King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:13 in the King James Version says “And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

2 Samuel 19:13 · KJV


Context

11

And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.

12

Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

13

And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

14

And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.

15

So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Return, emphasizing restoration, leadership wisdom. David's return to Jerusalem requires political wisdom as he navigates competing factions. His restoration of enemies (Shimei) and reward of supporters demonstrates leadership discernment. Theological themes include wise leadership during restoration, the complexity of post-crisis reconciliation, balancing justice and mercy, and the necessity of moving forward despite ongoing tensions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 19 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 restoration, leadership wisdom 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 restoration, leadership wisdom?
  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 · 22 words
וְלַֽעֲמָשָׂא֙1 of 22

ye to Amasa

H6021

amasa, the name of two israelites

תֹּֽמְר֔וּ2 of 22

And say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲל֛וֹא3 of 22
H3808

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

עַצְמִ֥י4 of 22

Art thou not of my bone

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

וּבְשָׂרִ֖י5 of 22

and of my flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

אָ֑תָּה6 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

כֹּ֣ה7 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יַֽעֲשֶׂה8 of 22

do

H6213

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

לִּ֤י9 of 22
H0
אֱלֹהִים֙10 of 22

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְכֹ֣ה11 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יוֹסִ֔יף12 of 22

so to me and more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

אִם13 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֠א14 of 22
H3808

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

שַׂר15 of 22

also if thou be not captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צָבָ֞א16 of 22

of the host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

תִּֽהְיֶ֧ה17 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְפָנַ֛י18 of 22

before

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

כָּל19 of 22
H3605

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

הַיָּמִ֖ים20 of 22

me continually

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תַּ֥חַת21 of 22

in the room

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

יוֹאָֽב׃22 of 22

of Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites


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 19:13 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 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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