King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:13 in the King James Version says “And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.”

2 Samuel 6:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

12

And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

13

And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

14

And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

15

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Ark Brought to Jerusalem, emphasizing reverence in worship, God's holiness. The ark's journey to Jerusalem emphasizes God's transcendent holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. Uzzah's death for touching the ark (though apparently well-intentioned) teaches that sincerity doesn't override obedience. David's dancing demonstrates appropriate joy in worship. Michal's contempt reveals heart attitudes toward genuine worship. The Hebrew qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ, 'holiness') dominates this chapter.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 6 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 reverence in worship, God's holiness 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 reverence in worship, God's holiness?
  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 · 11 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּ֧י2 of 11
H3588

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

צָֽעֲד֛וּ3 of 11

“had gone”

H6805

to pace, i.e., step regularly; (upward) to mount; (along) to march; (down and causatively) to hurl

נֹֽשְׂאֵ֥י4 of 11

“And it was so that when they that bare”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֲרוֹן5 of 11

“the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׁשָּׁ֣ה7 of 11

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

צְעָדִ֑ים8 of 11

“paces”

H6806

a pace or regular step

וַיִּזְבַּ֥ח9 of 11

“he sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

שׁ֖וֹר10 of 11

“oxen”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וּמְרִֽיא׃11 of 11

“and fatlings”

H4806

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

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 6:13 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 6:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 15:151 Kings 8:5Numbers 4:151 Chronicles 15:2Numbers 7:9Joshua 3:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 6 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes