King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:14 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 19:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 15 words
וַיַּ֛ט1 of 15

“And he bowed”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת2 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְבַ֥ב3 of 15

“the heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

כָּל4 of 15
H3605

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

כְּאִ֣ישׁ5 of 15

“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)

יְהוּדָ֖ה6 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

כְּאִ֣ישׁ7 of 15

“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)

אֶחָ֑ד8 of 15

“even as the heart of one”

H259

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

וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙9 of 15

“so that they sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶל10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ11 of 15

“this word unto the king”

H4428

a king

שׁ֥וּב12 of 15

“Return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַתָּ֖ה13 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְכָל14 of 15
H3605

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

עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃15 of 15

“thou and all thy servants”

H5650

a servant

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 19:14 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 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 20:1Acts 4:32Psalms 110:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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