King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 4:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 4:7 in the King James Version says “For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber , and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 4:7 · KJV

Context

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.

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,

Read 2 Samuel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ1 of 21

“For when they came”

H935

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

הַבַּ֗יִת2 of 21

“into the house”

H1004

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

וְהֽוּא3 of 21
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

שֹׁכֵ֤ב4 of 21

“he lay”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַל5 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִטָּתוֹ֙6 of 21

“on his bed”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

בַּֽחֲדַ֣ר7 of 21

“in his bedchamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

מִשְׁכָּב֔וֹ8 of 21
H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

וַיַּכֻּ֙הוּ֙9 of 21

“and they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וַיְמִתֻ֔הוּ10 of 21

“him and slew”

H4191

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

וַיָּסִ֖ירוּ11 of 21

“him and beheaded”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת12 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ13 of 21

“his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיִּקְחוּ֙14 of 21

“him and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ16 of 21

“his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיֵּֽלְכ֛וּ17 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דֶּ֥רֶךְ18 of 21

“through”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָֽעֲרָבָ֖ה19 of 21

“the plain”

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

כָּל20 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַלָּֽיְלָה׃21 of 21

“all night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 2:29Matthew 14:111 Samuel 17:541 Samuel 31:9Mark 6:28-292 Kings 10:6-7

Places in This Verse

ArabahRegion · Modern: Arabah · 30.42°N, 35.15°E26 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 4 →

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