King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:5 in the King James Version says “And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?” — 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, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?”

2 Samuel 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

4

And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. How: Heb. What was, etc

5

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

6

And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

7

And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. Here: Heb. Behold me

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 13

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנַּ֖עַר4 of 13

“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 13

“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

ל֑וֹ6 of 13
H0
אֵ֣יךְ7 of 13
H349

how? or how!; also where

יָדַ֔עְתָּ8 of 13

“him How knowest”

H3045

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

כִּי9 of 13
H3588

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

מֵ֥ת10 of 13

“be dead”

H4191

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

שָׁא֖וּל11 of 13

“thou that Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֥ן12 of 13

“and Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

בְּנֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 25:2Proverbs 14:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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