2 Samuel 1:17
2 Samuel 1:17 in Multiple Translations
Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan,
¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son
Then David made this song of grief for Saul and Jonathan, his son:
Then David sang this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan.
Then Dauid mourned with this lamentation ouer Saul, and ouer Ionathan his sonne,
And David lamenteth with this lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son;
David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son:
And David made this kind of lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son.
Then David composed/wrote this sad song about Saul and Jonathan,
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְקֹנֵ֣ן
דָּוִ֔ד
אֶת
הַ/קִּינָ֖ה
הַ/זֹּ֑את
עַל
שָׁא֖וּל
וְ/עַל
יְהוֹנָתָ֥ן
בְּנֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְקֹנֵ֣ן
qûwn
H6969
to chant
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/קִּינָ֖ה
qîynâh
H7015
dirge
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
יְהוֹנָתָ֥ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
בְּנֽ/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:17
וַ/יְקֹנֵ֣ן
qûwn
H6969
"to chant"
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to chant or wail, often at a funeral, and is used to express lament or mourning, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to chant a dirge, chant, wail, lament 1a) (Polel) to lament
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourning woman. See also: 2 Samuel 1:17; Jeremiah 9:16; Ezekiel 32:16.
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קִּינָ֖ה
qîynâh
H7015
"dirge"
Art | N-fs
This word is a dirge, a song or lament expressing sorrow, often with music or beating of the breasts. It is used to mourn or express grief. The word is about sadness.
Definition: lamentation, dirge, elegy
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: lamentation. See also: 2 Samuel 1:17; Ezekiel 26:17; Jeremiah 7:29.
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְהוֹנָתָ֥ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
בְּנֽ/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 1:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:17
Context — David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan
15Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died.
16For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”
17Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan,
18and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: 19“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 35:25 | Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the choirs of men and women sing laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 1:19 | “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! |
| 3 | Genesis 50:11 | When the Canaanites of the land saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a solemn ceremony of mourning by the Egyptians.” Thus the place across the Jordan is called Abel-mizraim. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 9:17–21 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Take note, and summon the wailing women; send for the most skillful among them. Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water. For the sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How devastated we are! How great is our shame! For we have abandoned the land because our dwellings have been torn down.’” Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD. Open your ears to the word of His mouth. Teach your daughters to wail, and one another to lament. For death has climbed in through our windows; it has entered our fortresses to cut off the children from the streets, the young men from the town squares. |
2 Samuel 1:17 Summary
In this verse, David is showing his respect and sorrow for the death of Saul, the king of Israel, and his son Jonathan, who was David's friend. Even though Saul had tried to kill David many times, David still recognized that Saul was the Lord's anointed and deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:6 and 1 Samuel 26:9. David's actions are a great example of how we should treat others, even if they have wronged us, and how we should respect the offices that God has established, as taught in Romans 13:1-2. By mourning the loss of Saul and Jonathan, David is showing that he values human life and relationships, and that he is committed to doing what is right, even in difficult situations, as seen in Psalm 119:30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David mourn the death of Saul, who had tried to kill him multiple times?
David mourned Saul's death because he recognized that Saul was still the Lord's anointed, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:16, and he respected the office of king, even if the king himself was flawed, as taught in Romans 13:1-2.
What is the significance of David's lament for Saul and Jonathan?
David's lament shows his respect and love for Jonathan, his friend, and his recognition of the tragedy of Saul's death, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of sin, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:19 and Psalm 51:4.
How could David order the teaching of a song about Saul's death, when he had just executed the Amalekite for speaking against Saul?
David's actions are consistent because he was not celebrating Saul's death, but rather mourning the loss of the Lord's anointed and the tragedy of his downfall, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:17-18, and he was holding the Amalekite accountable for his boasting about killing Saul, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:15-16.
What does this verse reveal about David's character?
This verse reveals that David was a man of great emotional depth and compassion, able to mourn the death of his enemy and recognize the tragedy of his downfall, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:17, and it also shows his commitment to justice and righteousness, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:15-16 and Proverbs 21:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show respect and compassion to those who may have wronged me, just as David did for Saul?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to show mercy and forgiveness, as David did in this situation?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt the need to mourn the loss of something or someone, and how can I process those emotions in a healthy way?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of respect for authority and the offices that God has established, even when the individuals in those offices are flawed?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:17
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son. Composed the following elegy on account of their death, and sung it in a tune agreeable to it, he and the men that were with him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:17
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: David lamented with this lamentation.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
2 Samuel 1:17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:Ver. 17. And David lamented.] He composed this following elegy, or epitaph, this funeral song: a usual practice among the ancients.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
(17) Lamented with this lamentation.—This is the technical expression for a funeral dirge or elegy, such as David also composed on the death of Abner (2 Samuel 3:33-34), and Jeremiah on the death of Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:25). It is the only instance preserved to us (except the few lines on the death of Abner) of David’s secular poetry. “It is one of the finest odes of the Old Testament, full of lofty sentiment, and springing from deep and sanctified emotion, in which, without the slightest allusion to his own relation to the fallen king, David celebrates without envy the bravery and virtues of Saul and his son Jonathan, and bitterly laments their loss.” (Keil.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
Verse 17. David lamented] See this lamentation, and the notes on it at the end of this chapter. 2 Samuel 1:21.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:17
17–27. David’s lamentation for Saul and Jonathan 17. lamented with this lamentation] The technical expression for a death-dirge or mournful elegy, such as that pronounced by David over Abner (ch. 2 Samuel 3:33-34), and by Jeremiah over Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:25).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 1:17
The words lamented and lamentation must be understood in the technical sense of a funeral dirge or mournful elegy.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17
DAVID’S OVER SAUL AND , 2 Samuel 1:17-27. 17. This lamentation, which evidently sprang from deep and sanctified emotions, is an elegy of surpassing tenderness, and one of the most beautiful odes of the Old Testament.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by discussing the closing events of 1 Samuel, which include the death of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. He then transi |
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(1 Samuel) How to Be Free From Bitterness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of river rafting to illustrate the journey of walking with God. He emphasizes the importance of suffering courageously for the Lord in |
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Faithful to the End by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, as exemplified by Fano, who obeyed God's voice despite opposition. He warns against the dangers of dis |
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David - Raised Up by God by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between man's way of achieving and fulfilling God's will and God's way. He uses the examples of Saul, who was chosen by the peop |
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David Lamenting Over the Death of Saul Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith reflects on the lamentation of David over the death of Saul. He emphasizes the beauty and might of Israel that has been lost. Pastor Chuck also m |
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Weeping for Souls by Ian Goligher | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and a broken spirit when delivering the message of God. He uses the examples of Elisha and Jeremiah, |
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23. the Hidden Woman (Part 2) by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting husbands, highlighting the impact of a wife's reverence on her husband's growth and the generational consequences o |