The BibleGospel Companion

Naaman

נַעֲמָן · na.a.man · H5283IΝεεμάν, Ναιμάν · Neeman, Naiman · G349711 mentions in 2 books, most in 2 Kings (10)

Who he was

Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria) who lived during the time of the prophet Elisha. He is described as a great man, highly regarded by his master, and a valiant soldier. However, Naaman was afflicted with leprosy (2 Kings 5:1).

Through an Israelite servant girl, Naaman learned of the prophet Elisha in Samaria who could heal him of his leprosy. With his king's permission, Naaman traveled to Israel, carrying a letter from the king of Aram to the king of Israel. The king of Israel, mistakenly believing that the king of Aram was trying to provoke a quarrel, tore his clothes in distress (2 Kings 5:2–7).

When Elisha heard of this, he sent a message to the king, telling him to send Naaman to him. Naaman arrived at Elisha's house with his horses and chariots, expecting a grand healing ceremony. Instead, Elisha sent a messenger, instructing Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:8–10).

Initially, Naaman was angry and refused, believing that the rivers of Damascus were better than the waters of Israel. However, his servants persuaded him to follow Elisha's instructions. Naaman dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, and his flesh was restored, becoming clean like that of a young boy (2 Kings 5:11–14).

Grateful for his healing, Naaman returned to Elisha, declaring his belief in the God of Israel and offering a gift, which Elisha refused. Naaman then requested two mule-loads of earth to take back with him, so that he could worship the Lord on Israelite soil (2 Kings 5:15–19).

Jesus later referred to Naaman's story in Luke 4:27, using it as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles. Naaman's healing demonstrates God's power, compassion, and willingness to heal and save those who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their nationality or background.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

11 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)
2 KingsChapter 5: 10 mentions10 mentions
2 Kings 5:1Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him Yahweh had given victory to Syria; he was also a mighty man of valor…2 Kings 5:2The Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little girl, and she waited on Naaman’s wife.2 Kings 5:6He brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, “Now when this letter has come to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.”2 Kings 5:9So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.2 Kings 5:11But Naaman was angry, and went away and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and…2 Kings 5:17Naaman said, “If not, then, please let two mules’ load of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will from now on offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to…2 Kings 5:20But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will…2 Kings 5:21So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?”2 Kings 5:23Naaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they…2 Kings 5:27Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your offspring forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.
LukeChapter 4: 1 mention1 mention
Luke 4:27There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian.”

What the dictionary says

Pleasantness, a Syrian, the commander of the armies of Benhadad II. in the time of Joram, king of Israel.

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources