King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:43 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:43 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 19:43 · KJV


Context

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 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.

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 · 32 words
וַיַּ֣עַן1 of 32

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,

אִ֥ישׁ2 of 32

And 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃3 of 32

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶת4 of 32
H853

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

אִ֥ישׁ5 of 32

And 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)

יְהוּדָ֔ה6 of 32

of Judah

H3063

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

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר7 of 32

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֶֽשֶׂר8 of 32

We have ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

יָד֨וֹת9 of 32

parts

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לִ֣י10 of 32
H0
מַלְכִּ֑י11 of 32

in the king

H4428

a king

וְגַם12 of 32
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּדָוִד֮13 of 32

have also more right in David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֲנִ֣י14 of 32

and we

H589

i

מִמְּךָ֒15 of 32
H4480

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

וּמַדּ֙וּעַ֙16 of 32
H4069

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

הֱקִלֹּתַ֔נִי17 of 32

than ye why then did ye despise

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

וְלֹֽא18 of 32
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֨ה19 of 32
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִדְּבַ֖ר20 of 32

And the words

H1697

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

רִאשׁ֛וֹן21 of 32

should not be first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לִ֖י22 of 32
H0
לְהָשִׁ֣יב23 of 32

had in bringing back

H7725

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

אֶת24 of 32
H853

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

מַלְכִּ֑י25 of 32

in the king

H4428

a king

וַיִּ֙קֶשׁ֙26 of 32

were fiercer

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

מִדְּבַ֖ר27 of 32

And the words

H1697

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

אִ֥ישׁ28 of 32

And 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)

יְהוּדָ֔ה29 of 32

of Judah

H3063

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

מִדְּבַ֖ר30 of 32

And the words

H1697

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

אִ֥ישׁ31 of 32

And 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃32 of 32

of Israel

H3478

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


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 19:43 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 19:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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