New International VersionThe prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
New Living TranslationBut Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.
English Standard VersionBut he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
Berean Standard BibleBut 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.
King James BibleBut he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
New King James VersionBut he said, “ As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
New American Standard BibleBut he said, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” And he urged him to accept it, but he refused.
NASB 1995But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
NASB 1977 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
Legacy Standard Bible But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
Amplified BibleBut Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” He urged him to take it, but Elisha refused.
Christian Standard BibleBut Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, I stand before Him. I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.
American Standard VersionBut he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
Contemporary English Version"I am a servant of the living LORD," Elisha answered, "and I swear that I will not take anything from you." Naaman kept begging, but Elisha kept refusing.
English Revised VersionBut he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationElisha said, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD whom I serve lives, I will not accept it." Naaman urged him to take it, but he refused.
Good News TranslationElisha answered, "By the living LORD, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift." Naaman insisted that he accept it, but he would not.
International Standard VersionBut Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not receive anything from you." Though Naaman urged him to take it, Elisha declined.
NET BibleBut Elisha replied, "As certainly as the LORD lives (whom I serve), I will take nothing from you." Naaman insisted that he take it, but he refused.
New Heart English BibleBut he said, "As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." He urged him to take it; but he refused.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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.
World English BibleBut he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “YHWH lives, before whom I have stood—if I take [it]”; and he presses on him to take, and he refuses.
Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, before whom I have stood -- if I take it;' and he presseth on him to take, and he refuseth.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say, Jehovah lives whom I stood before him if I will take. And he will press upon him to take, and he will refuse. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he answered: As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And when he pressed him, he still refused.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut he responded, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And though he urged him strongly, he did not agree at all.
New American BibleElisha replied, “As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it.” And despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused.
New Revised Standard VersionBut he said, “As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!” He urged him to accept, but he refused. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Elisha said, As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And be urged him to take it; but he refused.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Elisha said: “As LORD JEHOVAH is living before whom I stand, I shall not take it!” And he begged of him to take it, and he was not willing. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But he said: 'As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none.' And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Elisaie said, As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not take one. And he pressed him to take one: but he would not.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy15Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 16But 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. 17“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.…
Cross References Acts 8:20But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
Matthew 10:8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Genesis 14:22-23But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
1 Samuel 12:3Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
1 Corinthians 9:18What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
2 Corinthians 11:9And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
2 Corinthians 12:14See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
1 Thessalonians 2:5-6As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! / Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
1 Kings 13:8-9But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”
Daniel 5:17In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.
Acts 20:33-34I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.
2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
1 Timothy 6:5-6and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. / Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Peter 5:2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
2 Corinthians 12:17-18Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? / I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?
2 Kings 3:14
And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. 1 Kings 17:1
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1 Kings 18:15
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day. I will receive 2 Kings 5:20,26
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him… Genesis 14:22,23
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, … 1 Kings 13:8
And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: Jump to Previous Accept Best Life Naaman Presseth Prophet Receive Refused Refuseth Servant Serve Stand Stood Surely UrgedJump to Next Accept Best Life Naaman Presseth Prophet Receive Refused Refuseth Servant Serve Stand Stood Surely Urged2 Kings 5 1. Naaman, by the report of a captive maid, is sent to Samaria to be cured of leprosy8. Elisha, sending him to Jordan cures him15. He refusing Naaman's gifts grants him some of the earth20. Gehazi, abusing his master's name unto Naaman, is smitten with leprosyBut Elisha repliedElisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is central to this narrative. His role as a prophet is to convey God's messages and perform miracles, demonstrating God's power and authority. Elisha's response is significant as it reflects his commitment to God's will and his role as a servant of the Lord. “As surely as the LORD lives
This phrase is an oath, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of Elisha's statement. It reflects the Hebrew understanding of God as the living God, contrasting with the lifeless idols worshiped by surrounding nations. This expression is used frequently in the Old Testament to affirm the truthfulness of a statement (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:39, Jeremiah 4:2). before whom I stand
This indicates Elisha's position as a servant and representative of God. The phrase suggests a posture of readiness and obedience, similar to a courtier standing before a king. It underscores the prophet's direct accountability to God, as seen in other prophetic contexts (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1). I will not accept it.”
Elisha's refusal to accept gifts from Naaman highlights the principle that God's grace and healing cannot be bought. This act distinguishes the God of Israel from pagan deities, whose favor was often thought to be purchased. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching of salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). And although Naaman urged him to accept it
Naaman's insistence reflects the cultural norm of offering gifts in gratitude, especially after receiving a significant favor. In the ancient Near East, it was customary to reward those who performed miraculous deeds. Naaman's persistence also shows his misunderstanding of the nature of God's grace. he refused.
Elisha's steadfast refusal serves as a testimony to the integrity of God's servants and the purity of God's work. It reinforces the message that divine blessings are not commodities to be traded. This act of refusal can be seen as a type of Christ, who also offered grace freely and without cost (Matthew 10:8). Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and strong faith in God. In this passage, he demonstrates integrity and devotion to God by refusing a gift. 2. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions. He represents a foreigner who comes to recognize the power of the God of Israel. 3. The LORDThe God of Israel, whose power and presence are acknowledged by Elisha as the reason for his actions and decisions. 4. Aram (Syria)The nation from which Naaman hails, often at odds with Israel, highlighting the cross-cultural and divine nature of the miracle. 5. The GiftThe offering from Naaman to Elisha as a token of gratitude for his healing, which Elisha refuses to accept, emphasizing the grace and sovereignty of God. Teaching Points Integrity in MinistryElisha's refusal to accept Naaman's gift underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and not allowing material gain to influence spiritual service. Recognition of God's SovereigntyBy refusing the gift, Elisha points to God as the true source of healing and blessing, reminding us to give glory to God alone. Grace Over WorksElisha's actions illustrate that God's grace cannot be bought or earned, aligning with the New Testament teaching of salvation by grace through faith. Witness to the NationsNaaman's healing and subsequent acknowledgment of the God of Israel demonstrate God's desire to reveal Himself to all nations, encouraging believers to be witnesses of God's power and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5:16?
2. Why does Elisha refuse Naaman's gifts in 2 Kings 5:16?
3. How does Elisha's response demonstrate reliance on God's provision?
4. What does Elisha's refusal teach about serving God without seeking personal gain?
5. How can we apply Elisha's example of integrity in our daily lives?
6. What other biblical examples show rejecting material rewards for spiritual reasons?
7. Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's gift in 2 Kings 5:16?
8. What does Elisha's refusal of gifts teach about God's grace?
9. How does 2 Kings 5:16 challenge the prosperity gospel?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 5?
11. How did Elisha heal Naaman of his leprosy?
12. Why doesn't 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz's actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry?
13. What does the Bible say about seeing spirits and demons?
14. What does the Bible say about faith healing?What Does 2 Kings 5:16 Mean As surely as the LORD lives“But Elisha replied, ‘As surely as the LORD lives…’ ” • This sincere oath echoes other servants of God—see Ruth 3:13; 1 Samuel 17:55; 2 Kings 3:14. • It underscores absolute confidence that the God who just healed Naaman is alive and active, not a distant idea (Jeremiah 10:10). • Elisha wants Naaman to know that every decision he makes flows from loyalty to the living LORD, not human custom or reward.
Before whom I stand“…before whom I stand…” • “Stand” pictures the posture of a servant in the king’s court (1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). • Elisha places himself publicly under divine authority; his accountability is vertical before it is horizontal (Romans 14:4). • By highlighting this relationship, Elisha reminds Naaman that the miracle came from God alone, not from any human power (Psalm 115:1).
I will not accept it“…I will not accept it.” • Elisha refuses the lavish gifts so the grace of God remains untainted by any suggestion of purchase (Isaiah 55:1–2; Acts 8:20). • This protects Naaman from believing that blessings can be bought and guards Elisha’s ministry from greed (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:5). • By declining, the prophet highlights salvation as a gift—foreshadowing the free gift later revealed in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9).
And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused“And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.” • Naaman’s insistence shows genuine gratitude (Luke 17:15–16), yet Elisha’s second refusal reinforces the earlier points: God’s work is never for sale. • The prophet’s steadfastness models integrity when worldly wealth presses in (Proverbs 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:6–10). • The healed commander leaves understanding that only wholehearted allegiance to the LORD—not silver or gold—honors the miracle (2 Kings 5:17).
summaryElisha swears by the living LORD, declares his servant status, and resolutely rejects payment so that Naaman—and all readers—see God’s grace as freely given, uncompromised by profit, and worthy of exclusive devotion. (16) But.--And (both times). I will receive none.--Theodoret compares our Lord's "Freely ye have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). (Comp. Acts 8:20.) Such may have been Elisha's feeling. His refusal, strongly contrasting with the conduct of ordinary prophets, Israelite and heathen (comp. 1Samuel 9:6-9), would make a deep impression upon Naaman and his retinue. Verse 16. - But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. Elisha regards it as best, under the circumstances, to refuse the offered recompense. It was not compulsory on him so to act; for the precept, "Freely ye have received, freely give" ( Matthew 10:8), had not been yet uttered. Pious Israelites commonly brought gifts to the prophets whom they consulted ( 1 Samuel 9:7, 8; 1 Kings 14:3). But, in the case of a foreigner, ignorant hitherto of true religion, whom it was important to impress favorably, and, if possible, win over to the faith, Elisha deemed it advisable to take no reward. Naaman was thus taught that Jehovah was his true Healer, the prophet the mere instrument, and that it was to Jehovah that his gratitude, his thanks, and his offerings were due. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. Contests of politeness are common in the East, where the one party offers to give and even insists on giving, while the other makes a pretence of declining; but here both parties were in earnest, and the gift was absolutely declined.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But Elisha replied,וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say“As surely as the LORDיְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israellives,חַי־ (ḥay-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifebefore whomלְפָנָ֖יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The faceI stand,עָמַ֥דְתִּי (‘ā·maḏ·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relationsI will notאִם־ (’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notaccept it.”אֶקָּ֑ח (’eq·qāḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3947: To takeAnd although Naaman urgedוַיִּפְצַר־ (way·yip̄·ṣar-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6484: To peck at, stun, dullhimבּ֥וֹ (bōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew to accept it,לָקַ֖חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947: To takehe refused.וַיְמָאֵֽן׃ (way·mā·’ên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3985: To refuse
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OT History: 2 Kings 5:16 But he said As Yahweh lives before (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
