King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:32 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:32 in the King James Version says “And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people we...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 3:32 · KJV

Context

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?

34

Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him. wicked: Heb. children of iniquity

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וַיִּקְבְּר֥וּ1 of 15

“And they buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

אַבְנֵ֔ר3 of 15

“Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

בְּחֶבְר֑וֹן4 of 15

“in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

וַיִשָּׂ֧א5 of 15

“lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ6 of 15

“and the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת7 of 15
H853

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

קוֹל֗וֹ8 of 15

“his voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיִּבְכּ֖וּ9 of 15

“and wept”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

אֶל10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קֶ֣בֶר11 of 15

“at the grave”

H6913

a sepulcher

אַבְנֵ֔ר12 of 15

“Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

וַיִּבְכּ֖וּ13 of 15

“and wept”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

כָּל14 of 15
H3605

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

הָעָֽם׃15 of 15

“and 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

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 3:32 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 3:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 24:17Job 31:282 Samuel 18:33Luke 19:41-422 Samuel 1:121 Samuel 30:4

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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