King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:19 in the King James Version says “And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.”

2 Samuel 6:19 · KJV

Context

17

And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. pitched: Heb. stretched

18

And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.

19

And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

20

Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! shamelessly: or, openly

21

And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

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 · 22 words
וַיְחַלֵּ֨ק1 of 22

“And he dealt”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

לְכָל2 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם3 of 22

“among all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְכָל4 of 22
H3605

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

הֲמ֣וֹן5 of 22

“even among the whole multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

יִשְׂרָאֵל֮6 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אִ֥ישׁ7 of 22

“as men”

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)

וְעַד8 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אִשָּׁה֒9 of 22

“as well to the women”

H802

a woman

אִ֥ישׁ10 of 22

“as men”

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)

חַלַּ֥ת11 of 22

“cake”

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

לֶ֙חֶם֙12 of 22

“of bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֶחָ֑ת13 of 22

“a”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְאֶשְׁפָּ֣ר14 of 22

“and a good piece”

H829

a measured portion

אֶחָ֑ת15 of 22

“a”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַֽאֲשִׁישָׁ֖ה16 of 22

“of flesh and a flagon”

H809

something closely pressed together, i.e., a cake of raisins or other comfits

אֶחָ֑ת17 of 22

“a”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ18 of 22
H1980

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

כָּל19 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם20 of 22

“among all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אִ֥ישׁ21 of 22

“as men”

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)

לְבֵיתֽוֹ׃22 of 22

“to his 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 6:19 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 6:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:101 Chronicles 16:3Ezekiel 45:171 Kings 8:662 Chronicles 7:102 Chronicles 35:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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