King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:13 in the King James Version says “Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thys...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 18:13 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. with: Heb. before thee midst: Heb. heart

15

And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
אֽוֹ1 of 13

“Otherwise”

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עָשִׂ֤יתִי2 of 13

“I should have wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְנַפְשִׁו֙3 of 13

“against mine own life”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

שֶׁ֔קֶר4 of 13

“falsehood”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

וְכָל5 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּבָ֖ר6 of 13

“for there is no matter”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לֹֽא7 of 13
H3808

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

יִכָּחֵ֣ד8 of 13

“hid”

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

מִן9 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ10 of 13

“from the king”

H4428

a king

וְאַתָּ֖ה11 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּתְיַצֵּ֥ב12 of 13

“and thou thyself wouldest have set”

H3320

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

מִנֶּֽגֶד׃13 of 13
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:19-20Hebrews 4:132 Samuel 1:15-162 Samuel 4:10-12

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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