King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:39 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:39 in the King James Version says “And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.”

2 Samuel 22:39 · KJV

Context

37

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. feet: Heb. ankles

38

I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.

39

And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.

40

For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me. subdued: Heb. caused to bow

41

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Song, emphasizing praising God for deliverance. David's psalm of deliverance (parallel to Psalm 18) celebrates God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous reign. The Hebrew poetry employs vivid imagery of divine intervention, warrior language, and covenant terminology. Theological themes include praising God for deliverance, reviewing God's faithfulness in retrospect, the righteousness of God's judgments, and anticipation of ultimate victory through God's anointed (messianic overtones).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 22 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 praising God for deliverance 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 praising God for deliverance?
  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 · 7 words
וָֽאֲכַלֵּ֥ם1 of 7

“And I have consumed”

H3615

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

וָֽאֶמְחָצֵ֖ם2 of 7

“them and wounded”

H4272

to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy

וְלֹ֣א3 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְקוּמ֑וּן4 of 7

“them that they could not arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ5 of 7

“yea they are fallen”

H5307

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

תַּ֥חַת6 of 7
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

רַגְלָֽי׃7 of 7

“under my feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 22:39 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 22:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:3Psalms 18:37Malachi 4:1Psalms 110:1Psalms 110:5-6Psalms 118:10-12

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 22 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes