King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:34 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:34 in the King James Version says “And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live , that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? How: Heb. ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 19:34 · KJV

Context

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?

36

Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto 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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּרְזִלַּ֖י2 of 13

“And Barzillai”

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 13

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

כַּמָּ֗ה5 of 13
H4100

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

יְמֵי֙6 of 13

“How long”

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

שְׁנֵ֣י7 of 13
H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חַיַּ֔י8 of 13
H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

כִּֽי9 of 13
H3588

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

אֶעֱלֶ֥ה10 of 13

“that I should go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת11 of 13
H854

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ12 of 13

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃13 of 13

“unto 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 19:34 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 19:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:29James 4:14Genesis 47:8-9Psalms 39:5-6Job 14:14

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

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