King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:4 in the King James Version says “And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her un...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 11:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩1 of 14

“sent”

H7971

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

דָּוִ֨ד2 of 14

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מַלְאָכִ֜ים3 of 14

“messengers”

H4397

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

וַיִּקָּחֶ֗הָ4 of 14

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַתָּב֤וֹא5 of 14

“her and she came in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָיו֙6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב7 of 14

“unto him and he lay”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִמָּ֗הּ8 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְהִ֥יא9 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִתְקַדֶּ֖שֶׁת10 of 14

“with her for she was purified”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

מִטֻּמְאָתָ֑הּ11 of 14

“from her uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

וַתָּ֖שָׁב12 of 14

“and she returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתָֽהּ׃14 of 14

“unto her house”

H1004

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

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:19James 1:14-15Psalms 51:1-19Leviticus 12:2-5Proverbs 30:20Job 31:9-11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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