King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:10 in the King James Version says “But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out hi... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. struck: Heb. doubled not his stroke

2 Samuel 20:10 · KJV


Context

8

When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

9

And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

10

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. struck: Heb. doubled not his stroke

11

And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

12

And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Sheba's Rebellion, emphasizing ongoing challenges to authority. Sheba's rebellion demonstrates that David's troubles continue despite Absalom's defeat. The wise woman's intervention prevents unnecessary bloodshed. Theological themes include ongoing resistance to God's appointed leader, the value of wisdom in crisis resolution, the danger of divisive rhetoric, and God's provision of unexpected solutions through unlikely people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 20 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 ongoing challenges to authority 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 ongoing challenges to authority?
  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
וַֽעֲמָשָׂ֨א1 of 26

But Amasa

H6021

amasa, the name of two israelites

לֹֽא2 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִשְׁמַ֜ר3 of 26

took no heed

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

בַּחֶ֣רֶב׀4 of 26

to the sword

H2719

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 26
H834

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

בְּיַד6 of 26

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְיוֹאָב֙7 of 26

So Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיַּכֵּהוּ֩8 of 26

so he smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בָ֨הּ9 of 26
H0
אֶל10 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֹ֜מֶשׁ11 of 26

him therewith in the fifth

H2570

the abdomen (as obese)

וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֨ךְ12 of 26

rib and shed out

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

מֵעָ֥יו13 of 26

his bowels

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

אַ֛רְצָה14 of 26

to the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְלֹא15 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁ֥נָה16 of 26

and struck

H8138

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

ל֖וֹ17 of 26
H0
וַיָּמֹ֑ת18 of 26

and he died

H4191

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

וְיוֹאָב֙19 of 26

So Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַֽאֲבִישַׁ֣י20 of 26

and Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

אָחִ֔יו21 of 26

his brother

H251

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

רָדַ֕ף22 of 26

pursued

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י23 of 26

after

H310

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

שֶׁ֥בַע24 of 26

Sheba

H7652

sheba, the name of a place in palestine, and of two israelites

בֶּן25 of 26

the son

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

בִּכְרִֽי׃26 of 26

of Bichri

H1075

bikri, an israelite


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 20:10 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 20:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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