King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:3 Mean?

“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?”

Context

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

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.

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?

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

And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam.**—Her name is spelt in Chronicles *Bath-shua, *and her father’s name is said to be *Ammiel. *Ammiel and Eliam are the same name with its component parts transposed, as Scripture names are often varied: *God’s people *and *the people of God.* **Wife of Uriah the Hittite.**—His name appears (2Samuel 23:39) in the list of David’s thirty chief heroes, and the whole story represents him as a brave and noble-minded soldier. David had now given rein to his guilty passion so far that the knowledge of Bath-sheba’s being a married woman, and the wife of one of his chief warriors, does not check him.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 11:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.