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2 Samuel 1:3

2 Samuel 1:3 in Multiple Translations

“Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied.

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

And David said to him, Where have you come from? And he said, I have come in flight from the tents of Israel.

“Where have you come from?” David asked him. “I got away from the Israelite camp,” he replied.

Then Dauid saide vnto him, Whence commest thou? And he said vnto him, Out of the host of Israel I am escaped.

And David saith to him, 'Whence comest thou?' and he saith unto him, 'Out of the camp of Israel I have escaped.'

David said to him, “Where do you come from?” He said to him, “I have escaped out of the camp of Israel.”

And David said to him, From whence comest thou? And he said to him, Out of the camp of Israel have I escaped.

And David said to him: From whence comest thou? And he said to him: I am fled out of the camp of Israel.

David asked him, “Where have you come from?” The man replied, “I escaped from where the Israeli army had been camped.”

David asked, “Where did you come from?” He answered, “I ran away from that hill called Gilboa, from that big fight.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:3

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 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ל/וֹ֙ דָּוִ֔ד אֵ֥י מִ/זֶּ֖ה תָּב֑וֹא וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔י/ו מִ/מַּחֲנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל נִמְלָֽטְתִּי
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
דָּוִ֔ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אֵ֥י ʼay H335 where? Part
מִ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron
תָּב֑וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
מִ/מַּחֲנֵ֥ה machăneh H4264 camp Prep | N-cs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
נִמְלָֽטְתִּי mâlaṭ H4422 to escape V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:3

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
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.
אֵ֥י ʼay H335 "where?" Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
מִ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
תָּב֑וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִ/מַּחֲנֵ֥ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
נִמְלָֽטְתִּי mâlaṭ H4422 "to escape" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 1:15–19 the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The fire of God fell from heaven. It burned and consumed the sheep and the servants, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
2 2 Kings 5:25 When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.

2 Samuel 1:3 Summary

In this verse, David asks a man where he came from, and the man replies that he has escaped from the Israelite camp. This shows that David was interested in understanding the man's situation and was willing to listen to his story. This is an important example for us, as it shows the value of asking questions and seeking to understand others, as seen in Proverbs 18:13. By asking questions and listening to others, we can build relationships and provide support, just like David did in this verse, and as Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 7:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David ask the man where he came from?

David asked the man where he came from because he was trying to understand the man's situation and determine the validity of his story, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:3. This question also shows David's curiosity and desire to know what was happening in the Israelite camp.

What can we learn from David's interaction with the man?

We can learn that David was a leader who cared about the people and events around him, and he took the time to listen and ask questions, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:3-5. This is similar to Jesus' interactions with people, where He would ask questions to understand their situation and provide guidance, as seen in John 1:38 and John 9:35-38.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is an introduction to the man's story and sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes the man's report of Saul's death and David's response, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:4-10. It also shows how David received news and responded to it, which is an important aspect of his leadership.

What can we learn from the man's response to David's question?

The man's response, 'I have escaped from the Israelite camp,' indicates that he was fleeing from a difficult situation, and David's question helped to reveal this, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:3. This shows the importance of asking questions and seeking to understand others' situations, as seen in Proverbs 18:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times when you have had to ask questions to understand someone's situation, and how did it help you respond with compassion and care?
  2. How can you apply David's example of asking questions and seeking to understand others' situations in your own relationships and interactions?
  3. What are some ways that you can create a safe space for others to share their stories and experiences, just like David did with the man in this verse?
  4. How can you balance the need to ask questions and seek understanding with the need to provide guidance and support, as seen in David's interaction with the man?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:3

And David said unto him, from whence comest thou?.... It is very likely by his appearance and circumstances he suspected from whence he came: and he said unto him, out of the camp of Israel am I

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:3

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:3

2 Samuel 1:3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.Ver. 3. Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.] But as good he had lost his life there; for his preservation was but a reservation to a worse end. Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. "Bloody and deceitful persons shall not live out half their days."

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:3

(3) Out of the camp of Israel.—It has been questioned whether this Amalekite had actually been in the army of Israel, and the expression in 2 Samuel 1:6, “As I happened by chance upon Mount Gilboa,” has been cited to show that his presence there was merely accidental, but no one who is not concerned in the matter is likely to stray into the midst of a battle, and the expression “by chance” is better referred to his coming upon Saul when he was wounded. He certainly here claims to have been a part of the “camp of Israel.” He tells David the general facts of the defeat, and the death of Saul and Jonathan, as they really occurred.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 1:3

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson People's Grace by David Wilkerson In this sermon titled "People Grace," the preacher addresses the topic of enduring hardships and finding comfort in God's grace. The sermon begins with a prayer for all those who a

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