King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 4:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 4:10 in the King James Version says “When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: thinking: Heb. he was in his own eyes as a bringer, etc who: or, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings”

2 Samuel 4:10 · KJV

Context

8

And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.

9

And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

10

When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: thinking: Heb. he was in his own eyes as a bringer, etc who: or, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings

11

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

12

And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

Read 2 Samuel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Ish-bosheth Murdered, emphasizing righteous vs unrighteous means. The assassination of Ish-bosheth and David's execution of the murderers demonstrates crucial distinctions between godly and ungodly means. While the result (removing Saul's dynasty) aligned with God's purposes, the method (treacherous murder) violated divine standards. Hebrew concepts of justice (mishpat, מִשְׁפָּט) and righteousness (tsedeq, צֶדֶק) permeate David's response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 4 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 righteous vs unrighteous means 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 righteous vs unrighteous means?
  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 · 19 words
כִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588

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

הַמַּגִּיד֩2 of 19

“When one told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִ֨י3 of 19
H0
לֵאמֹ֜ר4 of 19

“me saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּה5 of 19
H2009

lo!

מֵ֣ת6 of 19

“is dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָׁא֗וּל7 of 19

“Behold Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְהֽוּא8 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָיָ֤ה9 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִמְבַשֵּׂר֙10 of 19

“good tidings”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

בְּעֵינָ֔יו11 of 19

“thinking to have brought”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וָאֹֽחֲזָ֣ה12 of 19

“I took hold”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

ב֔וֹ13 of 19
H0
וָֽאֶהְרְגֵ֖הוּ14 of 19

“of him and slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בְּצִֽקְלָ֑ג15 of 19

“him in Ziklag”

H6860

tsiklag or tsikelag, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְתִתִּי17 of 19

“who thought that I would have given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֖וֹ18 of 19
H0
בְּשֹׂרָֽה׃19 of 19

“him a reward for his tidings”

H1309

glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news

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 4:10 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 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 1:2-16

Places in This Verse

ZiklagSettlement · Modern: Tell esh Sharia · 31.39°N, 34.68°E13 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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