King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:22 in the King James Version says “These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

2 Samuel 21:22 · KJV


Context

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

21

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. defied: or, reproached

22

These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

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 · 11 words
אֶת1 of 11
H853

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

אַרְבַּ֥עַת2 of 11

These four

H702

four

אֵ֛לֶּה3 of 11
H428

these or those

יֻלְּד֥וּ4 of 11

were born

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לְהָֽרָפָ֖ה5 of 11

to the giant

H7497

a giant

בְּגַ֑ת6 of 11

in Gath

H1661

gath, a philistine city

וַיִּפְּל֥וּ7 of 11

and fell

H5307

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

וּבְיַ֥ד8 of 11

and by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דָּוִ֖ד9 of 11

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּבְיַ֥ד10 of 11

and by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עֲבָדָֽיו׃11 of 11

of his servants

H5650

a servant


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 21:22 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 21:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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