2 Kings 5:13
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?
2 Kings 5:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in 2 Kings 5:13, is a powerful reminder of the simplicity of God's commands and the importance of obedience. Naaman, a commander of the army, suffered from leprosy and sought healing from the prophet Elisha. When Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman was initially angry and resistant. However, his servants wisely questioned him, asking if he would have obeyed if Elisha had asked him to do something more difficult. This confrontation led Naaman to reconsider his pride and arrogance, ultimately leading him to humble himself and follow Elisha's instructions. The message of this verse is clear - sometimes God's commands may seem simple or insignificant, but it is essential for us to obey without question. Obedience to God should always be our highest priority, regardless of how small or insignificant the task may seem to us.
Theological Overview
When exploring the theological interpretation of this verse, we can glean valuable insights from the conversation between Naaman's servants and Naaman himself. The reference to the prophet commanding Naaman to complete a seemingly simple task of washing in the Jordan River highlights the theme of humility and obedience in the face of God's instructions. The emphasis here is not on the act itself, but on the faith and trust required to obey God's command. This verse serves as a reminder that obedience to God's word, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, is crucial in experiencing His miraculous power and grace. Additionally, the phrase "Wash, and be clean" symbolizes the purification of the soul through repentance and surrender to God's will. The theological implications of this verse challenge believers to trust in God's wisdom and to humbly submit to His guidance, even in circumstances that may seem ordinary or mundane.
2 Kings 5:13 in other translations
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?
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?’”
Douay-Rheims
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 be clean?
Geneva Bible (1599)
But his seruants came, and spake vnto him, and sayd, Father, if the Prophet had commanded thee a great thing, wouldest thou not haue done it? howe much rather then, when hee sayth to thee, Wash and be cleane?