Translations
Modern
“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.
Traditional
And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.
Literal
And Naaman said, “If not, let be given, please, to your servant a load of earth as a pair of mules, for your servant will offer not anymore either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, for but to YHWH.
Latin
Dixitque Naaman: Ut vis: sed, obsecro, concede mihi servo tuo ut tollam onus duorum burdonum de terra: non enim faciet ultra servus tuus holocaustum aut victimam diis alienis, nisi Domino.
Original
Hebrew
English
“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.
Notes
soil: In ancient Near Eastern customs, people linked a nation's god with its land. Naaman thought he needed Israelite soil to build an altar and worship Israel's God correctly.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
Naaman: Aramean commander healed of leprosy by Elisha
Glossary
Damascus Earth Elisha Kings, Books of First and Second Naaman Sons of the Prophets
Topics
Decision: Naaman Elisha: Miracles of Heals Naaman the Leper Joram: Also Called Jehoram: King of Syria Sends Naaman To, So That Namaan May be Healed of his Leprosy Miracles: Catalogue of Cures Naaman Mule: Uses of As Pack Animals Naaman: A Syrian General, Healed of Leprosy by Elisha Sacrifices: when offered to God, an Acknowledgement of his Being The The Mule used for Carrying Burdens