King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:32 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:32 in the King James Version says “Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 19:32 · KJV


Context

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.

34

And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live , that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? How: Heb. How many days are the years of my life


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וּבַרְזִלַּי֙1 of 17

Now Barzillai

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

זָקֵ֣ן2 of 17

aged

H2204

to be old

מְאֹֽד׃3 of 17

for he was a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בֶּן4 of 17

old

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

שְׁמֹנִ֖ים5 of 17

man even fourscore

H8084

eighty, also eightieth

שָׁנָ֑ה6 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְהֽוּא7 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כִלְכַּ֤ל8 of 17

of sustenance

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

אֶת9 of 17
H853

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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙10 of 17

and he had provided the king

H4428

a king

בְּשִֽׁיבָת֣וֹ11 of 17

while he lay

H7871

residence

בְמַֽחֲנַ֔יִם12 of 17

at Mahanaim

H4266

machanajim, a place in palestine

כִּי13 of 17
H3588

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

אִ֛ישׁ14 of 17

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)

גָּד֥וֹל15 of 17

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

ה֖וּא16 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מְאֹֽד׃17 of 17

for he was a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 19:32 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 19:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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