King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:8 in the King James Version says “But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: Michal: or, Michal's sister brought: Heb. bare to Adriel”

2 Samuel 21:8 · King James Version

Context

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.

8

But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: Michal: or, Michal's sister brought: Heb. bare to Adriel

9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.

10

And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיִּקַּ֣ח1 of 27

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ2 of 27

“But the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 27
H853

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

שְׁ֠נֵי4 of 27

“the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בֶּן5 of 27

“sons”

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

רִצְפָּ֤ה6 of 27

“of Rizpah”

H7532

ritspah, an israelitess

בַּת7 of 27

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַיָּה֙8 of 27

“of Aiah”

H345

ajah, the name of two israelites

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 27
H834

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

יָֽלְדָ֛ה10 of 27

“whom she bare”

H3205

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

שָׁא֔וּל11 of 27

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶת12 of 27
H853

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

אַרְמֹנִ֖י13 of 27

“Armoni”

H764

armoni, an israelite

וְאֶת14 of 27
H853

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

מְפִבֹ֑שֶׁת15 of 27

“and Mephibosheth”

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

וְאֶת16 of 27
H853

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

חֲמֵ֗שֶׁת17 of 27

“and the five”

H2568

five

בֶּן18 of 27

“sons”

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

מִיכַ֣ל19 of 27

“of Michal”

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

בַּת20 of 27

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שָׁא֔וּל21 of 27

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֲשֶׁ֥ר22 of 27
H834

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

יָֽלְדָ֛ה23 of 27

“whom she bare”

H3205

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

לְעַדְרִיאֵ֥ל24 of 27

“for Adriel”

H5741

adriel, an israelite

בֶּן25 of 27

“sons”

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

בַּרְזִלַּ֖י26 of 27

“of Barzillai”

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

הַמְּחֹֽלָתִֽי׃27 of 27

“the Meholathite”

H4259

a mecholathite or inhabitant of abel-mecholah

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 21:8 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 21:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:71 Samuel 18:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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