2 Kings 5:7

Naaman Cured of Leprosy · 2 Kings 5:1–14
Read 2 Kings 5

Translations

Modern
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”
Traditional
And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
Literal
And it came to pass, in the king of Israel reading the letter, that he tore his garments and said, “Am I God to kill and make alive, that this one sends to me to heal a man of his leprosy? Upon thus consider, please, and see how he is presenting himself to me.”
Latin
Cumque legisset rex Israël litteras, scidit vestimenta sua, et ait: Numquid deus ego sum, ut occidere possim et vivificare, quia iste misit ad me ut curem hominem a lepra sua? animadvertite, et videte quod occasiones quærat adversum me.

Original

Hebrew
English
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”

Notes

tore his clothes: Tearing one's clothes was often a sign of strong emotion. For example:

Due to ongoing distrust and hostility between the Arameans and Israelites, Joram thought the Aramean king wanted to start a fight, as had happened during his father Ahab's time (1 Kings 20:1–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Elisha

Events

Parallels

Luke 17:11–19

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Damascus Elisha Kings, Books of First and Second Naaman Sons of the Prophets

Topics

Elisha: Miracles of Heals Naaman the Leper Intercession: The King of Syria for Naaman Joram: Also Called Jehoram: King of Syria Sends Naaman To, So That Namaan May be Healed of his Leprosy Leprosy: An Incurable Disease Miracles: Catalogue of Cures Naaman Motive: Misunderstood: The King of Syria's, in Sending Presents to the King of Israel by Naaman Naaman: A Syrian General, Healed of Leprosy by Elisha Prophets: Extraordinary: Often Endued with Miraculous Power Select Readings: Naaman the Leper