King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 6:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 6:8 in the King James Version says “And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 6:8 · King James Version

Context

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?

10

So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

Read 2 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּ֣חַר1 of 16

“was displeased”

H2734

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

לְדָוִ֔ד2 of 16

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַל֩3 of 16
H5921

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 16
H834

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

פָּרַ֧ץ5 of 16

“had made”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

יְהוָ֛ה6 of 16

“because the LORD”

H3068

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

פֶּ֖רֶץ7 of 16

“a breach”

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֻזָּ֑ה8 of 16

“upon Uzzah”

H5798

uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites

וַיִּקְרָ֞א9 of 16

“and he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמָּק֤וֹם10 of 16

“the name of the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַהוּא֙11 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

פֶּ֣רֶץ12 of 16
H0
עֻזָּ֔ה13 of 16

“Perezuzzah”

H6560

perets-uzza, a place in palestine

עַ֖ד14 of 16
H5704

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

הַיּ֥וֹם15 of 16

“to this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃16 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 13:11-12Jonah 4:1Jonah 4:9

Places in This Verse

Perez-uzzahSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 6 →

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