King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:5 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 14:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth. upon: Heb. upon the face of the earth

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֥הּ2 of 12
H0
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ3 of 12

“And the king”

H4428

a king

מַה4 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּ֑ךְ5 of 12
H0
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר6 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲבָ֛ל7 of 12

“I am indeed”

H61

nay, i.e., truly or yet

אִשָּֽׁה8 of 12

“woman”

H802

a woman

אַלְמָנָ֥ה9 of 12

“a widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

אָ֖נִי10 of 12
H589

i

וַיָּ֥מָת11 of 12

“is dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אִישִֽׁי׃12 of 12

“and mine husband”

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)

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 14:5 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 14:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 9:8-152 Samuel 12:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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