King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:22 in the King James Version says “And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall th... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Samuel 19:22 · KJV


Context

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?

23

Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

24

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 25 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 25

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 25

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מַה3 of 25
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לִּ֤י4 of 25
H0
וְלָכֶם֙5 of 25
H0
בְּנֵ֣י6 of 25

What have I to do with you ye sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָ֔ה7 of 25

of Zeruiah

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

כִּֽי8 of 25
H3588

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

תִֽהְיוּ9 of 25
H1961

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

לִ֥י10 of 25
H0
הַיּ֖וֹם11 of 25

that I am 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

לְשָׂטָ֑ן12 of 25

be adversaries

H7854

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

הַיּ֖וֹם13 of 25

that I am 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

י֤וּמַת14 of 25

be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אִישׁ֙15 of 25

unto me shall there any 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃16 of 25

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֚י17 of 25
H3588

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

הֲל֣וֹא18 of 25
H3808

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

יָדַ֔עְתִּי19 of 25

for do not I know

H3045

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

כִּ֥י20 of 25
H3588

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

הַיּ֖וֹם21 of 25

that I am 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

אֲנִי22 of 25
H589

i

מֶ֥לֶךְ23 of 25

king

H4428

a king

עַל24 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃25 of 25

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 19:22 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 19:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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