King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:38 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:38 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?”

2 Samuel 3:38 · KJV

Context

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.

38

And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

39

And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. weak: Heb. tender

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?

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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ2 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדָ֑יו4 of 13

“unto his servants”

H5650

a servant

הֲל֣וֹא5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵֽדְע֔וּ6 of 13

“Know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּי7 of 13
H3588

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

שַׂ֣ר8 of 13

“ye not that there is a prince”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְגָד֗וֹל9 of 13

“and a great man”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

נָפַ֛ל10 of 13

“fallen”

H5307

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

הַיּ֥וֹם11 of 13

“this 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

הַזֶּ֖ה12 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 3:38 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 3:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 32:92 Samuel 3:121 Samuel 14:50-512 Samuel 2:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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