King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:6 in the King James Version says “And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one s...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 14:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וּלְשִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙1 of 15

“And thy handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

שְׁנֵיהֶם֙2 of 15

“and they two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָנִ֔ים3 of 15

“sons”

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

וַיִּנָּצ֤וּ4 of 15

“strove together”

H5327

properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel

שְׁנֵיהֶם֙5 of 15

“and they two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה6 of 15

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְאֵ֥ין7 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַצִּ֖יל8 of 15

“and there was none to part”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

בֵּֽינֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וַיַּכּ֧וֹ10 of 15

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הָֽאֶחָ֖ד11 of 15

“the other”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

הָֽאֶחָ֖ד13 of 15

“the other”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיָּ֥מֶת14 of 15

“and slew”

H4191

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

אֹתֽוֹ׃15 of 15
H853

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

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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 2:13Genesis 4:8Deuteronomy 22:26-27

Test Your Knowledge

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

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