King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:15 in the King James Version says “And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sic...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.”

2 Samuel 12:15 · KJV

Context

13

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

14

Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

15

And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

16

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted , and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. fasted: Heb. fasted a fast

17

And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ1 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

נָתָ֖ן2 of 14

“And Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

אֶל3 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֑וֹ4 of 14

“unto his house”

H1004

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

וַיִּגֹּ֣ף5 of 14

“struck”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

יְהוָ֗ה6 of 14

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

הַיֶּ֜לֶד8 of 14

“the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָֽלְדָ֧ה10 of 14

“bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֵֽשֶׁת11 of 14

“wife”

H802

a woman

אוּרִיָּ֛ה12 of 14

“that Uriah's”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

לְדָוִ֖ד13 of 14

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֵּֽאָנַֽשׁ׃14 of 14

“and it was very sick”

H605

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

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 12:15 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 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:38Psalms 104:291 Samuel 26:10Deuteronomy 32:39Acts 12:232 Chronicles 13:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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