King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:11 in the King James Version says “And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the gr...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.”

2 Samuel 18:11 · KJV

Context

9

And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

10

And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.

11

And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.

12

And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. receive: Heb. weigh upon mine hand Beware: Heb. Beware whosoever ye be of, etc

13

Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Death, emphasizing tragedy of rebellion. Absalom's death despite David's orders demonstrates the tragic consequences of rebellion against God's anointed. The graphic description of Absalom caught in oak branches suggests divine judgment. David's overwhelming grief ("O my son Absalom") reveals parental love even for rebellious children. Theological themes include the tragedy of rebellion, the reality that sin leads to death, parental love's persistence, and the danger of prioritizing family over kingdom responsibilities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 18 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 tragedy of rebellion 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 tragedy of rebellion?
  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 · 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹאָ֗ב2 of 19

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

לָאִישׁ֙3 of 19

“unto the man”

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)

הַמַּגִּ֣יד4 of 19

“that told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֔וֹ5 of 19
H0
וְהִנֵּ֣ה6 of 19
H2009

lo!

רָאִ֔יתָ7 of 19

“him And behold thou sawest”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וּמַדּ֛וּעַ8 of 19
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

לֹֽא9 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִכִּית֥וֹ10 of 19

“him and why didst thou not smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם11 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אָ֑רְצָה12 of 19

“him there to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעָלַ֗י13 of 19
H5921

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

לָ֤תֶת14 of 19

“and I would have given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֙15 of 19
H0
עֲשָׂ֣רָה16 of 19

“thee ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

כֶ֔סֶף17 of 19

“shekels of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וַֽחֲגֹרָ֖ה18 of 19

“girdle”

H2290

a belt (for the waist)

אֶחָֽת׃19 of 19

“and a”

H259

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

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 18:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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