5:1 Now Naaman, the commander of the king of Syria’s army, was esteemed and respected by his master, 1 for through him the Lord had given Syria military victories. But this great warrior had a skin disease. 2
he did so. 5 Elisha 6 said, “This arrow symbolizes the victory the Lord will give you over Syria. 7 You will annihilate Syria in Aphek!” 8
1 tn Heb “was a great man before his master and lifted up with respect to the face.”
2 tn For a discussion of מְצֹרָע (mÿtsora’), traditionally translated “leprous,” see M. Cogan and H. Tadmor, II Kings (AB), 63. Naaman probably had a skin disorder of some type, not leprosy/Hansen’s disease.
3 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elisha) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4 tn Heb “He opened [it].”
5 tn Heb “and he shot.”
6 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elisha) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7 tn Heb “The arrow of victory of the
8 tn Heb “you will strike down Syria in Aphek until destruction.”
9 tn Heb “man of God.”
10 tn Heb “[It was necessary] to strike five or six times, then you would strike down Syria until destruction.” On the syntax of the infinitive construct, see GKC 349 §114.k.