King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:29 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:29 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 3:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. bier: Heb. bed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
יָחֻ֙לוּ֙1 of 20

Let it rest

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

עַל2 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣אשׁ3 of 20

on the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

יוֹאָ֡ב4 of 20

of Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶ֖ל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל6 of 20
H3605

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

מִבֵּ֣ית7 of 20

from the house

H1004

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

אָבִ֑יו8 of 20

and on all his father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְֽאַל9 of 20
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִכָּרֵ֣ת10 of 20

and let there not fail

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

מִבֵּ֣ית11 of 20

from the house

H1004

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

יוֹאָ֡ב12 of 20

of Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

זָ֠ב13 of 20

one that hath an issue

H2100

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

וּמְצֹרָ֞ע14 of 20

or that is a leper

H6879

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

וּמַֽחֲזִ֥יק15 of 20

or that leaneth

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בַּפֶּ֛לֶךְ16 of 20

on a staff

H6418

a circuit (i.e., district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch

וְנֹפֵ֥ל17 of 20

or that falleth

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בַּחֶ֖רֶב18 of 20

on the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַֽחֲסַר19 of 20

or that lacketh

H2638

lacking; hence, without

לָֽחֶם׃20 of 20

bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)


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 3:29 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 3:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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