King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:21 in the King James Version says “The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the k... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. by name: Heb. by his name

2 Samuel 20:21 · KJV


Context

19

I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

20

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

21

The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. by name: Heb. by his name

22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. retired: Heb. were scattered

23

Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

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 · 31 words
לֹא1 of 31
H3808

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

כֵ֣ן2 of 31
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הַדָּבָ֗ר3 of 31

The matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

כִּ֡י4 of 31
H3588

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

אִישׁ֩5 of 31

is not so but a man

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)

מֵהַ֨ר6 of 31

of mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֶפְרַ֜יִם7 of 31

Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

שֶׁ֧בַע8 of 31

Sheba

H7652

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

בֶּן9 of 31

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

בִּכְרִ֣י10 of 31

of Bichri

H1075

bikri, an israelite

שְׁמ֗וֹ11 of 31

by name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

נָשָׂ֤א12 of 31

hath lifted up

H5375

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

יָדוֹ֙13 of 31

his 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

בַּמֶּ֣לֶךְ14 of 31

against the king

H4428

a king

בְּדָוִ֔ד15 of 31

even against David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

תְּנֽוּ16 of 31

deliver

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹת֣וֹ17 of 31
H853

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

לְבַדּ֔וֹ18 of 31
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְאֵֽלְכָ֖ה19 of 31
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מֵעַ֣ל20 of 31
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעִ֑יר21 of 31

from the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר22 of 31

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁה֙23 of 31

And the woman

H802

a woman

אֶל24 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֔ב25 of 31

unto Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

הִנֵּ֥ה26 of 31
H2009

lo!

רֹאשׁ֛וֹ27 of 31

Behold his head

H7218

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

מֻשְׁלָ֥ךְ28 of 31

shall be thrown

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֵלֶ֖יךָ29 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּעַ֥ד30 of 31

to thee over

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

הַֽחוֹמָֽה׃31 of 31

the wall

H2346

a wall of protection


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 20:21 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 20:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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