King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:31 in the King James Version says “And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 12:31 · KJV


Context

29

And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it.

30

And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance. in great: Heb. very great

31

And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וְאֶת1 of 25
H853

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

הָעָ֖ם2 of 25

and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר3 of 25
H834

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

בָּ֜הּ4 of 25
H0
הוֹצִ֗יא5 of 25

And he brought forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיָּ֣שֶׂם6 of 25

that were therein and put

H7760

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

בַּ֠מְּגֵרָה7 of 25

them under saws

H4050

a saw

וּבַֽחֲרִצֵ֨י8 of 25

and under harrows

H2757

properly, incisure or (passively) incised; hence, a threshing-sledge (with sharp teeth); also a slice (as cut)

הַבַּרְזֶ֗ל9 of 25

of iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וּֽבְמַגְזְרֹ֣ת10 of 25

and under axes

H4037

a cutting implement, i.e., a blade

הַבַּרְזֶ֗ל11 of 25

of iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וְהֶֽעֱבִ֤יר12 of 25

and made them pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אוֹתָם֙13 of 25
H853

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

בַּמַּלְכֵּ֔ן14 of 25

through the brickkiln

H4404

a brickkiln

וְכֵ֣ן15 of 25
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה16 of 25

and thus did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְכֹ֖ל17 of 25
H3605

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

עָרֵ֣י18 of 25

he unto all the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בְנֵֽי19 of 25

of the 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

עַמּ֑וֹן20 of 25

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וַיָּ֧שָׁב21 of 25

returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

דָּוִ֛ד22 of 25

So David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל23 of 25
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם24 of 25

and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃25 of 25

unto Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


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 12:31 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 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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