King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:13 in the King James Version says “And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger , an Amale...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger , an Amalekite.”

2 Samuel 1:13 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger , an Amalekite.

14

And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

15

And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 15 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 15

“him Whence art thou And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנַּ֙עַר֙4 of 15

“unto the young man”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַמַּגִּ֣יד5 of 15

“that told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֔וֹ6 of 15
H0
אֵ֥י7 of 15
H335

where? hence how?

מִזֶּ֖ה8 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אָ֑תָּה9 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר10 of 15

“him Whence art thou And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֶּן11 of 15

“I am the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִ֛ישׁ12 of 15

“of a stranger”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

גֵּ֥ר13 of 15
H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

עֲמָֽלֵקִ֖י14 of 15

“an Amalekite”

H6003

an amalekite (or collectively the amalekites) or descendants of amalek

אָנֹֽכִי׃15 of 15
H595

i

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 1:13 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 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 1:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes