King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:3 in the King James Version says “And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uri...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Samuel 11:3 · 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

5

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

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 14

“sent”

H7971

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

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 14

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּדְרֹ֖שׁ3 of 14

“and enquired”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֵ֖שֶׁת4 of 14

“after the woman”

H802

a woman

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר5 of 14

“And one said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲלוֹא6 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זֹאת֙7 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בַּת8 of 14
H0
שֶׁ֣בַע9 of 14

“Is not this Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

בַּת10 of 14

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֱלִיעָ֔ם11 of 14

“of Eliam”

H463

eliam, an israelite

אֵ֖שֶׁת12 of 14

“after the woman”

H802

a woman

אֽוּרִיָּ֥ה13 of 14

“of Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַֽחִתִּֽי׃14 of 14

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 23:391 Chronicles 3:5Jeremiah 5:8James 1:14-15Hosea 7:6-71 Chronicles 11:41

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 11 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes