Lexical Definition
נַעֲמָן Naʻămân (nah-am-awn') Naaman N:N-M-P
the same as נַעֲמָן
Naaman.
- § Naaman = "pleasantness"
- Naaman, the name of an Israelite and of a Damascene
1) son of Bela of the family of Benjamin; he was among the family of Jacob that went down to Egypt
2) commander-in-chief of the army of Syria; stricken with leprosy he went to Elisha, eventually followed his instructions, and was cured
See Greek: Νεεμάν
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.5.1
- Also named: Neeman, Naiman (Νεεμάν, Ναιμάν "Naaman" Νεεμάν)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. נַעֲמָן16
proper name, masculine 1. son of Benjamin Gen 46:21, ᵐ5 Νοεμ(μ)αν; = grandson of Benjamin Num 26:40 (twice in verse), ᵐ5 Νοεμα(νει), 1Chr 8:4; 1Chr 8:7 (so ᵐ5 Gen 46:21), ᵐ5 in Chronicles Νοομα, ᵐ5L Ναμει, Νααμαν.
2. Aramaean general 2Kgs 5:1; 2Kgs 5:2; 2Kgs 5:6 + 8 t. 2Kgs 5 ᵐ5 Ναιμαν, ᵐ5L Νεεμαν.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 46:21 |
| Numbers | 26:40 |
| 2 Kings | Chapter 5 · 5:1 · 5:2 · 5:6 |
| 1 Chronicles | 8:4 · 8:7 |
Profile
Male • Syrian leper • Aramean commander healed of leprosy by Elisha.
Syrian living at the time of Divided Monarchy
Naaman, a commander of the Aramean army, was healed of his leprosy by the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's power and compassion.
- A Syrian man with leprosy living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.5.1;
- referred to as Naaman נַעֲמָן, or Naaman Νεεμάν.
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.