King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:14 in the King James Version says “And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 1:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

16

And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֖יו2 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֑ד3 of 12

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵ֚יךְ4 of 12
H349

how? or how!; also where

לֹ֣א5 of 12
H3808

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

יָרֵ֔אתָ6 of 12

“unto him How wast thou not afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

לִשְׁלֹ֙חַ֙7 of 12

“to stretch forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָֽדְךָ֔8 of 12

“thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְשַׁחֵ֖ת9 of 12

“to destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְשִׁ֥יחַ11 of 12

“anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“the LORD'S”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 1:14 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 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 26:91 Samuel 24:62 Peter 2:10Numbers 12:81 Samuel 31:4Psalms 105:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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