2 Kings 5:1

Elisha Heals a Syrian General

5:1 Now Naaman, the commander of the king of Syria’s army, was esteemed and respected by his master, for through him the Lord had given Syria military victories. But this great warrior had a skin disease.

2 Kings 13:17

13:17 Elisha said, “Open the east window,” and he did so. Elisha said, “Shoot!” and

he did so. Elisha said, “This arrow symbolizes the victory the Lord will give you over Syria. You will annihilate Syria in Aphek!”

2 Kings 13:19

13:19 The prophet got angry at him and said, “If you had struck the ground five or six times, you would have annihilated Syria! 10  But now, you will defeat Syria only three times.”


tn Heb “was a great man before his master and lifted up with respect to the face.”

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.

tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elisha) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

tn Heb “He opened [it].”

tn Heb “and he shot.”

tn Heb “he”; the referent (Elisha) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

tn Heb “The arrow of victory of the Lord and the arrow of victory over Syria.”

tn Heb “you will strike down Syria in Aphek until destruction.”

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.