King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:21 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again. — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

2 Samuel 14:21 · KJV


Context

19

And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:

20

To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

21

And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

22

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. thanked: Heb. blessed his servant: or, thy servant

23

So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

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.

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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 · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙2 of 16

And the king

H4428

a king

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֔ב4 of 16

unto Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

הִנֵּה5 of 16
H2009

lo!

נָ֥א6 of 16
H4994

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

עָשִׂ֖יתִי7 of 16

Behold now I have done

H6213

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

אֶת8 of 16
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר9 of 16

this thing

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֑ה10 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְלֵ֛ךְ11 of 16
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָשֵׁ֥ב12 of 16

again

H7725

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

אֶת13 of 16
H853

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

הַנַּ֖עַר14 of 16

the young man

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃16 of 16

Absalom

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite


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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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