King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:5 in the King James Version says “And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;”

2 Samuel 19:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

3

And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

4

But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

5

And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

6

In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well . in: Heb. By loving, etc that thou regardest: Heb. that princes or servants are not to thee

7

Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. comfortably: Heb. to the heart of thy servants

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

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 · 24 words
וַיָּבֹ֥א1 of 24

“came”

H935

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

יוֹאָ֛ב2 of 24

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 24

“to the king”

H4428

a king

הַבָּ֑יִת5 of 24

“into the house”

H1004

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

וַיֹּאמֶר֩6 of 24

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֹבַ֨שְׁתָּ7 of 24

“Thou hast shamed”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

הַיּ֔וֹם8 of 24

“this day”

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

אֶת9 of 24
H853

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

פְּנֵ֣י10 of 24

“the faces”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כָל11 of 24
H3605

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

עֲבָדֶ֗יךָ12 of 24

“of all thy servants”

H5650

a servant

הַֽמְמַלְּטִ֤ים13 of 24

“have saved”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

אֶֽת14 of 24
H853

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

וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ15 of 24

“and the lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַיּ֔וֹם16 of 24

“this day”

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

וְאֵ֨ת17 of 24
H853

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

וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ18 of 24

“and the lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙19 of 24

“of thy sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבְנֹתֶ֔יךָ20 of 24

“and of thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ21 of 24

“and the lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

נָשֶׁ֔יךָ22 of 24

“of thy wives”

H802

a woman

וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ23 of 24

“and the lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

פִּֽלַגְשֶֽׁיךָ׃24 of 24

“of thy concubines”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

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 19:5 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 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 3:8Psalms 18:47-48Nehemiah 9:27

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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