King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:17 in the King James Version says “And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.”

2 Samuel 11:17 · KJV

Context

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

16

And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.

17

And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

18

Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

19

And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

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 · 15 words
וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ1 of 15

“went out”

H3318

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

אַנְשֵׁ֤י2 of 15

“And the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָעִיר֙3 of 15

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּלָּֽחֲמ֣וּ4 of 15

“and fought”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

אֶת5 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יוֹאָ֔ב6 of 15

“with Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל7 of 15

“and there fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִן8 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעָ֖ם9 of 15

“some of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מֵֽעַבְדֵ֣י10 of 15

“of the servants”

H5650

a servant

דָוִ֑ד11 of 15

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיָּ֕מָת12 of 15

“died”

H4191

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

גַּ֖ם13 of 15
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֽוּרִיָּ֥ה14 of 15

“and Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַֽחִתִּֽי׃15 of 15

“the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 12:9Psalms 51:14

Test Your Knowledge

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

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