King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:10 in the King James Version says “And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly i... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

2 Samuel 24:10 · King James Version


Context

8

So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.

9

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

10

And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

11

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

12

Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Census and Plague, emphasizing pride, judgment, provision. David's census represents prideful self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The plague's devastation demonstrates sin's consequences extending beyond the sinner. David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor and sacrifice there establishes the future temple location. Theological themes include the danger of pride, corporate consequences of leaders' sins, the necessity of proper sacrifice, God's mercy in limiting judgment, and divine purpose even in disciplinary actions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 24 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 pride, judgment, provision 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 pride, judgment, provision?
  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
וַיַּ֤ךְ1 of 27

smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לֵב2 of 27

heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

דָּוִ֜ד3 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֹת֔וֹ4 of 27
H853

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

אַֽחֲרֵי5 of 27

him after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֖ן6 of 27
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

סָפַ֣ר7 of 27

that he had numbered

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

אֶת8 of 27
H853

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

הָעָ֑ם9 of 27

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר10 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֜ד11 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל12 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֔ה13 of 27

and now I beseech thee O LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

חָטָ֤אתִי14 of 27

I have sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

מְאֹֽד׃15 of 27

for I have done very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 27
H834

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

עָשִׂ֔יתִי17 of 27

in that I have done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְעַתָּ֣ה18 of 27
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יְהוָ֔ה19 of 27

and now I beseech thee O LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַֽעֲבֶר20 of 27

take away

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

נָא֙21 of 27
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת22 of 27
H853

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

עֲוֹ֣ן23 of 27

the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

עַבְדְּךָ֔24 of 27

of thy servant

H5650

a servant

כִּ֥י25 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִסְכַּ֖לְתִּי26 of 27

foolishly

H5528

to be silly

מְאֹֽד׃27 of 27

for I have done very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 24:10 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 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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