King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 10:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 10:4 in the King James Version says “Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the mi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.”

2 Samuel 10:4 · KJV

Context

2

Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

3

And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Thinkest: Heb. In thine eyes doth David?

4

Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

5

When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

6

And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. Ishtob: or, the men of Tob

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological themes include honor/shame dynamics in ancient cultures, the legitimacy of responding firmly to aggression, and trusting God when facing overwhelming opposition. The Hebrew narrative emphasizes strategic wisdom alongside divine enablement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 10 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 responding to insult with strength 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 responding to insult with strength?
  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 · 16 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 16

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

חָנ֜וּן2 of 16

“Wherefore Hanun”

H2586

chanun, the name of an ammonite and of two israelites

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

עַבְדֵ֣י4 of 16

“servants”

H5650

a servant

דָוִ֗ד5 of 16

“David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיְגַלַּח֙6 of 16

“and shaved off”

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

בַּחֵ֖צִי8 of 16

“in the middle”

H2677

the half or middle

זְקָנָ֔ם9 of 16

“of their beards”

H2206

the beard (as indicating age)

וַיִּכְרֹ֧ת10 of 16

“and cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

מַדְוֵיהֶ֛ם12 of 16

“their garments”

H4063

properly, extent, i.e., measure; by implication, a dress (as measured)

בַּחֵ֖צִי13 of 16

“in the middle”

H2677

the half or middle

עַ֣ד14 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שְׁתֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם15 of 16

“even to their buttocks”

H8357

the seat (of the person)

וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵֽם׃16 of 16

“and sent them away”

H7971

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

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 10:4 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 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 20:4Jeremiah 41:51 Chronicles 19:3-4Isaiah 15:2Psalms 109:4-5Leviticus 19:27

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