King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:14 in the King James Version says “And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 6:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 10 words
וְדָוִ֕ד1 of 10

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מְכַרְכֵּ֥ר2 of 10

“danced”

H3769

to dance (i.e., whirl)

בְּכָל3 of 10
H3605

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

עֹ֖ז4 of 10

“with all his might”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

לִפְנֵ֣י5 of 10

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וְדָוִ֕ד7 of 10

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

חָג֖וּר8 of 10

“was girded”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

אֵפ֥וֹד9 of 10

“ephod”

H646

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

בָּֽד׃10 of 10

“with a linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 2:18Exodus 15:20Judges 11:34Psalms 149:3Psalms 150:4Colossians 3:23

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