King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 3:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 3:7 in the King James Version says “And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?”

2 Samuel 3:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

6

And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.

7

And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?

8

Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

9

So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;

Read 2 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?

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 · 14 words
וּלְשָׁא֣וּל1 of 14

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ2 of 14

“concubine”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

וּשְׁמָ֖הּ3 of 14

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

רִצְפָּ֣ה4 of 14

“was Rizpah”

H7532

ritspah, an israelitess

בַת5 of 14

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַיָּ֑ה6 of 14

“of Aiah”

H345

ajah, the name of two israelites

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙7 of 14

“and Ishbosheth said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל8 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְנֵ֔ר9 of 14

“to Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

מַדּ֥וּעַ10 of 14
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

בָּ֖אתָה11 of 14

“Wherefore hast thou gone in”

H935

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

אֶל12 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ13 of 14

“concubine”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

אָבִֽי׃14 of 14

“unto my father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:8-111 Kings 2:172 Samuel 16:21-222 Samuel 12:81 Kings 2:21-22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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