King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:21 in the King James Version says “And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, a... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. a goodly: Heb. a man of countenance, or, sight: called I.Chr.I.23. a man of great stature

2 Samuel 23:21 · KJV


Context

19

Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

20

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man , of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: who: Heb. great of acts lionlike: Heb. lion of God

21

And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. a goodly: Heb. a man of countenance, or, sight: called I.Chr.I.23. a man of great stature

22

These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

23

He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard. more: or, honourable among the thirty guard: or, council: Heb. at his command


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 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 legacy, faithful servants 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 legacy, faithful servants?
  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 · 20 words
וְהוּא1 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הִכָּה֩2 of 20

and slew

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

אִ֨ישׁ4 of 20

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)

הַמִּצְרִ֔י5 of 20

an Egyptian

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

אִ֣שׁר6 of 20
H834

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

מַרְאֶ֗ה7 of 20

a goodly

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

מִיַּ֣ד8 of 20

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

הַמִּצְרִ֔י9 of 20

an Egyptian

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃10 of 20

had a spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

וַיֵּ֥רֶד11 of 20

but he went down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֵלָ֖יו12 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּשָּׁ֑בֶט13 of 20

to him with a staff

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

וַיִּגְזֹ֤ל14 of 20

and plucked

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

אֶֽת15 of 20
H853

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

בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃16 of 20

had a spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

מִיַּ֣ד17 of 20

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

הַמִּצְרִ֔י18 of 20

an Egyptian

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

וַיַּֽהַרְגֵ֖הוּ19 of 20

And he slew

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃20 of 20

had a spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)


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 23:21 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 23:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study