Bible Strands
2 Kings 5:21
So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Gehazi pursues Naaman after the Aramean commander departs, prompting Naaman to dismount his chariot and ask if everything is all right. This encounter occurs immediately after Gehazi vows to deceitfully extract gifts from Naaman.
The words — The Hebrew וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף (va/i.yir.Dof) means "and he pursued," while רָ֣ץ (ratz) literally denotes "ran" or "one who ran." These verbs establish the physical urgency of Gehazi’s pursuit and Naaman’s reactive approach.
The thread — The inquiry "Is everything all right?" parallels the urgent watchman's question in 2 Kings 9:17 and the messenger's greeting in 2 Kings 4:26. These passages share a structural pattern where a rapid approach triggers a formulaic question of peace before a pivotal exchange.
Why it lands — The text records a surface-level greeting that immediately precedes a fabricated request for silver and garments. It asks the reader to note how diplomatic language can function as a vehicle for calculated deception.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
Cross-references
- 2 Kings 4:26 Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’” And she answered, “Everything is all right.”
- 2 Kings 9:17 Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’”
- Luke 7:6 So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.
- Acts 8:31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
- Acts 10:25 As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him.