King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:13 in the King James Version says “And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.”

2 Samuel 11:13 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.

14

And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

15

And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. hottest: Heb. strong from him: Heb. from after him

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his 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 · 18 words
וַיִּקְרָא1 of 18

“had called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֣וֹ2 of 18
H0
דָוִ֗ד3 of 18

“And when David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֧אכַל4 of 18

“him he did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לְפָנָ֛יו5 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיֵּ֖שְׁתְּ6 of 18

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַֽיְשַׁכְּרֵ֑הוּ7 of 18

“him and he made him drunk”

H7937

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

וַיֵּצֵ֣א8 of 18

“he went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בָעֶ֗רֶב9 of 18

“and at even”

H6153

dusk

לִשְׁכַּ֤ב10 of 18

“to lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בְּמִשְׁכָּבוֹ֙11 of 18

“on his bed”

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

עִם12 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַבְדֵ֣י13 of 18

“with the servants”

H5650

a servant

אֲדֹנָ֔יו14 of 18

“of his lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וְאֶל15 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֖וֹ16 of 18

“to his house”

H1004

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

לֹ֥א17 of 18
H3808

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

יָרָֽד׃18 of 18

“but 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

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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:15Genesis 19:32-35Exodus 32:21Proverbs 20:1

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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