King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:13 in the King James Version says “And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons an...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.”

2 Samuel 5:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an house. masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall

12

And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

13

And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

14

And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

15

Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Philistines show divine enablement. Theological themes include God's faithfulness to promises, the importance of proper locations for worship, and divine empowerment for tasks God assigns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 5 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 God establishing His chosen king 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 God establishing His chosen king?
  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
וַיִּקַּח֩1 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְדָוִ֖ד2 of 14

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

ע֜וֹד3 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

פִּֽלַגְשִׁ֤ים4 of 14

“him more concubines”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

וְנָשִׁים֙5 of 14

“and wives”

H802

a woman

מִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם6 of 14

“out of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י7 of 14

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

בֹּא֣וֹ8 of 14

“he was come”

H935

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

מֵֽחֶבְר֑וֹן9 of 14

“from Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

וַיִּוָּ֥לְדוּ10 of 14

“born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ע֛וֹד11 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְדָוִ֖ד12 of 14

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בָּנִ֥ים13 of 14

“and there were yet 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

וּבָנֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“and daughters”

H1323

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

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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 3:9Deuteronomy 17:172 Chronicles 13:212 Chronicles 11:18-211 Chronicles 14:3-7Genesis 25:5-6

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 5 →

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