מלכים ב, פרק ה׳, פסוק כ״ה

After secretly taking wealth from Naaman, Gehazi attempts to seamlessly resume his daily routine to conceal his actions. He presents himself before Elisha, ready to serve him just as he always does [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. When Elisha asks his servant where he has come from, Gehazi chooses to lie and completely deny leaving. He claims that he did not go anywhere at all, insisting he never left his spot [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The prophet's inquiry does not stem from a lack of knowledge. Rather, it is a deliberate opportunity given to Gehazi to confess his wrongdoing. Had Gehazi spoken the truth, Elisha might have pursued a different path to correct the sin. For instance, he could have simply instructed Gehazi to return the taken property, which would have clarified to Naaman that the prophet himself had no part in taking the spoils. However, by choosing to deny his actions and adding the sin of deceit to his initial crime, Gehazi seals his own fate, bringing upon himself the severe punishment of leprosy that immediately follows [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].