2 Kings 5:16 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

But he said, 'As surely as the LORD lives, the One I serve, I will not accept anything.' Naaman kept urging him to take the gifts, but Elisha refused.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The prophet Elisha absolutely refused to accept any payment or gifts from Naaman after God healed him of leprosy, showing that God's miracles cannot be bought.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative, Naaman was a high-ranking official from Aram who suffered from leprosy and sought healing from the prophet Elisha in Israel. Elisha instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River, leading to his miraculous cure, after which Naaman offered gifts to Elisha as a token of gratitude. Elisha refused the gifts to emphasize that the power of God is not something that can be bought or sold, maintaining the prophet's integrity and dependence on the Lord.

Explore Similar Verses

James 1:7

Don't expect to get anything from God if you're going to be wishy-washy about it.

Proverbs 1:24

Because I have called out to you, and you refused to listen; I have reached out my hand to help you, and no one paid attention;

Zechariah 7:11

But they straight up refused to listen. They turned their backs, covered their ears, and did everything they could to avoid hearing what God was saying.

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