And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
2 KINGS 5:13KJVWhat does 2 Kings 5:13 mean?
2 Kings 5:13 shows Naaman’s servants urging him to listen to the prophet Elisha’s simple instruction to wash and be healed, pointing out that if he had been asked to do something difficult, he would have done it without hesitation. They encourage Naaman not to dismiss an easy command just because it seems too simple.
In this scene, Naaman, a commander from Aram, is angry and disappointed because Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River to be cleansed of his leprosy, instead of performing a dramatic healing. Naaman’s servants respectfully address him as “my father” and reason with him, highlighting that obedience is important, whether the task is great or small. Their words help Naaman reconsider and ultimately lead to his healing.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 5:13
- “Servants” (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word emphasizes that those speaking to Naaman are his subordinates, yet they approach him with care and respect, showing their concern for his well-being.
- “Father” (אָב, ʾav): The servants use this term as a respectful and affectionate way to address Naaman, signaling both honor and a close relationship, not literal parenthood.
- “Great” (גָּדוֹל, gadol): The word for “great” here means something big or significant. The servants’ point is that Naaman would have been willing to do something impressive or difficult, so he should not hesitate to do something simple.
- “Wash” (רָחַץ, rachats) and “be clean” (טָהֵר, taher): These words are direct and practical, underlining that the prophet’s instruction is straightforward and not symbolic or complicated.
Why 2 Kings 5:13 matters
- This verse clears up the idea that God’s instructions must always be dramatic or difficult; sometimes, simple obedience is what is required.
- The respectful approach of the servants shows the value of wise counsel, even from those in lower positions.
- The verse connects to the larger story by marking the turning point where Naaman chooses humility and obedience, which leads to his healing.