King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:31 in the King James Version says “And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 19:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

33

And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 11 words
וּבַרְזִלַּי֙1 of 11

“And Barzillai”

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

הַגִּלְעָדִ֔י2 of 11

“the Gileadite”

H1569

a giladite or descendant of gilad

יָרַ֖ד3 of 11

“came 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

מֵרֹֽגְלִ֑ים4 of 11

“from Rogelim”

H7274

rogelim, a place east of the jordan

וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר5 of 11

“and went over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת6 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙7 of 11

“with the king”

H4428

a king

בַַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃8 of 11

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

לְשַׁלְּח֖וֹ9 of 11

“to conduct”

H7971

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

אֶת10 of 11
H853

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

בַַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃11 of 11

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

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 19:31 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 19:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:72 Samuel 17:27-29Ezra 2:61Nehemiah 7:63

Places in This Verse

Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
RogelimSettlement · Modern: Zaharet · 32.53°N, 35.78°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in 2 Samuel 19 →

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