King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:25 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:25 in the King James Version says “Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devo...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him. displease: Heb. be evil in thine eyes one: Heb. so and such”

2 Samuel 11:25 · KJV

Context

23

And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

24

And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

25

Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him. displease: Heb. be evil in thine eyes one: Heb. so and such

26

And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.

27

And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. displeased: Heb. was evil in the eyes of

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.

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 · 25 words
תֹאמַ֤ר1 of 25

“Thus shalt thou say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֜ד2 of 25

“Then David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמַּלְאָ֗ךְ4 of 25

“unto the messenger”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

כֹּֽה5 of 25
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

תֹאמַ֤ר6 of 25

“Thus shalt thou say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל7 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָב֙8 of 25

“unto Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אַל9 of 25
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֵרַ֤ע10 of 25

“displease”

H3415

properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e., (figuratively) to fear

בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 25
H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֶת12 of 25
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר13 of 25

“Let not this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה14 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּֽי15 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָזֹ֥ה16 of 25

“one as well as another”

H2090

this or that

וְכָזֶ֖ה17 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תֹּאכַ֣ל18 of 25

“devoureth”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הֶחָ֑רֶב19 of 25

“thee for the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְחַזְּקֵֽהוּ׃20 of 25

“it and encourage”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

מִלְחַמְתְּךָ֧21 of 25

“make thy battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

אֶל22 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֛יר23 of 25

“against the city”

H5892

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

וְהָרְסָ֖הּ24 of 25

“and overthrow”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

וְחַזְּקֵֽהוּ׃25 of 25

“it and encourage”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

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 11:25 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 11:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 9:1-32 Samuel 12:26Joshua 7:8-91 Samuel 6:9Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

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