King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:8 in the King James Version says “And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 5:8 · KJV

Context

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

9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 25 words
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ1 of 25

“he shall be chief and captain Wherefore they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֑ד2 of 25

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּיּ֣וֹם3 of 25

“on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא4 of 25
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

כָּל5 of 25
H3605

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

מַכֵּ֤ה6 of 25

“and smiteth”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְבֻסִי֙7 of 25

“the Jebusites”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

וְיִגַּ֣ע8 of 25

“Whosoever getteth up”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בַּצִּנּ֔וֹר9 of 25

“to the gutter”

H6794

a culvert

וְאֶת10 of 25
H853

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

וּפִסֵּ֔חַ11 of 25

“and the lame”

H6455

lame

וְאֶת12 of 25
H853

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

עִוֵּ֣ר13 of 25

“The blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

שְׂנֻאֵ֖ו14 of 25

“that are hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

נֶ֣פֶשׁ15 of 25

“soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

דָּוִ֑ד16 of 25

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַל17 of 25
H5921

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

כֵּן֙18 of 25
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יֹֽאמְר֔וּ19 of 25

“he shall be chief and captain Wherefore they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עִוֵּ֣ר20 of 25

“The blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

וּפִסֵּ֔חַ21 of 25

“and the lame”

H6455

lame

לֹ֥א22 of 25
H3808

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

יָב֖וֹא23 of 25

“shall not come”

H935

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

אֶל24 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבָּֽיִת׃25 of 25

“into the house”

H1004

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

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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 15:16-171 Chronicles 11:6-91 Samuel 17:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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