King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:21 in the King James Version says “And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 6:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. of the: or, of the handmaids of my servants

23

Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 23

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֮2 of 23

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִיכַל֒4 of 23

“unto Michal”

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

לִפְנֵ֥י5 of 23

“It was 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

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּֽחַר8 of 23

“which chose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בִּ֤י9 of 23
H0
מֵֽאָבִיךְ֙10 of 23

“me before thy father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּמִכָּל11 of 23
H3605

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

בֵּית֔וֹ12 of 23

“and before all his house”

H1004

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

לְצַוֹּ֨ת13 of 23

“to appoint”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹתִ֥י14 of 23
H853

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

נָגִ֛יד15 of 23

“me ruler”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

עַל16 of 23
H5921

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

עַ֥ם17 of 23

“over the people”

H5971

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

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עַל19 of 23
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל20 of 23

“over Israel”

H3478

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

וְשִֽׂחַקְתִּ֖י21 of 23

“therefore will I play”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

לִפְנֵ֥י22 of 23

“It was 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

יְהוָֽה׃23 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:222 Samuel 6:16Psalms 89:19-201 Samuel 13:141 Samuel 15:28Psalms 78:70-72

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