And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is the shocking injustice highlighted in the verse: God, through Elisha, had the power and opportunity to heal many Jewish lepers, but none were chosen. This points to God’s sovereign freedom to show mercy, a truth that often makes us uncomfortable when it bypasses those we assume are most deserving.
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been rejected by his hometown crowd in Nazareth after reading from Isaiah and declaring himself the fulfillment of that prophecy. To highlight their unbelief, he reminds them that prophets often faced rejection and that God's mercy extended beyond Israel, citing the prophet Elisha who healed Naaman, a foreigner and a leper. This historical example serves as a stark contrast to the people of Nazareth's unwillingness to accept God's grace through Jesus.
Jesus highlights a story from Israel's history, and it’s not what you might expect. He points to a time when God’s healing power bypassed His own people to reach a foreigner. What does this tell us about God’s heart?
Jesus is reminding the people in the Nazareth synagogue that God’s favors aren’t automatically reserved for those who think they’re “in.” He points to the prophet Elisha’s time and mentions that many Israelites were suffering from leprosy.
A Foreigner Healed
But the one person Elisha healed wasn't an Israelite; it was Naaman, a commander in the Syrian army. This was a significant act, showing God’s mercy extending beyond national and ethnic lines. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s grace isn't limited by our assumptions or our religious privileges.
Why call out this specific story? Jesus isn't just recounting history; He's making a point about God’s sovereignty and how He chooses to dispense His blessings. This can be unsettling, but it’s profoundly true.
The way Jesus frames this, emphasizing the time of Elisha the prophet, is crucial. It highlights that God works within His own divine timing and according to His perfect will.
Divine Prerogative
Many lepers were present in Israel, people who likely expected healing. Yet, Elisha was sent to Naaman, a foreigner, who then experienced God's cleansing power. This isn't about Naaman deserving it more, or the Israelites deserving it less. It’s about God’s sovereign right to show mercy as He pleases. God isn't obligated to heal anyone, but His mercy is freely given, often in ways that surprise us and challenge our expectations.
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Understand the original words
nabiy' · Hebrew Noun
A messenger from God who speaks His word to His people or others. Prophets were chosen by God to reveal His will, rebuke sin, warn of judgment, and provide hope.
lepros · Greek Noun
A skin disease that in the Bible is often associated with impurity and exclusion from the community. It serves as a physical illustration of the corruption and separation caused by sin, necessitating divine intervention for cleansing.
katharizō · Greek Verb
To be made pure or ceremonially clean; to be freed from defilement. Biblically, this often involves a restoration to fellowship with God and the community following a period of uncleanness or sin.
Jesus highlights that even during times of great prophetic power like Elisha's, divine healing and mercy were often extended beyond the expected, even to foreigners, setting a precedent for His own ministry that would also embrace those on the margins.
c. 850 BC
Elisha's Ministry Begins
Elisha, a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, begins his ministry, succeeding Elijah. His prophetic career spanned several decades, marked by miraculous deeds.
c. 840 BC— this verse
Naaman's Leprosy and Elisha's Ministry
Naaman, a respected Syrian general, suffers from leprosy. A young Israelite captive suggests he seek healing from the prophet Elisha in Israel.
c. 840 BC
Naaman's Healing
Naaman travels to Israel and, after initially hesitating, follows Elisha's instruction to wash in the Jordan River seven times, resulting in his complete healing from leprosy.
c. 840 BC
Naaman's Conversion
Astonished by the healing, Naaman declares his belief in the God of Israel and asks to take two donkey loads of earth back to Syria to worship the Lord.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites and a period of cultural mixing.
This is the direct Old Testament account of Naaman the Syrian, highlighting the miraculous healing of a Gentile leper through the prophet Elisha.
Luke 4:24-26These verses immediately precede the text, showing Jesus' own words about the prophets being rejected in their hometown and the instances of God's mercy extending to Gentiles like the widow of Zarephath.
Romans 11:11-12Paul discusses how Israel's stumbling led to salvation for the Gentiles, echoing the theme that God's purposes can extend beyond the expected recipients of His grace.
Matthew 10:5-7Jesus instructs His disciples to focus their initial ministry on Israel, but this historical example in Luke shows His ultimate mission was to bring salvation to all nations, as prophesied.
barnesLuke 4:27: "And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."
Many lepers - For an account of the leprosy see the notes at Matthew 8:1 . Time of Eliseus - Time of Elisha. The word "Eliseus" is the Greek way of writing the word Elisha, as Elias is of Elijah. Saving Naaman the Syrian - The account of his cure is contained in 2 Kings 5.
cambridgeLuke 4:27: "And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."
27 . saving Naaman the Syrian ] 2 Kings 5:1-14 . Thus both Elijah and Elisha had carried God’s mercies to Gentiles.
What's easily missed here is the shocking injustice highlighted in the verse: God, through Elisha, had the power and opportunity to heal many Jewish lepers, but none were chosen. This points to God’s sovereign freedom to show mercy, a truth that often makes us uncomfortable when it bypasses those we assume are most deserving.
Jesus has just been rejected by his hometown crowd in Nazareth after reading from Isaiah and declaring himself the fulfillment of that prophecy. To highlight their unbelief, he reminds them that prophets often faced rejection and that God's mercy extended beyond Israel, citing the prophet Elisha who healed Naaman, a foreigner and a leper. This historical example serves as a stark contrast to the people of Nazareth's unwillingness to accept God's grace through Jesus.
Jesus has just been rejected by his hometown crowd in Nazareth after reading from Isaiah and declaring himself the fulfillment of that prophecy. To highlight their unbelief, he reminds them that prophets often faced rejection and that God's mercy extended beyond Israel, citing the prophet Elisha who healed Naaman, a foreigner and a leper. This historical example serves as a stark contrast to the people of Nazareth's unwillingness to accept God's grace through Jesus.
"And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”" — What's easily missed here is the shocking injustice highlighted in the verse: God, through Elisha, had the power and opportunity to heal many Jewish lepers, but none were chosen. This points to G…
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Last reviewed October 2026