King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:31 in the King James Version says “And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mo... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 3:31 · KJV


Context

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

32

And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.

33

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔ד2 of 21

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֜ב4 of 21

to Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶל5 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל6 of 21
H3605

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

הָעָ֣ם7 of 21

and to all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר8 of 21
H834

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

אִתּ֗וֹ9 of 21
H854

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

קִרְע֤וּ10 of 21

that were with him Rend

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

בִגְדֵיכֶם֙11 of 21

your clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְחִגְר֣וּ12 of 21

and gird

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

שַׂקִּ֔ים13 of 21

you with sackcloth

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

וְסִפְד֖וּ14 of 21

and mourn

H5594

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

לִפְנֵ֣י15 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אַבְנֵ֑ר16 of 21

Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ17 of 21

And king

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֔ד18 of 21

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הֹלֵ֖ךְ19 of 21

himself followed

H1980

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י20 of 21
H310

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

הַמִּטָּֽה׃21 of 21

the bier

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier


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 3:31 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 3:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study