King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:16 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:16 in the King James Version says “And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 3:16 · KJV

Context

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

17

And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: in times: Heb. both yesterday and the third day

18

Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

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 · 14 words
לֵ֥ךְ1 of 14

“with her along weeping”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אִתָּ֜הּ2 of 14
H854

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

אִישָׁ֗הּ3 of 14

“And her husband”

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)

לֵ֥ךְ4 of 14

“with her along weeping”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וּבָכֹ֛ה5 of 14
H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

אַֽחֲרֶ֖יהָ6 of 14

“behind”

H310

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

עַד7 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בַּֽחֻרִ֑ים8 of 14

“her to Bahurim”

H980

bachurim, a place in palestine

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר9 of 14

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֥יו10 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְנֵ֛ר11 of 14

“Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

לֵ֥ךְ12 of 14

“with her along weeping”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיָּשֹֽׁב׃13 of 14

“And he returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיָּשֹֽׁב׃14 of 14

“And he returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 19:162 Samuel 16:51 Kings 2:82 Samuel 17:18Proverbs 9:17-18

Places in This Verse

BahurimSettlement · Modern: Ras Tumeim · 31.79°N, 35.26°E7 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 3 →

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