King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 8:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 8:13 in the King James Version says “And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. smiting: Heb. his smiting”

2 Samuel 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;

12

Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

13

And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. smiting: Heb. his smiting

14

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

15

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

Read 2 Samuel 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Military Victories, emphasizing God granting victory and expansion. David's military campaigns demonstrate God's promise-keeping (Genesis 15:18-21) regarding territorial boundaries. The Hebrew emphasizes that "the LORD gave David victory wherever he went," attributing success to divine enablement rather than mere military prowess. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over nations, the legitimacy of defensive/offensive warfare under certain circumstances, and proper use of conquered wealth for God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 8 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 God granting victory and expansion 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 God granting victory and expansion?
  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
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 12

“gat”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דָּוִד֙2 of 12

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

שֵׁ֔ם3 of 12

“him a name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּשֻׁב֕וֹ4 of 12

“when he returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵֽהַכּוֹת֥וֹ5 of 12

“from smiting”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 12
H853

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

אֲרָ֖ם7 of 12

“of the Syrians”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

בְּגֵיא8 of 12

“in the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

מֶ֑לַח9 of 12

“of salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה10 of 12

“being eighteen”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

עָשָׂ֖ר11 of 12
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אָֽלֶף׃12 of 12

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 14:72 Samuel 7:91 Chronicles 18:122 Chronicles 25:11Psalms 60:1

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
Valley of SaltValley · Modern: Es Sebkha · 31.05°N, 35.41°E5 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 8 →

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