King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:37 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:37 in the King James Version says “Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.”

2 Samuel 19:37 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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?

37

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

38

And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee. require: Heb. choose

39

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

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 · 22 words
יָֽשָׁב1 of 22

“I pray thee turn back again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

נָ֤א2 of 22
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עַבְדְּךָ֣3 of 22

“But behold thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְאָמֻ֣ת4 of 22

“that I may die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בְּעִירִ֔י5 of 22

“in mine own city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עִ֛ם6 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

קֶ֥בֶר7 of 22

“and be buried by the grave”

H6913

a sepulcher

אָבִ֖י8 of 22

“of my father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאִמִּ֑י9 of 22

“and of my mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְהִנֵּ֣ה׀10 of 22
H2009

lo!

עַבְדְּךָ֣11 of 22

“But behold thy servant”

H5650

a servant

כִמְהָ֗ם12 of 22

“Chimham”

H3643

kimham, an israelite

יַֽעֲבֹר֙13 of 22

“let him go over”

H5674

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

עִם14 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲדֹנִ֣י15 of 22

“with my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ16 of 22

“the king”

H4428

a king

וַֽעֲשֵׂה17 of 22

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֕וֹ18 of 22
H0
אֵ֥ת19 of 22
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר20 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ט֖וֹב21 of 22

“to him what shall seem good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ׃22 of 22
H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 19:37 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 19:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:7Jeremiah 41:172 Samuel 19:402 Peter 1:14Genesis 49:29-31Genesis 47:30

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