King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:20 in the King James Version says “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.”

2 Samuel 12:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

21

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

22

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

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 · 19 words
וַיָּקָם֩1 of 19

“arose”

H6965

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

דָּוִ֨ד2 of 19

“Then David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵֽהָאָ֜רֶץ3 of 19

“from the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּרְחַ֣ץ4 of 19

“and washed”

H7364

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

וַיָּ֗סֶךְ5 of 19

“and anointed”

H5480

properly, to smear over (with oil), i.e., anoint

וַיְחַלֵּף֙6 of 19

“himself and changed”

H2498

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

שִׂמְלֹתָ֔ו7 of 19

“his apparel”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

וַיָּבֹא֙8 of 19

“and came”

H935

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

בֵּית֔וֹ9 of 19

“into the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ11 of 19

“and worshipped”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

וַיָּבֹא֙12 of 19

“and came”

H935

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

אֶל13 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֔וֹ14 of 19

“into the house”

H1004

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

וַיִּשְׁאַ֕ל15 of 19

“and when he required”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ16 of 19

“they set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

ל֛וֹ17 of 19
H0
לֶ֖חֶם18 of 19

“bread”

H3899

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

וַיֹּאכַֽל׃19 of 19

“before him and he did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 12:20 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 12:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 1:20Ruth 3:3Lamentations 3:39-412 Samuel 7:18Matthew 6:17Ecclesiastes 9:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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