King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:8 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 20:8 · KJV

Context

6

And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. escape: Heb. deliver himself from our eyes

7

And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

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

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 23 words
הֵ֗ם1 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עִם2 of 23
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָאֶ֤בֶן3 of 23

“stone”

H68

a stone

הַגְּדוֹלָה֙4 of 23

“When they were at the great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 23
H834

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

בְּגִבְע֔וֹן6 of 23

“which is in Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

וַֽעֲמָשָׂ֖א7 of 23

“Amasa”

H6021

amasa, the name of two israelites

בָּ֣א8 of 23

“went”

H935

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

לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 23

“before”

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

וְיוֹאָ֞ב10 of 23

“them And Joab's”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

חָג֣וּר׀11 of 23

“was girded”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

מִדּ֣וֹ12 of 23

“garment”

H4055

properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet

לְבֻשׁ֗וּ13 of 23

“that he had put on”

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

וְעָלָ֞ו14 of 23
H5921

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

חֲג֥וֹר15 of 23

“unto him and upon it a girdle”

H2289

belted

חֶ֙רֶב֙16 of 23

“with a sword”

H2719

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

מְצֻמֶּ֤דֶת17 of 23

“fastened”

H6775

to link, i.e., gird; figuratively, to serve, (mentally) contrive

עַל18 of 23
H5921

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

מָתְנָיו֙19 of 23

“upon his loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

בְּתַעְרָ֔הּ20 of 23

“in the sheath”

H8593

a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)

וְה֥וּא21 of 23
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

יָצָ֖א22 of 23

“thereof and as he went forth”

H3318

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

וַתִּפֹּֽל׃23 of 23

“it fell out”

H5307

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

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 20:8 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 20:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:302 Samuel 2:132 Samuel 20:4-5

Places in This Verse

GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 20 →

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