King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:14 in the King James Version says “And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.”

2 Samuel 21:14 · KJV

Context

12

And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead , which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:

13

And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.

14

And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

15

Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

16

And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. the giant: or, Rapha spear: Heb. the staff, or, the head

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Famine and Giants, emphasizing justice, covenant obligations. The three-year famine traced to Saul's treaty violation demonstrates God's demand for covenant faithfulness and justice. The execution of Saul's descendants and Rizpah's faithful vigil over their bodies presents complex ethical questions. The Philistine giant battles demonstrate ongoing threats. Theological themes include multi-generational covenant obligations, the high cost of treaty violations, God's demand for justice, and His provision of strength for continued battles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 21 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 justice, covenant obligations 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 justice, covenant obligations?
  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 · 22 words
וַיִּקְבְּר֣וּ1 of 22

“buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶת2 of 22
H853

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

עַצְמוֹת3 of 22

“And the bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

שָׁא֣וּל4 of 22

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וִיהוֹנָֽתָן5 of 22

“and Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

בְּ֠נוֹ6 of 22

“his 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

לָאָ֖רֶץ7 of 22

“for the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בִּנְיָמִ֜ן8 of 22

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בְּצֵלָ֗ע9 of 22

“in Zelah”

H6762

tsela, a place in palestine

בְּקֶ֙בֶר֙10 of 22

“in the sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

קִ֣ישׁ11 of 22

“of Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

אָבִ֔יו12 of 22

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ13 of 22

“and they performed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֹּ֥ל14 of 22
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 22
H834

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

צִוָּ֖ה16 of 22

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ17 of 22

“all that the king”

H4428

a king

וַיֵּֽעָתֵ֧ר18 of 22

“was intreated”

H6279

to burn incense in worship, i.e., intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer)

אֱלֹהִ֛ים19 of 22

“that God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָאָ֖רֶץ20 of 22

“for the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אַֽחֲרֵי21 of 22

“And after”

H310

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

כֵֽן׃22 of 22
H3651

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

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 21:14 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 21:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 18:28Joshua 7:262 Samuel 24:251 Kings 18:40-412 Samuel 3:32Joel 2:18-19

Places in This Verse

ZelaSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Salah · 31.80°N, 35.21°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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