King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:41 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:41 in the King James Version says “And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stol... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

2 Samuel 19:41 · KJV


Context

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.

40

Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel. Chimham: Heb. Chimhan

41

And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

42

And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?

43

And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. despise: Heb. set us at light


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with 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.

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 · 26 words
וְהִנֵּ֛ה1 of 26
H2009

lo!

כָּל2 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֥י3 of 26

And behold all the men

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 26

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בָּאִ֣ים5 of 26

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ7 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ8 of 26

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל9 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ10 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

מַדּוּעַ֩11 of 26
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

גְּנָב֨וּךָ12 of 26

stolen thee away

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

אַחֵ֜ינוּ13 of 26

Why have our brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אַנְשֵׁ֥י14 of 26

And behold all the men

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)

יְהוּדָ֗ה15 of 26

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיַּֽעֲבִ֨רוּ16 of 26

and have brought

H5674

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

אֶת17 of 26
H853

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

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ18 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

וְאֶת19 of 26
H853

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

בֵּיתוֹ֙20 of 26

and his household

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֶת21 of 26
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן22 of 26

with him over Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וְכָל23 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֥י24 of 26

And behold all the men

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)

דָוִ֖ד25 of 26

and all David's

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עִמּֽוֹ׃26 of 26
H5973

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


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 19:41 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 19:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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