King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:17 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 12:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? vex: Heb. do hurt

19

But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
לַֽהֲקִימ֖וֹ1 of 13

“and went to him to raise him up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

זִקְנֵ֤י2 of 13

“And the elders”

H2205

old

בֵיתוֹ֙3 of 13

“of his house”

H1004

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

עָלָ֔יו4 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לַֽהֲקִימ֖וֹ5 of 13

“and went to him to raise him up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מִן6 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָ֑רֶץ7 of 13

“from the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְלֹ֣א8 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֔ה9 of 13

“but he would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

וְלֹֽא10 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָרָ֥א11 of 13

“not neither did he eat”

H1262

to select; to feed; to render clear

אִתָּ֖ם12 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לָֽחֶם׃13 of 13

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 12:17 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 12:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:351 Samuel 28:23

Test Your Knowledge

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

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