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Pentecost Season · Proper 23 · Year C

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c

Naaman Healed of Leprosy

October 15, 2028

The Healing of Naaman, Jan van Scorel and workshop
The Healing of Naaman, Jan van Scorel and workshop, 16th centuryPrivate collection
Naaman, stripped and grey-haired, steps down into the Jordan while his officers crowd the bank behind him, and his camels, horses and chariot wait in the distance.So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.Jan van Scorel and workshopA Dutch priest-painter from Utrecht who travelled to Jerusalem and Rome and brought the Italian Renaissance home to the Netherlands.Private collectionA private collection; the panel was sold at Sotheby’s in New York in 2025.Private collection
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 17:11-19Lk 17:11-19
Epistle2 Tim. 2:8-152 Tm 2:8-15
Old TestamentJer. 29:1, 4-7Jer 29:1, 4-7Alt. OT2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c2 Kgs 5:1-3, 7-15c
PsalterPs. 66:1-12Ps 66:1-12Alt. PsalmPs. 111Ps 111

Overview & Insights

“His flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14)

The account of Elisha’s miracles continues with the story of Naaman the Aramean, who is healed as he bathes in the river Jordan. It is yet another narrative that picks up themes from the Elijah story; the LORD is seen to be God, not only of Israelites, but also of foreigners (1 Kgs. 17:17–24) and is acknowledged as the only real God (1 Kgs. 18:20–40).

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Commentary

Commentary on 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15cCommentary on 2 Kgs 5:1-3, 7-15c Working Preacher

Reads Naaman's healing as a story about the humility required to receive grace.

2 Kings 5:1-14 Commentary2 Kgs 5:1-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A preaching-focused reading of Naaman's pride, his anger, and his eventual obedience.

2 Kings 5 Commentary2 Kgs 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse-by-verse notes on Naaman's status, his leprosy, and his healing.

2 Kings 5 Commentary2 Kgs 5 Commentary Precept Austin

A detailed evangelical verse-by-verse walk through the chapter.

2 Kings 5:1 Commentaries2 Kgs 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentators on Naaman's introduction and condition.

Background & Word Study

II Kings 5:1-15 Sefaria

The Hebrew text alongside translation.

2 Kings 5:1 Hebrew Interlinear2 Kgs 5:1 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the Hebrew word by word for Naaman's introduction and healing.

The Church Fathers

2 Kings 5 Catena2 Kgs 5 Catena Catena

Patristic comments on Naaman's healing, often read typologically of baptism.

Questions preachers ask

How is Naaman healed?

The proud Syrian commander must humble himself and wash seven times in the Jordan as the prophet commands; when he does, his leprosy is gone, and he confesses the God of Israel.

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