King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:7 in the King James Version says “But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned wi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. fenced: Heb. filled”

2 Samuel 23:7 · KJV

Context

5

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

6

But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

7

But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. fenced: Heb. filled

8

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat , chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. The Tachmonite: or, Joshebbassebet the Tachmonite, head of the three. whom he: Heb. slain. he lift: See 1.Ch.11.11. whom he: Heb. slain

9

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

Read 2 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

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.

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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 · 11 words
וְאִישׁ֙1 of 11

“But 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)

יִגַּ֣ע2 of 11

“that shall touch”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בָּהֶ֔ם3 of 11
H0
יִמָּלֵ֥א4 of 11

“them must be fenced”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בַרְזֶ֖ל5 of 11

“with iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וְעֵ֣ץ6 of 11

“and the staff”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

חֲנִ֑ית7 of 11

“of a spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

וּבָאֵ֕שׁ8 of 11

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יִשָּֽׂרְפ֖וּ9 of 11

“and they shall be utterly”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

יִשָּֽׂרְפ֖וּ10 of 11

“and they shall be utterly”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בַּשָּֽׁבֶת׃11 of 11

“in the same place”

H7675

properly, session; but used also concretely, an abode or locality

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 23:7 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 23:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 6:82 Thessalonians 2:82 Thessalonians 1:8Matthew 13:42Luke 19:27Isaiah 27:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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