King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:22 in the King James Version says “And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?”

2 Samuel 2:22 · KJV

Context

20

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.

21

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. armour: or, spoil

22

And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

23

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

24

Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

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 · 18 words
וַיֹּ֧סֶף1 of 18

“again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֣וֹד2 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אַבְנֵ֗ר3 of 18

“And Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

לֵאמֹר֙4 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל6 of 18

“to Asahel”

H6214

asahel, the name of four israelites

ס֥וּר7 of 18

“Turn thee aside”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

לְךָ֖8 of 18
H0
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑י9 of 18

“from following”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לָ֤מָּה10 of 18
H4100

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

אַכֶּ֙כָּה֙11 of 18

“me wherefore should I smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אַ֔רְצָה12 of 18

“thee to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאֵיךְ֙13 of 18
H349

how? or how!; also where

אֶשָּׂ֣א14 of 18

“how then should I hold up”

H5375

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

פָנַ֔י15 of 18

“my face”

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

אֶל16 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֖ב17 of 18

“to Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אָחִֽיךָ׃18 of 18

“thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 2:22 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 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:27Ecclesiastes 6:10Proverbs 29:12 Kings 14:10-12

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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