King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:16 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:16 in the King James Version says “And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together:...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon. Helkathhazzurim: that is, The field of strong men”

2 Samuel 2:16 · KJV

Context

14

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

15

Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon. Helkathhazzurim: that is, The field of strong men

17

And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

18

And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. of foot: Heb. of his feet as a wild: Heb. as one of the roes that is in the field

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Judah, emphasizing divine timing, patience in promises. The Hebrew vayyimloch (וַיִּמְלֹךְ, 'and he reigned') marks David's official royal status over Judah at Hebron. The seven-year period before ruling all Israel demonstrates patient trust in God's timing. Theological themes include divine election, the gradual unfolding of God's promises through historical process, and the reality that human resistance to God's plans produces genuine suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 2 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 divine timing, patience in promises 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 divine timing, patience in promises?
  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 · 16 words
וַֽיַּחֲזִ֜קוּ1 of 16

“And they caught”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אִ֣ישׁ׀2 of 16

“every one”

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)

בְּרֹ֣אשׁ3 of 16

“by the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

רֵעֵ֔הוּ4 of 16

“his fellow”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְחַרְבּוֹ֙5 of 16

“and thrust his sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בְּצַ֣ד6 of 16

“side”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

רֵעֵ֔הוּ7 of 16

“his fellow”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ8 of 16

“so they fell down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

יַחְדָּ֑ו9 of 16

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וַיִּקְרָא֙10 of 16

“was called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמָּק֣וֹם11 of 16

“wherefore that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֔וּא12 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

חֶלְקַ֥ת13 of 16
H0
הַצֻּרִ֖ים14 of 16

“Helkathhazzurim”

H2521

chelkath hats-tsurim, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּגִבְעֽוֹן׃16 of 16

“which is in Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

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 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
Helkath-hazzurimField · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 2 Samuel 2 →

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