King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:16 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:16 in the King James Version says “And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 21:16 · KJV

Context

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

17

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. light: Heb. candle, or, lamp

18

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. the giant: or, Rapha Saph: or, Sippai

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ishbi-benob, 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.

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 · 18 words
וְיִשְׁבִּ֨ו1 of 18
H0
בְּנֹ֜ב2 of 18

“And Ishbibenob”

H3430

jishbo-be-nob, a philistine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀3 of 18
H834

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

בִּֽילִידֵ֣י4 of 18

“which was of the sons”

H3211

born

הָֽרָפָ֗ה5 of 18

“of the giant”

H7497

a giant

מִשְׁקַ֣ל6 of 18

“in weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

קֵינוֹ֙7 of 18

“of whose spear”

H7013

a lance (as striking fast)

שְׁלֹ֤שׁ8 of 18

“weighed three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵאוֹת֙9 of 18

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

מִשְׁקַ֣ל10 of 18

“in weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת11 of 18

“shekels of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְה֖וּא12 of 18
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

חָג֣וּר13 of 18

“he being girded”

H2296

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

חֲדָשָׁ֑ה14 of 18

“with a new”

H2319

new

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר15 of 18

“sword thought”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְהַכּ֥וֹת16 of 18

“to have slain”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת17 of 18
H853

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

דָּוִֽד׃18 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 21:16 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 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:182 Samuel 21:20Deuteronomy 9:2Deuteronomy 2:21Deuteronomy 3:11Genesis 6:4

Places in This Verse

NobSettlement · Modern: Ras el Mesharif · 31.79°N, 35.24°E7 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

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