Naaman נַעֲמָן
Aramean commander healed of leprosy by Elisha.
Who is Naaman in the Bible?
Naaman was a commander of the Aramean army during the time of the prophet Elisha, described as a great man and valiant soldier who was highly regarded by his king (2 Kings 5:1). Despite his military prominence, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a condition he sought to cure after learning of Elisha's healing power through an Israelite servant girl. When Naaman traveled to Israel expecting a grand healing ceremony, Elisha instead instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan River, a simple act that initially offended Naaman's pride but ultimately resulted in his complete healing (2 Kings 5:9-11). His story demonstrates God's power to heal and His willingness to extend compassion across national and cultural boundaries, emphasizing that divine grace operates according to God's purposes rather than human expectations or social status.
Biography
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 (2Ki.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 (2Ki.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 (2Ki.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 (2Ki.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 (2Ki.5.15-19).
Jesus later referred to Naaman's story in Luk.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.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content2 Kings 5 verses
- 2 Kings 5:1
"Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper."
- 2 Kings 5:2
"At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife."
- 2 Kings 5:6
"And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”"
- 2 Kings 5:9
"So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house."
- 2 Kings 5:11
"But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy."
Luke 1 verse
- Luke 4:27
"And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”"
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | נַעֲמָן |
| Greek | Greek | Νεεμάν, Ναιμάν |