King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:14 in the King James Version says “Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart o...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 18:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 17

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹאָ֔ב2 of 17

“Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

לֹא3 of 17
H3808

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

כֵ֖ן4 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֹחִ֣ילָה5 of 17

“I may not tarry”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ6 of 17

“thus with thee”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיִּקַּח֩7 of 17

“And he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה8 of 17

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שְׁבָטִ֜ים9 of 17

“darts”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

בְּכַפּ֗וֹ10 of 17

“in his hand”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וַיִּתְקָעֵם֙11 of 17

“and thrust”

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בְּלֵ֥ב12 of 17

“them through the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם13 of 17

“of Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

עוֹדֶ֥נּוּ14 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חַ֖י15 of 17

“while he was yet alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

בְּלֵ֥ב16 of 17

“them through the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הָֽאֵלָֽה׃17 of 17

“in the midst of the oak”

H424

an oak or other strong tree

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 18:14 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 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:52 Samuel 18:51 Thessalonians 5:3Judges 4:21Judges 5:26Judges 5:31

Test Your Knowledge

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

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