King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:5 in the King James Version says “And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child. — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 11:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered. how Joab: Heb. of the peace of, etc


Commentary

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

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 · 8 words
וַתַּ֖הַר1 of 8

conceived

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֑ה2 of 8

And the woman

H802

a woman

וַתִּשְׁלַח֙3 of 8

and sent

H7971

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

וַתַּגֵּ֣ד4 of 8

and told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְדָוִ֔ד5 of 8

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַתֹּ֖אמֶר6 of 8

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָרָ֥ה7 of 8

I am with child

H2030

pregnant

אָנֹֽכִי׃8 of 8
H595

i


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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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