King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:10 in the King James Version says “And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from th...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?”

2 Samuel 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. followed: Heb. went out after him

9

But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

10

And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?

11

And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

12

And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?

This verse contributes to the narrative of David and Bathsheba, emphasizing devastating consequences of sin. David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah represent the nadir of his reign. The Hebrew narrative's sparse, matter-of-fact reporting heightens the horror. The phrase "but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" (v. 27) marks divine displeasure. This chapter demonstrates that even "a man after God's own heart" can fall catastrophically when neglecting spiritual disciplines and succumbing to temptation. Cross-references to Psalm 51 reveal David's repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 11 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 devastating consequences of sin 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 devastating consequences of sin?
  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 · 21 words
וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ1 of 21

“And when they had 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

דָּוִ֜ד2 of 21

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר3 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא4 of 21
H3808

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

יָרַ֥דְתָּ5 of 21

“went not down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה6 of 21

“Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

אֶל7 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתֶֽךָ׃8 of 21

“unto his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר9 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֜ד10 of 21

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל11 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה12 of 21

“Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הֲל֤וֹא13 of 21
H3808

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

מִדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙14 of 21

“thou not from thy journey”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אַתָּ֣ה15 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בָ֔א16 of 21

“Camest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מַדּ֖וּעַ17 of 21
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

לֹֽא18 of 21
H3808

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

יָרַ֥דְתָּ19 of 21

“went not down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶל20 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתֶֽךָ׃21 of 21

“unto his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 11:10 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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