What is the context?
Gehazi decides to obtain something from Naaman after Elisha has refused a gift. He runs after him and falsely claims that Elisha needs silver and clothing for two visiting prophets.
Naaman gives more silver than Gehazi requested. Gehazi stores the gifts, dismisses the attendants who carried them, and denies to Elisha that he has gone anywhere. The attempted gain is accompanied by misusing his master’s name and repeated deception.
Elisha confronts him with knowledge of the encounter and announces that Naaman’s leprosy will cling to Gehazi and his descendants. Gehazi leaves visibly afflicted. This particular judgment does not justify treating every person with a skin condition as guilty of deceit.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes the folly of imagining that secrecy conceals wrongdoing from God. He also understands the property Elisha lists as what Gehazi hoped to acquire. That further account of his intended purchases is an interpretation; the passage explicitly establishes the false request, hidden gifts, denial, and judgment.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.