King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:28 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:28 in the King James Version says “And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Ab...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: blood: Heb. bloods”

2 Samuel 3:28 · KJV

Context

26

And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. quietly: or, peaceably

28

And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: blood: Heb. bloods

29

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. fail: Heb. be cut off

30

So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

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 · 16 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע1 of 16

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דָּוִד֙2 of 16

“when David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵאַ֣חֲרֵי3 of 16

“And afterward”

H310

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

כֵ֔ן4 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר5 of 16

“it he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָקִ֨י6 of 16

“are guiltless”

H5355

innocent

אָֽנֹכִ֧י7 of 16
H595

i

וּמַמְלַכְתִּ֛י8 of 16

“I and my kingdom”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מֵעִ֥ם9 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 16

“before the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַד11 of 16
H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

עוֹלָ֑ם12 of 16

“ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

מִדְּמֵ֖י13 of 16

“from the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אַבְנֵ֥ר14 of 16

“of Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן15 of 16

“the 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

נֵֽר׃16 of 16

“of Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

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 3:28 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 3:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 35:33Genesis 4:10Genesis 9:6Exodus 21:12Deuteronomy 21:1-9Matthew 27:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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