King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:3 in the King James Version says “And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold , and tha...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold , and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?”

2 Samuel 24:3 · KJV

Context

1

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2

For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. Go: or, Compass

3

And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold , and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

4

Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

5

And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer: river: or, valley

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 23

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹאָ֜ב2 of 23

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ4 of 23

“the king”

H4428

a king

וְיוֹסֵ֣ף5 of 23

“add”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

יְהוָה֩6 of 23

“Now the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ7 of 23

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל8 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֜ם9 of 23

“unto the people”

H5971

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

וְכָהֵם֙10 of 23

“how many soever”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְכָהֵם֙11 of 23

“how many soever”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מֵאָ֣ה12 of 23

“they be an hundredfold”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

פְעָמִ֔ים13 of 23
H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וְעֵינֵ֥י14 of 23

“and that the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַֽאדֹנִ֣י15 of 23

“it but why doth my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ16 of 23

“the king”

H4428

a king

רֹא֑וֹת17 of 23

“may see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וַֽאדֹנִ֣י18 of 23

“it but why doth my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ19 of 23

“the king”

H4428

a king

לָ֥מָּה20 of 23
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

חָפֵ֖ץ21 of 23

“delight”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

בַּדָּבָ֥ר22 of 23

“in this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּֽה׃23 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 24:3 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 24:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:11Psalms 115:142 Samuel 10:12Isaiah 60:51 Chronicles 21:3-4Proverbs 14:28

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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