King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:18 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 21:18 · KJV

Context

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

20

And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature , that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. the giant: or, Rapha

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַֽחֲרֵי2 of 18

“And it came to pass after this”

H310

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

כֵ֔ן3 of 18
H3651

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

וַתְּהִי4 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ע֧וֹד5 of 18
H5750

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

הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה6 of 18

“that there was again a battle”

H4421

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

בְּג֖וֹב7 of 18

“at Gob”

H1359

gob, a place in palestine

עִם8 of 18
H5973

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים9 of 18

“with the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אָ֣ז10 of 18
H227

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

הִכָּ֗ה11 of 18

“slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

סִבְּכַי֙12 of 18

“then Sibbechai”

H5444

sibbecai, an israelite

הַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔י13 of 18

“the Hushathite”

H2843

a chushathite or descendant of chushah

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

סַ֕ף15 of 18

“Saph”

H5593

saph, a philistine

אֲשֶׁ֖ר16 of 18
H834

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

בִּֽילִדֵ֥י17 of 18

“which was of the sons”

H3211

born

הָֽרָפָֽה׃18 of 18

“of the giant”

H7497

a giant

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 21:18 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 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 11:292 Samuel 21:201 Chronicles 27:112 Samuel 21:162 Samuel 21:221 Chronicles 20:4-8

Places in This Verse

GobSettlement · Modern: Tel Gezer · 31.86°N, 34.92°E2 verses across 1 book
HushahSettlement · Modern: Husan · 31.71°N, 35.13°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 21 →

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