King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:6 in the King James Version says “In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 19:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 28 words
אֹֽהֲבֶ֑יךָ1 of 28

“In that thou lovest”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת2 of 28
H853

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

וְלִשְׂנֹ֖א3 of 28

“and hatest”

H8130

to hate (personally)

וְלִשְׂנֹ֖א4 of 28

“and hatest”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֶת5 of 28
H853

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

אֹֽהֲבֶ֑יךָ6 of 28

“In that thou lovest”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

כִּ֣י׀7 of 28
H3588

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

הִגַּ֣דְתָּ8 of 28

“For thou hast declared”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הַיּוֹם֙9 of 28

“for 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

כִּ֣י10 of 28
H3588

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

אֵ֤ין11 of 28
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְךָ֙12 of 28
H0
שָׂרִ֣ים13 of 28

“that thou regardest neither princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וַֽעֲבָדִ֔ים14 of 28

“nor servants”

H5650

a servant

כִּ֣י׀15 of 28
H3588

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

יָדַ֣עְתִּי16 of 28

“I perceive”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הַיּוֹם֙17 of 28

“for 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

כִּ֠י18 of 28
H3588

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

ל֣א19 of 28

“that if”

H3863

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם20 of 28

“Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

חַי֙21 of 28

“had lived”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְכֻלָּ֤נוּ22 of 28
H3605

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

הַיּוֹם֙23 of 28

“for 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

מֵתִ֔ים24 of 28

“and all we had died”

H4191

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

כִּי25 of 28
H3588

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

אָ֖ז26 of 28
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יָשָׁ֥ר27 of 28

“then it had pleased thee well”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ׃28 of 28
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 19:6 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 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 23:5Proverbs 19:9-10Job 34:182 Samuel 3:24-25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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