King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:29 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

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

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

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Let it rest on the head of Joab.**—The strong curse here pronounced by David shows that Joab’s act could not be justified as that of the “Goel,” or lawful avenger of his brother’s blood, for Abner had slain Asahel in battle, unwillingly and in self-defence. It is also to be remembered that Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:13), and that here not even the “Goel” might slay the murderer without a trial (Numbers 35:22-25). The curse falls “on his father’s house,” since Abishai also (2Samuel 3:30) had been concerned with him in the murder. The phrase, “that leaneth on a staff,” has been understood by many as “holding a distaff,” *i.e., *a person unfit for war. The word has the sense of “distaff” in Proverbs 31:19, and is so rendered here by the Vulgate; but the sense given by the English—which is also that of the LXX. and Targum—is better, and more in accordance with the other particulars. For “*on *the sword” read “*by *the sword,” there being no reference to the idea of suicide. On the violent end of Joab see 1Kings 2:31-34.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.