King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:19 in the King James Version says “And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seeme... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

2 Samuel 3:19 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

20

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

21

And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

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 · 22 words
לְדַבֵּ֞ר1 of 22

also spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

גַּם2 of 22
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַבְנֵ֗ר3 of 22

And Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

בְּאָזְנֵ֤י4 of 22

in the ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

בִּנְיָמִֽן׃5 of 22

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ6 of 22
H1980

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

גַּם7 of 22
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַבְנֵ֗ר8 of 22

And Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

לְדַבֵּ֞ר9 of 22

also spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּאָזְנֵ֤י10 of 22

in the ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

דָוִד֙11 of 22

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּחֶבְר֔וֹן12 of 22

in Hebron

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

אֵ֤ת13 of 22
H853

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

כָּל14 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר15 of 22
H834

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

טוֹב֙16 of 22

good

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

וּבְעֵינֵ֖י17 of 22

all that seemed

H5869

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל18 of 22

to Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּבְעֵינֵ֖י19 of 22

all that seemed

H5869

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

כָּל20 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֥ית21 of 22

to the whole house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

בִּנְיָמִֽן׃22 of 22

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory


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 3:19 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 3:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study