Gehazi
Gehazi served as the attendant to the prophet Elisha during the time when Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, sought healing from leprosy. After Elisha miraculously healed Naaman by instructing him to wash in the Jordan River and refused any payment for the act, Gehazi secretly pursued Naaman and deceitfully obtained silver and clothing by claiming they were needed for visitors. Upon returning, Elisha confronted Gehazi about his greed and lies, resulting in the prophet declaring that leprosy would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever as divine punishment. This account in 2 Kings 5 underscores the biblical themes of integrity in ministry, the dangers of covetousness, and the principle that God's gifts cannot be commercialized.
Biography
- Occupation
- Servant of Elisha
- Era
- Divided Kingdom (c. 850 BC)
- Nationality
- Israelite
Did You Know?
Gehazi was sent ahead by Elisha to place the prophet's staff on the Shunammite woman's dead son in a failed attempt at resuscitation, highlighting the limits of delegated prophetic power before Elisha arrived to pray directly.
Gehazi fabricated a story about two young prophets arriving from Ephraim to extract two talents of silver and two changes of clothing from Naaman, exploiting the cultural expectation of support for prophetic guilds.
Elisha pronounced that Naaman's leprosy would cling not only to Gehazi but to his descendants in perpetuity, framing the affliction as an enduring hereditary judgment rather than a temporary condition.
Despite his leprosy, Gehazi later testified in King Joram's court about Elisha raising the Shunammite's son, directly prompting the restoration of her confiscated land during the famine.
Gehazi's role as intermediary allowed him to witness and later recount private prophetic miracles, positioning a servant as an unlikely bridge between the prophetic circle and the royal administration of the Divided Kingdom.
Key Passages
Gehazi Takes Naamans Gifts
2 Kings 5:20-27
This passage shows how greed and deceit can quietly corrupt a servantโs heart, turning blessing into lasting consequences.
20ut Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
Gehazi Tells the King of Elishas Deeds
2 Kings 8:4-5
This passage reveals God's perfect timing, ensuring faithful acts of kindness are remembered and rewarded exactly when needed most.
4nd the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.