King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:24 in the King James Version says “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his na...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.”

2 Samuel 12:24 · KJV

Love

Context

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?

23

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

24

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

25

And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. Jedidiah: that is, Beloved of the LORD

26

And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

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 · 18 words
וַיְנַחֵ֣ם1 of 18

“comforted”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵ֚ת3 of 18
H853

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

בַּת4 of 18
H0
שֶׁ֣בַע5 of 18

“Bathsheba”

H1339

bath-sheba, the mother of solomon

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ6 of 18

“his wife”

H802

a woman

וַיָּבֹ֥א7 of 18

“and went in”

H935

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

אֵלֶ֖יהָ8 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב9 of 18

“unto her and lay”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִמָּ֑הּ10 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַתֵּ֣לֶד11 of 18

“with her and she bare”

H3205

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

בֵּ֗ן12 of 18

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיִּקְרָ֤א13 of 18

“and he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

שְׁמוֹ֙15 of 18

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה16 of 18

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַֽיהוָ֖ה17 of 18

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲהֵבֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

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 12:24 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 12:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:61 Chronicles 28:5-61 Chronicles 29:12 Samuel 7:121 Chronicles 22:9-101 Chronicles 3:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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