King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:23 in the King James Version says “Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 2:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 26 words
וַיְמָאֵ֣ן1 of 26

“Howbeit he refused”

H3985

to refuse

לָס֗וּר2 of 26

“to turn aside”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

וַיַּכֵּ֣הוּ3 of 26

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אַבְנֵר֩4 of 26

“wherefore Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

מֵאַֽחֲרָ֔יו5 of 26

“behind”

H310

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

הַֽחֲנִית֙6 of 26

“of the spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

אֶל7 of 26

“him under”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֹ֗מֶשׁ8 of 26

“the fifth”

H2570

the abdomen (as obese)

וַתֵּצֵ֤א9 of 26

“came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַֽחֲנִית֙10 of 26

“of the spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

מֵאַֽחֲרָ֔יו11 of 26

“behind”

H310

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

נָ֨פַל12 of 26

“fell down”

H5307

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

שָׁ֖ם13 of 26
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַיָּמֹ֖ת14 of 26

“and died”

H4191

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

תַּחְתָּ֑ו15 of 26

“in the same place”

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

וַיְהִ֡י16 of 26
H1961

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

כָּל17 of 26
H3605

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

הַבָּ֣א18 of 26

“and it came to pass that as many as came”

H935

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

אֶל19 of 26

“him under”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּקוֹם֩20 of 26

“to the 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)

אֲשֶׁר21 of 26
H834

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

נָ֨פַל22 of 26

“fell down”

H5307

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

שָׁ֧ם23 of 26
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עֲשָׂהאֵ֛ל24 of 26

“where Asahel”

H6214

asahel, the name of four israelites

וַיָּמֹ֖ת25 of 26

“and died”

H4191

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

וַֽיַּעֲמֹֽדוּ׃26 of 26

“stood still”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:272 Samuel 4:62 Samuel 20:102 Samuel 5:62 Samuel 20:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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