Gehazi is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, primarily appearing in the Second Book of Kings. He served as the personal attendant and servant of the prophet Elisha. His story is often interpreted as a cautionary tale concerning greed and dishonesty.
Role and Early Interactions
Gehazi first appears assisting Elisha in various prophetic activities. He is present during Elisha's interactions with the Shunammite woman, who provides hospitality to the prophet. When Elisha learns that the woman is childless, he uses Gehazi to inquire about her needs. Later, after the woman's son dies, Elisha dispatches Gehazi with his staff to lay it upon the boy's face and restore him to life, though this attempt is unsuccessful, and Elisha himself ultimately revives the child (2 Kings 4:8-37). Gehazi is also involved in the miraculous feeding of a hundred men with twenty loaves of bread (2 Kings 4:42-44).
The Incident with Naaman
Gehazi's most significant and infamous role occurs during the healing of Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army. Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, seeks Elisha's help and is miraculously cured after following Elisha's instructions to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha lavish gifts, which Elisha firmly refuses, stating that he serves God and cannot accept payment.
However, Gehazi, witnessing this refusal, succumbs to greed. He secretly pursues Naaman, concocting a false story that Elisha has changed his mind and now requires a talent of silver and two changes of garments for two young prophets who have supposedly just arrived. Naaman, unsuspecting, gladly gives Gehazi double the requested silver (two talents) and the garments, sending two of his servants to carry the goods ahead of Gehazi.
Consequences and Fate
Upon returning, Gehazi hides the ill-gotten gains. When Elisha confronts him, asking where he has been, Gehazi lies, claiming he went nowhere. Elisha, through divine insight, reveals that he was aware of Gehazi's actions and thoughts. Elisha then pronounces a severe judgment upon Gehazi for his deceit and greed, declaring that Naaman's leprosy will cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. Immediately, Gehazi is struck with leprosy, becoming as "white as snow" (2 Kings 5:20-27).
Later Mention
Gehazi is briefly mentioned again in 2 Kings 8:4-5, speaking to King Jehoram about the great deeds Elisha had performed, particularly the revival of the Shunammite woman's son. This later mention occurs after he has been afflicted with leprosy, suggesting that he was still known and able to speak, though his primary service to Elisha had ended. This passage might indicate that despite his affliction, his knowledge of Elisha's miracles was recognized.