So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on Gehazi's deceit, but notice Naaman's immediate, gentle concern: "Is all well?" This reveals a man transformed, no longer the proud commander but a humble servant ready to offer kindness, even to a stranger running towards him.
So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, just secretly took silver and robes from the Syrian commander Naaman after Naaman had been miraculously healed of leprosy. Naaman, who had returned seeking to honor the Lord and give thanks, sees Gehazi running after him, clearly agitated, prompting Naaman to ask if everything is alright. This moment sets up Gehazi's lie and his subsequent punishment, revealing his greed and lack of faith in contrast to Naaman's sincere gratitude.
Gehazi thought he could get away with it, a quick lie to enrich himself. But the consequences were immediate and stark.
A Sin That Couldn't Be Hidden
Gehazi's decision to chase after Naaman wasn't just a moment of greed; it was a deliberate choice to deceive. He concocted a story, but the truth was already catching up to him. Naaman's immediate question, “Is all well?” reveals his earnestness and integrity. He had just experienced a miracle and was acting with genuine gratitude. Gehazi, however, was acting out of a selfish desire that blinded him to the gravity of his actions. This shows us that even when we think we're being sneaky, God sees the heart, and the truth often surfaces quickly.
Naaman, the former enemy, is shown to be more honorable than the servant of God's prophet. How can this be?
The Character Contrast
This encounter starkly contrasts two different characters. Naaman, a Syrian commander who likely had no prior knowledge of the God of Israel, demonstrates remarkable integrity. He was blessed by God's power and responded with open-heartedness and generosity. He stops his chariot, a position of great honor and authority, to greet the runner personally. He isn't suspicious, but concerned. Gehazi, on the other hand, who lived and served in the very presence of the prophet Elisha, betrays that trust for personal gain. It’s a powerful illustration that true character isn't about outward religious affiliation but inward integrity and response to God's grace.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A prophetic term of greeting or inquiry, literally meaning "peace" or "completeness." It often functions as a welfare check regarding the physical, relational, or spiritual state of a person.
This event highlights the tension between genuine faith and the temptation of material gain, showing how quickly greed can overshadow a miraculous encounter with God's power.
c. 9th century BC
Reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel
This period in Israel was marked by widespread idolatry and conflict with surrounding nations, particularly Syria. The prophet Elisha was active during this time.
c. 9th century BC
Syrian Raids into Israel
Syria (Aram-Damascus) frequently engaged in military campaigns against Israel, capturing people and resources. This context explains how an Aramean commander could be in Israelite territory.
c. 9th century BC
Elisha Heals Naaman
The prophet Elisha, through God's power, heals Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, from leprosy. This miraculous event forms the core of the narrative.
c. 9th century BC
Naaman's Healing and Conversion
Naaman, deeply grateful, leaves his leprosy healed and professes belief in the God of Israel, though he initially asks about worshipping the Lord within the context of the Aramean king's service.
c. 9th century BC— this verse
Gehazi's Greed and Deception
Elisha's servant Gehazi, motivated by greed, pursues Naaman to ask for gifts, falsely claiming Elisha sent him. This is the specific event the verse describes.
c. 9th century BC
Gehazi's Punishment
Gehazi is struck with Naaman's former leprosy as a consequence of his deceit, demonstrating the severity of his sin and God's justice.
This passage highlights God's perspective versus human perspective, reminding us that what is visible to us (like Gehazi's running) might not reveal the true heart or intentions behind the action, just as God sees beyond outward appearances.
Proverbs 28:20Gehazi's pursuit of ill-gotten gain directly contrasts with the blessing promised to the faithful and trustworthy, showing the potential downfall of acting from selfish motives.
Matthew 27:3-5This narrative offers a parallel to Gehazi's story, depicting another individual (Judas) overcome by greed, leading to regret and a tragic end, underscoring the destructive power of covetousness.
Luke 15:11-32Naaman's question, 'Is all well?', echoes the welcoming spirit of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, showing genuine concern for another's well-being that extends beyond mere physical needs.
It's easy to focus on Gehazi's deceit, but notice Naaman's immediate, gentle concern: "Is all well?" This reveals a man transformed, no longer the proud commander but a humble servant ready to offer kindness, even to a stranger running towards him.
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, just secretly took silver and robes from the Syrian commander Naaman after Naaman had been miraculously healed of leprosy. Naaman, who had returned seeking to honor the Lord and give thanks, sees Gehazi running after him, clearly agitated, prompting Naaman to ask if everything is alright. This moment sets up Gehazi's lie and his subsequent punishment, revealing his greed and lack of faith in contrast to Naaman's sincere gratitude.
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, just secretly took silver and robes from the Syrian commander Naaman after Naaman had been miraculously healed of leprosy. Naaman, who had returned seeking to honor the Lord and give thanks, sees Gehazi running after him, clearly agitated, prompting Naaman to ask if everything is alright. This moment sets up Gehazi's lie and his subsequent punishment, revealing his greed and lack of faith in contrast to Naaman's sincere gratitude.
"So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?”" — It's easy to focus on Gehazi's deceit, but notice Naaman's immediate, gentle concern: "Is all well?" This reveals a man transformed, no longer the proud commander but a humble servant ready to offer…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026