King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:6 in the King James Version says “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, sayi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. thinking: or, saying David shall not, etc”

2 Samuel 5:6 · KJV

Context

4

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

6

And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. thinking: or, saying David shall not, etc

7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

8

And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. Wherefore: or, Because they had said, even the blind and the lame, He shall not come into the house

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

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 · 24 words
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ1 of 24
H1980

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

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ2 of 24

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֙3 of 24
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם4 of 24

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֶל5 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיְבֻסִ֖י6 of 24

“unto the Jebusites”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב7 of 24

“the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֑רֶץ8 of 24

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 24

“hither thinking”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָוִ֖ד10 of 24

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֔ר11 of 24

“hither thinking”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא12 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָב֥וֹא13 of 24

“cannot come in”

H935

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

הֵ֔נָּה14 of 24
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

כִּ֣י15 of 24
H3588

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

אִם16 of 24
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הֱסִֽירְךָ֗17 of 24

“Except thou take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הַֽעִוְרִ֤ים18 of 24

“the blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

וְהַפִּסְחִים֙19 of 24

“and the lame”

H6455

lame

לֵאמֹ֔ר20 of 24

“hither thinking”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא21 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָב֥וֹא22 of 24

“cannot come in”

H935

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

דָוִ֖ד23 of 24

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הֵֽנָּה׃24 of 24
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 1:81 Chronicles 11:4-9Joshua 18:28Judges 1:21Joshua 15:63Jeremiah 37:10

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 5 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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