King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:10 in the King James Version says “So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the cr...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.”

2 Samuel 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.

9

He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. anguish: or, my coat of mail (or, my embroidered coat) hindereth me, that my, etc

10

So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

11

Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:

12

And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Learns of Saul's Death, emphasizing honoring God's anointed, genuine grief. The Hebrew terminology emphasizes David's respect for God's anointed (mashiach, מָשִׁיחַ) even after death. David's lament (vv. 19-27) represents some of Scripture's finest poetry, expressing genuine grief without compromising theological truth about Saul's disobedience. Cross-references to 1 Samuel demonstrate narrative continuity while developing themes of covenant faithfulness and proper mourning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 1 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding honoring God's anointed, genuine grief provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of honoring God's anointed, genuine grief?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וָאֶֽעֱמֹ֤ד1 of 23

“So I stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עָלָיו֙2 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַאֲמֹ֣תְתֵ֔הוּ3 of 23

“upon him and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּ֣י4 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָדַ֔עְתִּי5 of 23

“him because I was sure”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֛י6 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֥א7 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽחְיֶ֖ה8 of 23

“that he could not live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י9 of 23

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

נִפְל֑וֹ10 of 23

“that he was fallen”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וָֽאֶקַּ֞ח11 of 23

“and I took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַנֵּ֣זֶר׀12 of 23

“the crown”

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל14 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁ֗וֹ15 of 23

“that was upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְאֶצְעָדָה֙16 of 23

“and the bracelet”

H685

properly, a step-chain; by analogy, a bracelet

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל18 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זְרֹע֔וֹ19 of 23

“that was on his arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

וָֽאֲבִיאֵ֥ם20 of 23

“and have brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל21 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹנִ֖י22 of 23

“them hither unto my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הֵֽנָּה׃23 of 23
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:2Judges 9:542 Kings 11:12Lamentations 5:161 Samuel 31:4-5Judges 1:7

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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