King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:4 in the King James Version says “And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. Help: Heb. Save”

2 Samuel 14:4 · KJV

Salvation

Context

2

And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

3

And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.

4

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. Help: Heb. Save

5

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

6

And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him. none: Heb. no deliverer between them

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

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 · 13 words
וַתֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 13

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה2 of 13

“And when the woman”

H802

a woman

הַתְּקֹעִית֙3 of 13

“of Tekoah”

H8621

a tekoite or inhabitant of tekoah

אֶל4 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃5 of 13

“O king”

H4428

a king

וַתִּפֹּ֧ל6 of 13

“she fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל7 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַפֶּ֛יהָ8 of 13

“on her face”

H639

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

אַ֖רְצָה9 of 13

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ10 of 13

“and did obeisance”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

וַתֹּ֖אמֶר11 of 13

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הוֹשִׁ֥עָה12 of 13

“Help”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃13 of 13

“O king”

H4428

a king

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:232 Samuel 1:22 Kings 6:26-28Job 29:12-141 Samuel 20:41Luke 18:3-5

Places in This Verse

TekoaSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Teku’a · 31.63°N, 35.21°E14 verses across 6 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 14 →

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