So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

2 KINGS 5:9KJV
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2 Kings 5:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 5:9 mean?

2 Kings 5:9 describes how Naaman, a commander from another nation, arrived at the house of the prophet Elisha with his horses and chariot, and waited at the door. This verse shows Naaman coming in a formal and impressive way, seeking help for his illness.

Naaman was an important military leader from Aram (modern Syria) who had leprosy. He traveled to Israel after hearing that Elisha could heal him. The verse sets the scene for a dramatic meeting, highlighting Naaman’s status and expectations by mentioning his horses and chariot, and showing his willingness to seek help from a foreign prophet.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 5:9

  • נַעֲמָן (Naʿămān): This is the personal name of the Syrian commander. The text emphasizes his identity and importance by naming him directly.
  • סוּס (sus, "horses") and רֶכֶב (rekhev, "chariot"): These words highlight Naaman’s wealth and rank. Arriving with horses and a chariot was a sign of high status and power, not a humble approach.
  • פֶּתַח (petach, "door"): The verse notes that Naaman stood at the door, not entering the house. This detail sets up the next part of the story, where Elisha does not come out to meet him directly.

Why 2 Kings 5:9 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Naaman came quietly or humbly; instead, he arrived with a show of power, expecting special treatment.
  • By standing at the door, Naaman is shown as waiting for Elisha to come out, which sets up the surprising way Elisha responds in the next verses.
  • This moment connects to the wider story about pride, expectations, and how healing and help from God often come in unexpected ways.

Where else these words appear

“Naaman” Hebrew H5283 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 46:21 And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
  • 2 Kings 5:6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
  • 2 Kings 5:21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?

“Elisha” Hebrew H477 · used in 52 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
  • 2 Kings 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
  • 2 Kings 6:31 Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

“chariot” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?