King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:20 in the King James Version says “For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

2 Samuel 19:20 · KJV


Context

18

And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; what: Heb. the good in his eyes

19

And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.

20

For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

21

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?

22

And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

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 · 17 words
כִּ֚י1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָדַ֣ע2 of 17

doth know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

עַבְדְּךָ֔3 of 17

For thy servant

H5650

a servant

כִּ֖י4 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י5 of 17
H589

i

חָטָ֑אתִי6 of 17

that I have sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וְהִנֵּה7 of 17
H2009

lo!

בָ֣אתִי8 of 17

therefore behold I am come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַיּ֗וֹם9 of 17

this day

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

רִאשׁוֹן֙10 of 17

the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לְכָל11 of 17
H3605

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

בֵּ֣ית12 of 17

of all the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יוֹסֵ֔ף13 of 17

of Joseph

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לָרֶ֕דֶת14 of 17

to go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

לִקְרַ֖את15 of 17

to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

אֲדֹנִ֥י16 of 17

my lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃17 of 17

the king

H4428

a king


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 19:20 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 19:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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