2 Kings 5:13
New International Version
Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!”

New Living Translation
But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”

English Standard Version
But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

Berean Standard Bible
Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”

King James Bible
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

New King James Version
And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

New American Standard Bible
Then his servants approached and spoke to him, saying, “My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

NASB 1995
Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, “My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean ‘?”

NASB 1977
Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, “My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then his servants approached and spoke to him and said, “My father, had the prophet spoken with you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

Amplified Bible
Then his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he has said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’”

Christian Standard Bible
But his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more should you do it when he only tells you, ‘Wash and be clean’? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more should you do it when he tells you, ‘Wash and be clean?”

American Standard Version
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

Contemporary English Version
His servants went over to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So why don't you do what he said? Go wash and be cured."

English Revised Version
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Naaman's servants went to him and said, "Master, if the prophet had asked you to do some extraordinary act, wouldn't you have done it? Why shouldn't you do as he said: 'Wash and be clean'?"

Good News Translation
His servants went up to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can't you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?"

International Standard Version
But then his servants approached him and spoke with him. They said, "My father, had the prophet only asked of you something great, you would have done it, wouldn't you? Yet he told you, 'Bathe, and be clean…!'"

Majority Standard Bible
Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”

NET Bible
His servants approached and said to him, "O master, if the prophet had told you to do some difficult task, you would have been willing to do it. It seems you should be happy that he simply said, "Wash and you will be healed."

New Heart English Bible
His servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had asked you to do some great thing, wouldn't you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean?'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And his servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

World English Bible
His servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had asked you do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his servants come near, and speak to him, and say, “My father, the prophet had spoken a great thing to you—do you not do [it]? And surely, when he has said to you, Wash, and be clean.”

Young's Literal Translation
And his servants come nigh, and speak unto him, and say, 'My father, a great thing had the prophet spoken unto thee -- dost thou not do it? and surely, when he hath said unto thee, Wash, and be clean.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And his servants will come near and speak to him, and say, My father, spake the prophet a great word to thee, wilt thou not do? and much more he said to thee, Wash and be cleansed,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
His servants came to him, and said to him: Father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, surely thou shouldst have done it: how much rather what he now hath said to thee: Wash, and thou shalt he clean?

Catholic Public Domain Version
his servants approached him, and they said to him: “If the prophet had told you, father, to do something great, certainly you ought to have done it. How much more so, now that he has said to you: ‘Wash, and you will be clean?’ ”

New American Bible
But his servants came up and reasoned with him: “My father, if the prophet told you to do something extraordinary, would you not do it? All the more since he told you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

New Revised Standard Version
But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And his servants came near and spoke to him and said, Our lord, if the prophet had told you to do some great tiling, you would have done it; but behold, he has told you to do a small thing. Go and wash, and be clean. And he listened to them and did so.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his Servants approached and they were saying to him: “Our Lord, if the Prophet had spoken a great word to you, it was right for you to do it, but behold, the answer is a little one. He said to you: ‘Go wash and be purified.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And his servants came near, and spoke unto him, and said: 'My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee: Wash, and be clean?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his servants came near and said to him, Suppose the prophet had spoken a great thing to thee, wouldest thou not perform it? yet he has but said to thee, Wash, and be cleansed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Naaman Cured of Leprosy
12Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” 14So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.…

Cross References
Luke 4:27
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”

John 9:6-7
When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. / Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.

Matthew 8:2-3
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Mark 1:40-42
Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed.

Luke 17:12-14
As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.

John 4:50
“Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Exodus 15:26
saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Numbers 12:13-15
So Moses cried out to the LORD, “O God, please heal her!” / But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” / So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.


Treasury of Scripture

And his servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid you do some great thing, would you not have done it? how much rather then, when he said to you, Wash, and be clean?

his servants

2 Kings 5:3
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

1 Samuel 25:14-17
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them…

1 Kings 20:23,31
And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they…

My father

2 Kings 2:12
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

2 Kings 6:21
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?

2 Kings 13:14
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

how much rather

1 Corinthians 1:21,27
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe…

Wash

2 Kings 5:10
And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Psalm 51:2,7
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin…

Isaiah 1:16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

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2 Kings 5
1. Naaman, by the report of a captive maid, is sent to Samaria to be cured of leprosy
8. Elisha, sending him to Jordan cures him
15. He refusing Naaman's gifts grants him some of the earth
20. Gehazi, abusing his master's name unto Naaman, is smitten with leprosy














But his servants approached
The phrase "But his servants approached" highlights the humility and wisdom often found in those who serve. In the Hebrew context, the word for "servants" (עֲבָדָיו, avadim) can also mean "slaves" or "attendants," indicating a position of low status. Yet, these servants play a crucial role in Naaman's story, demonstrating that God often uses the humble and lowly to convey His messages. Their approach signifies courage and respect, as they dare to speak to their master, Naaman, a powerful military commander, in a moment of frustration and pride.

and spoke to him, saying
The act of speaking to Naaman shows the importance of communication and counsel. In the biblical narrative, God frequently uses dialogue to reveal His will and wisdom. The servants' willingness to speak up reflects their concern for Naaman's well-being and their belief in the prophet's instructions. This moment underscores the value of wise counsel and the impact it can have on one's decisions and spiritual journey.

My father
The term "My father" is a respectful and affectionate address, indicating the close relationship between Naaman and his servants. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a term would denote respect and loyalty, suggesting that Naaman was not only a master but also a paternal figure to his servants. This address softens the rebuke and encourages Naaman to reconsider his stance, highlighting the power of gentle persuasion and respect in communication.

if the prophet had told you to do some great thing
This phrase challenges Naaman's expectations and pride. The Hebrew word for "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) implies something significant or difficult. Naaman, a man of valor and accomplishment, might have expected a grand gesture or task to match his status. The servants' question exposes the irony in Naaman's reluctance to perform a simple act, suggesting that true obedience to God often requires humility and submission rather than grandiosity.

would you not have done it?
This rhetorical question serves to provoke introspection and humility in Naaman. It implies that Naaman's pride is the barrier to his healing, not the simplicity of the prophet's command. The question encourages Naaman to reflect on his willingness to obey God, regardless of the task's perceived significance. It serves as a reminder that God's ways are not always aligned with human expectations, and faith often requires trust in the simplicity of His commands.

How much more then, when he tells you, Wash and be cleansed?
The phrase "How much more then" emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of God's instructions through the prophet Elisha. The Hebrew word for "wash" (רָחַץ, rachatz) and "be cleansed" (טָהֵר, taher) are significant in the biblical context, often associated with ritual purification and spiritual renewal. This highlights the transformative power of obedience to God's word, no matter how simple it may seem. The servants' argument is compelling: if Naaman is willing to undertake a great task for healing, how much more should he embrace the simple act of washing, which promises the same result? This serves as a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy of God, who offers healing and salvation through faith and obedience, not through human effort or merit.

(13) Came near.--Comp. Genesis 18:23.

My father.--A title implying at once respect and affection. (Comp. 1Samuel 24:11; 2Kings 6:21.) Perhaps, however, the word is a corruption of 'im ("if"), which is otherwise not expressed in the Hebrew.

Great thing.--Emphatic in the Hebrew.

Wouldest thou not have done?--Or,wouldest thou not do?

He saith.--He hath said.

Be clean?--i.e., thou shalt be clean: a common Hebrew idiom. . . .

Verse 13. - And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father. Naaman's attendants did not share his indignation, or, if they did, since servants in the East are apt to be jealous of their masters' honor, had their feelings more under control; and they therefore inter-feted with mild words, anxious to pacify him, and persuade him to follow the prophet's advice. "My father" is a deferential and, at the same time, an affectionate address, not unnatural in the mouth of a confidential servant (comp. 2 Kings 2:12). There is thus no need of any alteration of the text, such as Ewald (לו for אָבִי) or Thenius (אִם for אָבִי) proposes. It must be admitted, however, that the LXX. seem to have had לו in their copies. If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing - "had set thee," i.e., "some difficult task" - wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, [shouldest thou perform his behest] when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? The reasoning was unanswerable, and took effect. Naaman was persuaded.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Naaman's servants, however,
עֲבָדָיו֮ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

approached him
וַיִּגְּשׁ֣וּ (way·yig·gə·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

and said,
וַיְדַבְּר֣וּ (way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“My father,
אָבִי֙ (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

if the prophet
הַנָּבִ֛יא (han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

had told
דִּבֶּ֥ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

you
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

to do some great
גָּד֗וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

thing,
דָּבָ֣ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

would you not
הֲל֣וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

have done [it]?
תַעֲשֶׂ֑ה (ṯa·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

How much more, then,
וְאַ֛ף (wə·’ap̄)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

when
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he tells
אָמַ֥ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

you,
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘Wash
רְחַ֥ץ (rə·ḥaṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7364: To wash, wash off or away, bathe

and be cleansed’?”
וּטְהָֽר׃ (ū·ṭə·hār)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure


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OT History: 2 Kings 5:13 His servants came near and spoke (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 5:12
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