King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:27 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:27 in the King James Version says “And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. Bu... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 11:27 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ר1 of 20

was past

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

הָאֵ֗בֶל2 of 20

And when the mourning

H60

lamentation

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח3 of 20

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָוִ֖ד4 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּֽאַסְפָ֤הּ5 of 20

and fetched

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶל6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתוֹ֙7 of 20

her to his house

H1004

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

וַתְּהִי8 of 20
H1961

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

ל֣וֹ9 of 20
H0
לְאִשָּׁ֔ה10 of 20

and she became his wife

H802

a woman

וַתֵּ֥לֶד11 of 20

and bare

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֖וֹ12 of 20
H0
בֵּ֑ן13 of 20

him a son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיֵּ֧רַע14 of 20

displeased

H3415

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

הַדָּבָ֛ר15 of 20

But the thing

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁר16 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֥ה17 of 20

had done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דָוִ֖ד18 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּעֵינֵ֥י19 of 20
H5869

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

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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