Definition: The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse together. It’s a pretty striking one! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about spiritual leprosy and forgiveness. “The leprosy therefore of Naaman…” – This refers to a man named Naaman who was incredibly sick with a terrible skin condition called leprosy. He was so afflicted that his illness spread throughout his entire family, and even his descendants. It’s like a disease that can infect everything it touches. “…shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever.” – This means his affliction would never leave him completely. It would be a permanent mark on him. It's saying he was so deeply contaminated that the spirit of sickness would remain with him forever. It’s like a deep, lasting stain. “And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.” – This is the really powerful part. Naaman left his physical illness. He didn't try to fight it anymore. He was so focused on cleansing himself that he became completely pure and untouched by the sickness. He transformed into something incredibly clean, like snow - pure and bright. In a nutshell: This verse describes a time when someone is so deeply afflicted by sin or spiritual problems that they must be completely cleansed and forgiven. Naaman’s experience shows that forgiveness can conquer even the most severe of afflictions. What does this have to do with Jesus? The story of Naaman is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own ministry. Jesus himself was healed of leprosy, which symbolizes spiritual cleansing and redemption. The verse highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness for our sins, which can be powerfully transformative. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse (like its symbolism)?