Who Was Gehazi in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Gehazi was the servant of the prophet Elisha, accompanying him throughout his ministry. He first appears when Elisha raises the Shunammite woman's son from the dead. When the boy was revived, Elisha called Gehazi to summon the mother: 'Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.' But Gehazi's most revealing moment came during the healing of Naaman the Syrian. After Naaman was cured of his leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan, he returned to Elisha offering generous gifts. Elisha refused firmly: 'As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none.' Naaman departed. But Gehazi could not accept this. 'Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.' Gehazi pursued Naaman's chariot and lied to him, claiming that two young prophets had just arrived and needed a talent of silver and two changes of garments. Naaman gladly gave two talents. Gehazi hid the gifts and returned to Elisha, who asked where he had been. Gehazi lied again: 'Thy servant went no whither.' But Elisha, gifted with prophetic insight, knew everything: 'Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever.' Gehazi went out from Elisha's presence 'a leper as white as snow.' His descendants carried the stigma for generations. Gehazi's story is a powerful warning about the corrupting influence of greed, especially in those who serve God's work. He stood close to the power of God, witnessed miracles, and yet his heart was set on material gain. His punishment was severe but just: he who sought to profit from God's grace received the very disease his master had healed. The story also illustrates that proximity to holiness does not guarantee holiness. Gehazi saw Elisha's miracles but did not share Elisha's character. His descendants appear later in Scripture as 'the sons of the prophets,' suggesting that God in His mercy did not utterly destroy the line, though the leprosy remained as a perpetual testimony to the consequences of greed.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages