King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:17 in the King James Version says “And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:”

2 Samuel 1:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

18

(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) of Jasher: or, of the upright

19

The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

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 · 10 words
וַיְקֹנֵ֣ן1 of 10

“lamented”

H6969

to strike a musical note, i.e., chant or wail (at a funeral)

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 10

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַקִּינָ֖ה4 of 10

“with this lamentation”

H7015

a dirge (as accompanied by beating the breasts or on instruments)

הַזֹּ֑את5 of 10
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עַל6 of 10
H5921

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

שָׁא֖וּל7 of 10

“over Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְעַל8 of 10
H5921

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

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֥ן9 of 10

“and over Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

בְּנֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“his 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

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 1:17 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 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 35:252 Samuel 1:19Genesis 50:11Jeremiah 9:17-21

Test Your Knowledge

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

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