King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:42 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:42 in the King James Version says “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 f... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Samuel 19:42 · KJV


Context

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 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?

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 · 26 words
וַיַּעַן֩1 of 26

answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

כָּל2 of 26
H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 26

And 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)

יְהוּדָ֜ה4 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

עַל5 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִ֣ישׁ6 of 26

And 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל7 of 26

of Israel

H3478

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

כִּֽי8 of 26
H3588

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

קָר֤וֹב9 of 26

is near of kin

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ10 of 26

Because the king

H4428

a king

אֵלַ֔י11 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְלָ֤מָּה12 of 26
H4100

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

זֶּה֙13 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חָרָ֣ה14 of 26

to us wherefore then be ye angry

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

לְךָ֔15 of 26
H0
עַל16 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַדָּבָ֖ר17 of 26

for this matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֑ה18 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אָכַ֙לְנוּ֙19 of 26

at all

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אָכַ֙לְנוּ֙20 of 26

at all

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִן21 of 26
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ22 of 26

Because the king

H4428

a king

אִם23 of 26
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

נִשֵּׂ֥את24 of 26

us any gift

H5379

something taken, i.e., a present

נִשָּׂ֖א25 of 26

cost or hath he given

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לָֽנוּ׃26 of 26
H0

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 19:42 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 19:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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