King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:4 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 12:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
הַבָּ֥א1 of 21

“And there came”

H935

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

הֵלֶךְ֮2 of 21

“a traveller”

H1982

properly, a journey, i.e., (by implication) a wayfarer; also a flowing

לָאִ֖ישׁ3 of 21

“it for the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הֶֽעָשִׁיר֒4 of 21

“unto the rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

וַיַּחְמֹ֗ל5 of 21

“and he spared”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

וַיִּקַּ֗ח6 of 21

“to take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִצֹּאנוֹ֙7 of 21

“of his own flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּמִבְּקָר֔וֹ8 of 21

“and of his own herd”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֔הָ9 of 21

“and dressed”

H6213

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

לָֽאֹרֵ֖חַ10 of 21

“for the wayfaring man”

H732

to travel

הַבָּ֥א11 of 21

“And there came”

H935

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

ל֑וֹ12 of 21
H0
וַיִּקַּ֗ח13 of 21

“to take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת14 of 21
H853

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

כִּבְשַׂת֙15 of 21

“lamb”

H3535

a ewe

לָאִ֖ישׁ16 of 21

“it for the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָרָ֔אשׁ17 of 21

“the poor”

H7326

to be destitute

וַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֔הָ18 of 21

“and dressed”

H6213

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

לָאִ֖ישׁ19 of 21

“it for the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַבָּ֥א20 of 21

“And there came”

H935

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

אֵלָֽיו׃21 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 12:4 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 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:142 Samuel 11:3-4Genesis 18:2-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 12 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes