King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:3 in the King James Version says “But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together wi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 12:3 · KJV

Salvation

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

4

And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

5

And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: shall: or, is worthy to die, or, is a son of death

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 25 words
וְלָרָ֣שׁ1 of 25

“But the poor”

H7326

to be destitute

אֵֽין2 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כֹּ֗ל3 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כִּי֩4 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם5 of 25
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כִּבְשָׂ֨ה6 of 25

“ewe lamb”

H3535

a ewe

אַחַ֤ת7 of 25

“man had nothing save one”

H259

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

קְטַנָּה֙8 of 25

“little”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 25
H834

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

קָנָ֔ה10 of 25

“which he had bought”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

וַיְחַיֶּ֕הָ11 of 25

“and nourished up”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וַתִּגְדַּ֥ל12 of 25

“and it grew up”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

עִמּ֛וֹ13 of 25
H5973

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

וְעִם14 of 25
H5973

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

בָּנָ֖יו15 of 25

“with him and with his children”

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

יַחְדָּ֑ו16 of 25

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

מִפִּתּ֨וֹ17 of 25

“of his own meat”

H6595

a bit

תֹאכַ֜ל18 of 25

“it did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּמִכֹּס֤וֹ19 of 25

“of his own cup”

H3563

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

תִשְׁתֶּה֙20 of 25

“and drank”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וּבְחֵיק֣וֹ21 of 25

“in his bosom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

תִשְׁכָּ֔ב22 of 25

“and lay”

H7901

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

וַתְּהִי23 of 25
H1961

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

ל֖וֹ24 of 25
H0
כְּבַֽת׃25 of 25

“and was unto him as a daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and 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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 11:3Micah 7:5Deuteronomy 13:6Proverbs 5:18-19

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