King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:15 in the King James Version says “Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid:...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.”

2 Samuel 14:15 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

13

And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.

14

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. neither: or, because God hath not taken away his life, he hath also devised means, etc

15

Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

16

For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.

17

Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee. comfortable: Heb. for rest to discern: Heb. to hear

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Return, emphasizing incomplete reconciliation. Joab's elaborate scheme to restore Absalom demonstrates human wisdom that undermines divine purposes. The partial reconciliation (Absalom returns but doesn't see David's face) proves insufficient for genuine restoration. Theological themes include the inadequacy of human reconciliation methods apart from genuine repentance, the danger of manipulation even for apparently good ends, and the necessity of complete rather than partial restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 14 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 incomplete reconciliation 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 incomplete reconciliation?
  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
וְ֠עַתָּה1 of 25
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֲשֶׁר2 of 25
H834

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

בָּ֜אתִי3 of 25

“Now therefore that I am come”

H935

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

אֲדַבְּרָה4 of 25

“I will now speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל5 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ6 of 25

“it may be that the king”

H4428

a king

אֲדֹנִי֙7 of 25

“unto my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶת8 of 25
H853

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

דְּבַ֥ר9 of 25

“of this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה10 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֥י11 of 25
H3588

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

יֵֽרְאֻ֖נִי12 of 25

“have made me afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הָעָ֑ם13 of 25

“it is because the people”

H5971

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

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר14 of 25

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙15 of 25

“and thy handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

אֲדַבְּרָה16 of 25

“I will now speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

נָּ֣א17 of 25
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶל18 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ19 of 25

“it may be that the king”

H4428

a king

אוּלַ֛י20 of 25
H194

if not; hence perhaps

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה21 of 25

“will perform”

H6213

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ22 of 25

“it may be that the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת23 of 25
H853

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

דְּבַ֥ר24 of 25

“of this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲמָתֽוֹ׃25 of 25

“of his handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

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 14:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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