King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:21 in the King James Version says “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 l... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 3:21 · KJV


Context

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.

22

And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

23

When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 27 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְנֵ֖ר2 of 27

Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

אֶל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֛ד4 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָק֣וּמָה׀5 of 27

I will arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְֽאֵלֵ֡כָה6 of 27
H1980

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

וְאֶקְבְּצָה֩7 of 27

and will gather

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶל8 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹנִ֨י9 of 27

unto my lord

H113

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

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ10 of 27

the king

H4428

a king

אֶת11 of 27
H853

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

כָּל12 of 27
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל13 of 27

all Israel

H3478

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

וְיִכְרְת֤וּ14 of 27

that they may 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

אִתְּךָ֙15 of 27
H854

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

בְּרִ֔ית16 of 27

a league

H1285

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

וּמָ֣לַכְתָּ֔17 of 27

with thee and that thou mayest reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בְּכֹ֥ל18 of 27
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר19 of 27
H834

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

תְּאַוֶּ֖ה20 of 27

desireth

H183

to wish for

נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ21 of 27

over all that thine heart

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וַיְּשַׁלַּ֥ח22 of 27

away

H7971

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

דָּוִ֛ד23 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת24 of 27
H853

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

אַבְנֵ֖ר25 of 27

Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ26 of 27
H1980

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

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃27 of 27

in peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace


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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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