King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:5 in the King James Version says “And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remai...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 21:5 · KJV

Context

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

6

Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them. whom: or, chosen of the LORD

7

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

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 · 14 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙1 of 14

“And they answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ3 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

הָאִישׁ֙4 of 14

“The man”

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)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 14
H834

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

כִּלָּ֔נוּ6 of 14

“that consumed”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר7 of 14
H834

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

דִּמָּה8 of 14

“us and that devised”

H1819

to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider

לָ֑נוּ9 of 14
H0
נִשְׁמַ֕דְנוּ10 of 14

“against us that we should be destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

מֵֽהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב11 of 14

“from remaining”

H3320

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

בְּכָל12 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּבֻ֥ל13 of 14

“in any of the coasts”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃14 of 14

“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 21:5 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 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:1Matthew 7:2Esther 9:24-25Daniel 9:26

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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