King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 4:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 4:6 in the King James Version says “And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.”

2 Samuel 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth: or, Meribbaal

5

And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.

6

And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

7

For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber , and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

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 · 14 words
וְ֠הֵנָּה1 of 14
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

בָּ֜אוּ2 of 14

“And they came thither”

H935

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

עַד3 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

תּ֤וֹךְ4 of 14

“into the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַבַּ֙יִת֙5 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לֹֽקְחֵ֣י6 of 14

“as though they would have fetched”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

חִטִּ֔ים7 of 14

“wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וַיַּכֻּ֖הוּ8 of 14

“and they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֹ֑מֶשׁ10 of 14

“him under the fifth”

H2570

the abdomen (as obese)

וְרֵכָ֛ב11 of 14

“rib and Rechab”

H7394

rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites

וּבַֽעֲנָ֥ה12 of 14

“and Baanah”

H1196

baanah, the name of four israelites

אָחִ֖יו13 of 14

“his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

נִמְלָֽטוּ׃14 of 14

“escaped”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 2:232 Samuel 3:272 Samuel 20:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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