Who was the Syrian general cured of leprosy by Elisha?

Who was the Syrian general cured of leprosy by Elisha? Naaman was the Syrian, or Aramean, general healed after following Elisha’s instructions. The story is told in 2 Kings 5, where Naaman is described as a commander favored by the king of Aram but afflicted with a condition traditionally translated as leprosy.

An Israelite servant girl in Naaman’s household tells his wife about the prophet in Samaria. Naaman travels to Israel with a royal letter, but Elisha does not meet him personally. Instead, the prophet sends word that Naaman should wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman initially considers the command insulting and prefers the rivers of Damascus, but his attendants persuade him to obey.

After washing, Naaman’s skin is restored. He recognizes the power of Israel’s God and offers gifts, which Elisha refuses. The episode then turns to a warning about greed: Elisha’s servant Gehazi secretly pursues Naaman and lies to obtain money and clothing, after which Gehazi is afflicted with the same condition.

The biblical term is tzaraath, which is not necessarily identical to modern Hansen’s disease. Another common mix-up is attributing the healing to Elijah, Elisha’s predecessor.