King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:2 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in an eveningtide , that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house:...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in an eveningtide , that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.”

2 Samuel 11:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. after: Heb. at the return of the year

2

And it came to pass in an eveningtide , that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

3

And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

4

And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. for she: or, and when she had purified herself, etc, she returned

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

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
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְעֵ֣ת2 of 21
H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הָעֶ֗רֶב3 of 21

“And it came to pass in an eveningtide”

H6153

dusk

וַיָּ֨קָם4 of 21

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

דָּוִ֜ד5 of 21

“that David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵעַ֤ל6 of 21
H5921

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

מִשְׁכָּבוֹ֙7 of 21

“from off his bed”

H4904

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

וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙8 of 21

“and walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עַל9 of 21
H5921

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

הַגָּ֑ג10 of 21

“and from the roof”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

בֵּית11 of 21

“house”

H1004

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ12 of 21

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

וַיַּ֥רְא13 of 21

“he saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה14 of 21

“a woman”

H802

a woman

רֹחֶ֖צֶת15 of 21

“washing”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

מֵעַ֣ל16 of 21
H5921

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

הַגָּ֑ג17 of 21

“and from the roof”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

וְהָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה18 of 21

“a woman”

H802

a woman

טוֹבַ֥ת19 of 21

“beautiful”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

מַרְאֶ֖ה20 of 21

“to look upon”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

מְאֹֽד׃21 of 21

“was very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:28Psalms 119:37Proverbs 6:25Acts 10:9Job 31:11 John 2:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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