King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:9 in the King James Version says “And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the ki...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.”

2 Samuel 14:9 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

10

And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

11

Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth. that: Heb. that the revenger of blood do not multiply to destroy

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

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
וַתֹּ֜אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֤ה2 of 15

“And the woman”

H802

a woman

הַתְּקוֹעִית֙3 of 15

“of Tekoah”

H8621

a tekoite or inhabitant of tekoah

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהַמֶּ֥לֶךְ5 of 15

“O king”

H4428

a king

עָלַ֞י6 of 15
H5921

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

אֲדֹנִ֥י7 of 15

“My lord”

H113

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

וְהַמֶּ֥לֶךְ8 of 15

“O king”

H4428

a king

הֶעָוֹ֖ן9 of 15

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְעַל10 of 15
H5921

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

בֵּ֣ית11 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֑י12 of 15

“be on me and on my father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְהַמֶּ֥לֶךְ13 of 15

“O king”

H4428

a king

וְכִסְא֖וֹ14 of 15

“and his throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

נָקִֽי׃15 of 15

“be guiltless”

H5355

innocent

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 14:9 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 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:241 Kings 2:33Matthew 27:25Numbers 35:332 Samuel 3:28-29Genesis 27:13

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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