King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:9 in the King James Version says “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 who...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 1:9 · KJV

Prayer

Context

7

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

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 14

“He said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֗י2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲמָד3 of 14

“unto me again Stand”

H5975

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

נָ֤א4 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עָלַי֙5 of 14
H5921

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

וּמֹ֣תְתֵ֔נִי6 of 14

“I pray thee upon me and slay”

H4191

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

כִּ֥י7 of 14
H3588

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

אֲחָזַ֖נִי8 of 14

“is come”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

הַשָּׁבָ֑ץ9 of 14

“me for anguish”

H7661

entanglement, i.e., (figuratively) perplexity

כִּֽי10 of 14
H3588

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

כָל11 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

ע֥וֹד12 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

נַפְשִׁ֖י13 of 14

“upon me because my life”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בִּֽי׃14 of 14
H0

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 1:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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