2 Kings 5:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 5:16 mean?

2 Kings 5:16 shows Elisha firmly refusing to accept any gift from Naaman, even though Naaman urges him to take it. Elisha insists that, as surely as the LORD lives, he will not receive anything in return for what has happened.

Elisha is speaking to Naaman, a Syrian military commander who has just been healed of leprosy after following Elisha’s instructions. Naaman tries to give Elisha a reward out of gratitude, but Elisha refuses, making it clear that he serves God (the LORD) and will not profit from God’s work. This moment highlights Elisha’s commitment to serving God freely, without seeking personal gain.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 5:16

• יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that Elisha’s actions are rooted in loyalty to the living God, not just any deity.
• חַי (chay, "liveth"): This word means "alive" or "living," underlining that Elisha’s oath is made before the living, active God, not a distant or lifeless figure.
• עָמַד (amad, "stand"): Elisha says he stands before the LORD, which often means serving in God’s presence. It stresses his role as God’s servant, acting on God’s behalf.
• מֵאֵן (ma’en, "refused"): The word for "refused" is strong, showing Elisha’s determined rejection of the gift, not just a polite decline.

Why 2 Kings 5:16 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Elisha performed miracles for personal reward or profit; his refusal is absolute and principled.
• Elisha’s response connects to the larger theme that God’s grace and power cannot be bought or paid for, setting a contrast with other religious practices of the time.
• The verse sets up the following events, where the issue of accepting gifts becomes important for understanding the character and motivations of others in the story, especially Gehazi.