King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:35 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:35 in the King James Version says “And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

2 Samuel 3:35 · KJV


Context

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

35

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

36

And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. pleased them: Heb. was good in their eyes

37

For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.

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 · 28 words
בֽוֹא1 of 28

be down

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָל2 of 28

And when all

H3605

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

הָעָ֗ם3 of 28

the people

H5971

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

לְהַבְר֧וֹת4 of 28

to cause

H1262

to select; to feed; to render clear

אֶת5 of 28
H853

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

דָּוִ֜ד6 of 28

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֶ֖חֶם7 of 28

bread

H3899

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

בְּע֣וֹד8 of 28

while it was yet

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַיּ֑וֹם9 of 28

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע10 of 28

sware

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

דָּוִ֜ד11 of 28

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֗ר12 of 28

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֣ה13 of 28
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יַֽעֲשֶׂה14 of 28

So do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִּ֤י15 of 28
H0
אֱלֹהִים֙16 of 28

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְכֹ֣ה17 of 28
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יֹסִ֔יף18 of 28

to me and more also

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

כִּ֣י19 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם20 of 28
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לִפְנֵ֧י21 of 28

else till

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

בֽוֹא22 of 28

be down

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ23 of 28

the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

אֶטְעַם24 of 28

if I taste

H2938

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

לֶ֖חֶם25 of 28

bread

H3899

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

א֥וֹ26 of 28
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כָל27 of 28

And when all

H3605

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

מְאֽוּמָה׃28 of 28

or ought

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing


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 3:35 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 3:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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