Naaman (the Syrian)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Possibly from Hebrew na‘îm (“pleasant, agreeable”); the name functions as a personal identifier in the narrative.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom
• Main References: 2 Kings 5:1–27; alluded to in Luke 4:27
• Key Connections: King of Syria (Aram); Elisha the prophet; a captive Israelite girl; Gehazi

Who was Naaman (the Syrian)?

Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Syria (Aram), described as a successful and honored military leader.
He suffered from “leprosy” (a serious skin disease) and sought healing in Israel.
His account is set within Israel’s prophetic history during the Divided Kingdom, centered on Elisha’s ministry.

Key Events & Achievements

• Healing in Israel: Was directed by Elisha to wash in the Jordan seven times and was healed (2 Kings 5:10–14).
• Confession and tribute request: Acknowledged Israel’s God and asked for earth from Israel, while Elisha refused payment (2 Kings 5:15–19).
• Aftermath involving Gehazi: Gehazi deceitfully pursued gifts, and Elisha declared Naaman’s disease would cling to Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20–27).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Naaman’s story portrays prophetic authority in Israel and the recognition of Israel’s God by a foreign military leader.

Key Verse

“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” — 2 Kings 5:14, ESV