King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:29 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:29 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.”

2 Samuel 19:29 · KJV

Context

27

And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

28

For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? dead: Heb. men of death

29

And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

31

And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

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 · 13 words
אָמַ֕רְתִּי1 of 13

“I have said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙2 of 13
H0
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ3 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

לָ֛מָּה4 of 13
H4100

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

תְּדַבֵּ֥ר5 of 13

“unto him Why speakest”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

ע֖וֹד6 of 13
H5750

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

דְּבָרֶ֑יךָ7 of 13

“thou any more of thy matters”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אָמַ֕רְתִּי8 of 13

“I have said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַתָּ֣ה9 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְצִיבָ֔א10 of 13

“Thou and Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

תַּחְלְק֖וּ11 of 13

“divide”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

אֶת12 of 13
H853

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

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃13 of 13

“the land”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 19:29 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 19:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 19:16-17Acts 18:15Psalms 82:2Proverbs 18:13Psalms 101:5Deuteronomy 19:17-19

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 19 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes