2 Kings 5:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 5:27 mean?

2 Kings 5:27 means that Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was punished for his dishonesty by being struck with the same leprosy that had afflicted Naaman, and this disease would also affect Gehazi’s descendants forever. Gehazi immediately left Elisha’s presence with his skin turned white from leprosy.

In this verse, the prophet Elisha is speaking directly to Gehazi after Gehazi secretly took gifts from Naaman, whom Elisha had healed of leprosy. Elisha declares that Gehazi’s greed has brought a lasting consequence, and the visible sign of leprosy appears on Gehazi as he leaves. This moment marks a dramatic reversal: the healing that Naaman received is now given as a curse to Gehazi and his family line.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 5:27

• "leprosy" (צָרַעַת, tsara‘at): This word refers to a serious skin disease, not necessarily modern leprosy, but a condition that made someone ritually unclean and socially isolated in ancient Israel. The use of this word shows the severity of Gehazi’s punishment.
• "cleave" (דָּבַק, davaq): This word means to stick or cling tightly. The idea is that Naaman’s disease would now permanently attach itself to Gehazi and his descendants, not just temporarily affect him.
• "seed" (זֶרַע, zera‘): This word means offspring or descendants. Elisha’s words make clear that the consequence is not limited to Gehazi alone but will affect his family line.
• "leper" (מְצֹרָע, metsora‘): This term describes someone afflicted with tsara‘at. The verse emphasizes Gehazi’s new status as someone visibly and permanently marked by this condition.
• "snow" (שָׁלֶג, sheleg): The comparison to snow highlights the striking, unnatural whiteness of Gehazi’s skin, making the transformation both obvious and shocking.

Why 2 Kings 5:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that spiritual consequences can be both immediate and generational, as Gehazi’s punishment extends to his descendants, not just himself.
• The contrast between Naaman’s healing and Gehazi’s affliction highlights the seriousness of dishonesty and greed, especially in the context of God’s miracles.
• 2 Kings 5:27 connects directly to the wider story by showing that God’s grace and judgment are both active: the same disease that was removed from Naaman is now given to Gehazi, underscoring the reversal brought about by Gehazi’s actions.