What lie did Gehazi tell to get money from Naaman, and what was his punishment?

Gehazi ran after Naaman and claimed Elisha had just received two young men from the hill country and needed a talent of silver and two changes of clothing. After taking and hiding the gifts, he lied to Elisha about where he had been. Elisha declared that Naaman’s leprosy would cling to Gehazi and his descendants, and Gehazi went out leprous, “as white as snow” (2 Kings 5:22–27).

Passage context

In 2 Kings 5:20–24, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, decides his master was too generous in refusing Naaman’s gifts. Swearing an oath, he runs after Naaman to get something for himself. When Naaman stops to help, Gehazi lies, claiming Elisha has sent him because two young men have arrived and need support. This scene continues the Naaman narrative that began with Naaman’s healing and his attempt to reward Elisha. Elisha has just refused payment, keeping the focus on the help given rather than profit.

Why it matters

This episode presents a sharp contrast between Elisha’s public refusal of payment and Gehazi’s private decision to profit from Naaman. The text explicitly shows Gehazi reframing Elisha’s choice as a mistake (“my master has spared Naaman”), swearing an oath, and pursuing Naaman to “take somewhat” (textual claims).

Read carefully

A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.

Keep reading

Start with 2 Kings 5:22-27, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.