King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:33 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:33 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 19:33 · KJV

Context

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

35

I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

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

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
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ2 of 11

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶל3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּרְזִלָּ֑י4 of 11

“unto Barzillai”

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

אַתָּה֙5 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֲבֹ֣ר6 of 11

“Come thou over”

H5674

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

אִתִּ֔י7 of 11
H854

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

וְכִלְכַּלְתִּ֥י8 of 11

“with me and I will feed”

H3557

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

אֹֽתְךָ֛9 of 11
H853

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

עִמָּדִ֖י10 of 11
H5978

along with

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃11 of 11

“thee with me in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city 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 19:33 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 19:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:28-302 Samuel 9:112 Thessalonians 1:7Matthew 25:34-40

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 19 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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