King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:14 in the King James Version says “And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hun...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 3:14 · KJV

Context

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 .

16

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned. along: Heb. going and weeping

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

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.

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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 · 20 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 20

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָּוִד֙2 of 20

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מַלְאָכִ֔ים3 of 20

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל4 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִֽישׁ5 of 20
H0
בֹּ֥שֶׁת6 of 20

“to Ishbosheth”

H378

ish-bosheth, a son of king saul

בֶּן7 of 20

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁא֖וּל8 of 20

“Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לֵאמֹ֑ר9 of 20

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תְּנָ֤ה10 of 20

“Deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת11 of 20
H853

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

אִשְׁתִּי֙12 of 20

“me my wife”

H802

a woman

אֶת13 of 20
H853

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

מִיכַ֔ל14 of 20

“Michal”

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

אֲשֶׁר֙15 of 20
H834

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

אֵרַ֣שְׂתִּי16 of 20

“which I espoused”

H781

to promise to marry

לִ֔י17 of 20
H0
בְּמֵאָ֖ה18 of 20

“to me for an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

עָרְל֥וֹת19 of 20

“foreskins”

H6190

the prepuce

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃20 of 20

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 18:271 Samuel 18:252 Samuel 2:10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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