (opens a new tab) · ESV: 2 Kings 5:5 (opens a new tab)