King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:3 in the King James Version says “Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?”

2 Samuel 21:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. enquired: Heb. sought the face, etc

2

And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

3

Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

4

And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. We will: or, It is not silver nor gold that we have to do with Saul or his house, neither pertains it to us to kill, etc

5

And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, devised: or, cut us off

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֙2 of 13

“Wherefore David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגִּבְעֹנִ֔ים4 of 13

“unto the Gibeonites”

H1393

a gibonite, or inhabitant of gibon

מָ֥ה5 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה6 of 13

“What shall I do”

H6213

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

לָכֶ֑ם7 of 13
H0
וּבַמָּ֣ה8 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אֲכַפֵּ֔ר9 of 13

“for you and wherewith shall I make the atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

וּבָֽרְכ֖וּ10 of 13

“that ye may bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת11 of 13
H853

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

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת12 of 13

“the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 21:3 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 21:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 20:19Hebrews 9:221 Samuel 26:19Exodus 32:30Micah 6:6-7Leviticus 1:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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