King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:39 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:39 in the King James Version says “And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall rewar...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 3:39 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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 · 16 words
וְאָֽנֹכִ֨י1 of 16
H595

i

הַיּ֥וֹם2 of 16

“And I am 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

רַךְ֙3 of 16

“weak”

H7390

tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak

וּמָשׁ֣וּחַ4 of 16

“though anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

מֶ֔לֶךְ5 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים6 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָאֵ֛לֶּה7 of 16
H428

these or those

בְּנֵ֥י8 of 16

“the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָ֖ה9 of 16

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

קָשִׁ֣ים10 of 16

“be too hard”

H7186

severe (in various applications)

מִמֶּ֑נִּי11 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יְשַׁלֵּ֧ם12 of 16

“shall reward”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

יְהוָ֛ה13 of 16

“for me the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְעֹשֵׂ֥ה14 of 16

“the doer of evil”

H6213

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

כְּרָֽעָתֽוֹ׃15 of 16

“according to his wickedness”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

כְּרָֽעָתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

“according to his wickedness”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 3:39 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 3:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 101:8Psalms 28:41 Kings 2:33-34Proverbs 25:52 Timothy 4:141 Kings 2:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes