King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:22 in the King James Version says “And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoke...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 6:22 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 12 words
וּנְקַלֹּ֤תִי1 of 12

“And I will yet be more vile”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

עוֹד֙2 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

מִזֹּ֔את3 of 12

“than thus”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְהָיִ֥יתִי4 of 12
H1961

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

שָׁפָ֖ל5 of 12

“and will be base”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

בְּעֵינָ֑י6 of 12

“in mine own sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְעִם7 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָֽאֲמָהוֹת֙8 of 12

“and of the maidservants”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 12
H834

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

אָמַ֔רְתְּ10 of 12

“which thou hast spoken”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עִמָּ֖ם11 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אִכָּבֵֽדָה׃12 of 12

“of of them shall I be had in honour”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:14Isaiah 51:7Hebrews 12:21 Timothy 1:15Genesis 32:10Isaiah 50:6

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