King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:8 in the King James Version says “And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. followed: Heb. went out after him”

2 Samuel 11:8 · KJV

Context

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

8

And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. followed: Heb. went out after him

9

But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

10

And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.

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 · 15 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֙2 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֽוּרִיָּה֙3 of 15

“And Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

רֵ֥ד4 of 15

“Go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִבֵּ֣ית5 of 15

“house”

H1004

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

וּרְחַ֣ץ6 of 15

“and wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

רַגְלֶ֑יךָ7 of 15

“thy feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וַתֵּצֵ֥א8 of 15

“departed out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֽוּרִיָּה֙9 of 15

“And Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

מִבֵּ֣ית10 of 15

“house”

H1004

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃11 of 15

“of meat from the king”

H4428

a king

וַתֵּצֵ֥א12 of 15

“departed out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אַֽחֲרָ֖יו13 of 15

“and there followed”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

מַשְׂאַ֥ת14 of 15

“him a mess”

H4864

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃15 of 15

“of meat from the king”

H4428

a king

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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:4Psalms 12:2Genesis 43:24Isaiah 29:15Genesis 19:2Genesis 43:34

Test Your Knowledge

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

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