2 Kings 5:26

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

2 Kings 5:26 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, who was healed of leprosy after following Elisha’s instruction to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman returned to offer gifts, but Elisha refused them, showing that God’s grace cannot be bought. Elisha’s servant Gehazi, however, secretly pursued Naaman and took gifts by deception.

Meaning

Elisha’s question, “Went not mine heart with thee?” reveals that God had given him spiritual discernment. He knew exactly what Gehazi had done, even though no one else saw it. The prophet then asks, “Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?” This is not a general condemnation of wealth, but a warning that this was the wrong moment for personal gain. God’s power had just been displayed, and Elisha had already refused payment to make clear that salvation and healing are gifts from God, not rewards for service. Gehazi’s greed led him to lie and deceive, and his actions were contrary to God’s will.

Biblical connections

Gehazi’s sin echoes the warning against covetousness in Exodus 20:17, where God forbids desiring what belongs to another. His lie to Naaman also mirrors the deception of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11, who tried to appear generous while secretly keeping back part of a gift. In both cases, the sin was not merely taking money but doing so through dishonesty and in a way that misrepresented God’s work.

Application

This verse calls believers to examine their motives when serving God. It is easy to use spiritual position for personal advantage, but God sees the heart. The right response is to serve with integrity, not to seek profit from holy things. When God works, the proper attitude is gratitude and humility, not greed. God’s work should never be exploited for personal gain.

Reflection

Gehazi’s punishment, recorded in the following verse, shows that sin has lasting consequences. His greed brought leprosy upon him and his descendants. This sobering outcome reminds us that God’s servants must act with purity, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him.