King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:17 in the King James Version says “But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 21:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. Jaareoregim: or, Jair

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 25 words
וַיַּֽעֲזָר1 of 25

“succoured”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

לוֹ֙2 of 25
H0
אֲבִישַׁ֣י3 of 25

“But Abishai”

H52

abishai, an israelite

בֶּן4 of 25

“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

צְרוּיָ֔ה5 of 25

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

וַיַּ֥ךְ6 of 25

“him and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת7 of 25
H853

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

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י8 of 25

“the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיְמִתֵ֑הוּ9 of 25

“and killed”

H4191

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

אָ֣ז10 of 25
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

נִשְׁבְּעוּ֩11 of 25

“sware”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אַנְשֵׁי12 of 25
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)

דָוִ֨ד13 of 25

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

ל֜וֹ14 of 25
H0
לֵאמֹ֗ר15 of 25

“unto him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא16 of 25
H3808

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

תֵצֵ֨א17 of 25

“Thou shalt go”

H3318

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

ע֤וֹד18 of 25
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אִתָּ֙נוּ֙19 of 25
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה20 of 25

“no more out with us to battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְלֹ֥א21 of 25
H3808

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

תְכַבֶּ֖ה22 of 25

“that thou quench”

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

אֶת23 of 25
H853

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

נֵ֥ר24 of 25

“not the light”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃25 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:362 Samuel 18:31 Kings 15:4Psalms 132:172 Samuel 20:6-10Psalms 46:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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