King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:7 in the King James Version says “And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. error: or, rashness”

2 Samuel 6:7 · KJV

Context

5

And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

6

And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. shook it: or, stumbled

7

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. error: or, rashness

8

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. made: Heb. broken Perezuzzah: that is, the breach of Uzzah

9

And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

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 · 14 words
וַיִּֽחַר1 of 14

“was kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַ֤ף2 of 14

“And the anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָה֙3 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּעֻזָּ֔ה4 of 14

“against Uzzah”

H5798

uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites

וַיַּכֵּ֥הוּ5 of 14

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֛ם6 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃7 of 14

“and God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל8 of 14
H5921

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

הַשַּׁ֑ל9 of 14

“him there for his error”

H7944

a fault

וַיָּ֣מָת10 of 14

“and there he died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָׁ֔ם11 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עִ֖ם12 of 14
H5973

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

אֲר֥וֹן13 of 14

“by the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃14 of 14

“and God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 6:191 Chronicles 15:131 Chronicles 13:10Leviticus 10:1-31 Chronicles 15:21 Corinthians 11:30-32

Test Your Knowledge

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

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