King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one ri... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 Samuel 12:1 · King James Version


Context

1

And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2

The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:

3

But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. meat: Heb. morsel


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Nathan's Rebuke, emphasizing conviction, repentance, consequences. Nathan's prophetic confrontation using parable demonstrates effective rebuke methodology. David's immediate repentance ("I have sinned against the LORD") contrasts with Saul's defensive self-justification. The child's death demonstrates that forgiveness doesn't eliminate all consequences. Theological themes include God's hatred of sin, the necessity of repentance, the distinction between eternal and temporal consequences, and God's grace that continues despite devastating sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 12 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 conviction, repentance, consequences 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 conviction, repentance, consequences?
  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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח1 of 19

sent

H7971

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

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת3 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נָתָ֖ן4 of 19

Nathan

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

אֶל5 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֑ד6 of 19

unto David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיָּבֹ֣א7 of 19

And he came

H935

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

אֵלָ֗יו8 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר9 of 19

unto him and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙10 of 19
H0
שְׁנֵ֣י11 of 19

unto him There were two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲנָשִׁ֗ים12 of 19

men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָיוּ֙13 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּעִ֣יר14 of 19

city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְאֶחָ֥ד15 of 19

and the other

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְאֶחָ֥ד16 of 19

and the other

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עָשִׁ֖יר17 of 19

rich

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

וְאֶחָ֥ד18 of 19

and the other

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

רָֽאשׁ׃19 of 19

poor

H7326

to be destitute


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 12:1 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 12:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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