King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:5 in the King James Version says “And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 12:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 16 words
וַיִּֽחַר1 of 16

“kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַ֥ף2 of 16

“anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

דָּוִ֛ד3 of 16

“And David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הָאִ֖ישׁ4 of 16

“against 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)

מְאֹ֑ד5 of 16

“was greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙6 of 16

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נָתָ֔ן8 of 16

“to Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

חַי9 of 16

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֕ה10 of 16

“As the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֣י11 of 16
H3588

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

בֶן12 of 16

“this thing shall surely”

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

מָ֔וֶת13 of 16

“die”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

הָאִ֖ישׁ14 of 16

“against 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)

הָֽעֹשֶׂ֥ה15 of 16

“that hath done”

H6213

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

זֹֽאת׃16 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 12:5 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 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 38:241 Samuel 26:16Romans 2:1Luke 6:41-421 Samuel 25:21-221 Samuel 14:39

Test Your Knowledge

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

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