King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:13 in the King James Version says “And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face,... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face. that is: Heb. saying

2 Samuel 3:13 · KJV


Context

11

And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

12

And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

13

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face. that is: Heb. saying

14

And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

15

And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Abner Defects and Dies, emphasizing political maneuvering, revenge consequences. This chapter illustrates the complexity of political transition and personal revenge. Abner's defection using covenant language (brit, בְּרִית) contrasts with Joab's treacherous murder, demonstrating how personal vengeance undermines national purposes. The text develops themes of legitimate vs illegitimate authority, the corrupting power of revenge, and maintaining integrity when others act unethically.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 3 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences 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 political maneuvering, revenge consequences?
  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 · 29 words
לֵאמֹר֙1 of 29

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ט֔וֹב2 of 29

Well

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲנִ֕י3 of 29
H589

i

אֶכְרֹ֥ת4 of 29

I will make

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אִתְּךָ֖5 of 29
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּרִ֑ית6 of 29

a league

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אַ֣ךְ7 of 29
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

דָּבָ֣ר8 of 29

thing

H1697

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

אֶחָ֡ד9 of 29

with thee but one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אָֽנֹכִי֩10 of 29
H595

i

שֹׁאֵ֨ל11 of 29

I require

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֵֽאִתְּךָ֤12 of 29
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לֵאמֹר֙13 of 29

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא14 of 29
H3808

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

לִרְא֥וֹת15 of 29

Thou shalt not see

H7200

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

אֶת16 of 29
H853

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

פָּנָֽי׃17 of 29

except thou first

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּ֣י׀18 of 29
H3588

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

אִם19 of 29
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

פָּנָֽי׃20 of 29

except thou first

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּבֹֽאֲךָ֖21 of 29

bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵ֚ת22 of 29
H853

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

מִיכַ֣ל23 of 29

Michal

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

בַּת24 of 29

daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שָׁא֔וּל25 of 29

Saul's

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בְּבֹֽאֲךָ֖26 of 29

bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִרְא֥וֹת27 of 29

Thou shalt not see

H7200

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

אֶת28 of 29
H853

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

פָּנָֽי׃29 of 29

except thou first

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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