2 Samuel 12:17
2 Samuel 12:17 in Multiple Translations
The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.
And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
And the elders of his house arose, and stood beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
And the chief men of his house got up and went to his side to make him get up from the earth, but he would not; and he would not take food with them.
His senior officials approached him and tried to help him up from the ground, but he didn't want to, and he refused their appeals to eat.
Then the Elders of his house arose to come vnto him, and to cause him to rise from the groud: but he would not, neither did he eate meate with them.
And the elders of his house rise against him, to raise him up from the earth, and he hath not been willing, nor hath he eaten with them bread;
The elders of his house arose beside him, to raise him up from the earth; but he would not, and he didn’t eat bread with them.
And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
And the ancients of his house came, to make him rise from the ground: but he would not, neither did he eat meat with them.
The next morning his advisors stood around him and urged him to get up. But he would not get up, and he would not eat any food with them.
Some of his important working men came to see him. They tried to make him get up. They tried to make him eat some food. But nothing. He did not want to eat anything with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:17
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 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּקֻ֜מוּ
זִקְנֵ֤י
בֵית/וֹ֙
עָלָ֔י/ו
לַ/הֲקִימ֖/וֹ
מִן
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/לֹ֣א
אָבָ֔ה
וְ/לֹֽא
בָרָ֥א
אִתָּ֖/ם
לָֽחֶם
וַ/יָּקֻ֜מוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
זִקְנֵ֤י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
בֵית/וֹ֙
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
עָלָ֔י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לַ/הֲקִימ֖/וֹ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָבָ֔ה
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
בָרָ֥א
bârâh
H1262
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אִתָּ֖/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:17
וַ/יָּקֻ֜מוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
זִקְנֵ֤י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
בֵית/וֹ֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עָלָ֔י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
לַ/הֲקִימ֖/וֹ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָבָ֔ה
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בָרָ֥א
bârâh
H1262
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To eat or feed is what this Hebrew word means, also to choose or select food. It is used in various forms, like causing someone to eat or devour.
Definition: 1) to eat, consume 1a) (Qal) to eat 1b) (Piel) for eating, devouring 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to eat
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: choose, (cause to) eat, manifest, (give) meat. See also: 1 Samuel 17:8; 2 Samuel 13:5; Lamentations 4:10.
אִתָּ֖/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:17
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:17
Context — David’s Loss and Repentance
15After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
16David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.
17The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.
18On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” 19When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he perceived that the child was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” “He is dead,” they replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 3:35 | Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 28:23 | Saul refused, saying, “I will not eat.” But his servants joined the woman in urging him, and he heeded their voice. He got up from the ground and sat on the bed. |
2 Samuel 12:17 Summary
[In this verse, we see David deeply grieving and repenting for his sin, and refusing to be comforted by those around him, which shows how seriously he is taking his mistake. This is similar to how Jesus taught that we should repent and turn to God with a humble heart, as in Luke 15:11-24 where the prodigal son returns home. David's actions demonstrate the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and seeking forgiveness from God. By looking at David's example, we can learn the value of genuine repentance and humility, as also emphasized in Proverbs 28:13 where it says that whoever conceals their sins will not prosper.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David refuse to get up from the ground and eat with the elders of his household?
David was grieving and fasting for his sick child, and his actions demonstrate his deep sorrow and repentance, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:16 where he spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground, and also reminiscent of how people mourned in the Bible, such as in Job 2:8 where Job sat among the ashes.
What can we learn from David's unwillingness to eat with the elders?
David's refusal to eat shows that he was fully focused on his prayer and fasting, not wanting any distraction, similar to how Jesus taught that when we fast, we should not seek to draw attention to ourselves, as in Matthew 6:16-18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance and seeking forgiveness?
This verse highlights David's repentant heart as he mourns and seeks forgiveness for his sin, demonstrating the importance of genuine repentance and humility, as emphasized in 1 John 1:9 where it says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us.
What role do the elders of David's household play in this scene?
The elders of his household are trying to comfort and support David in his time of grief, but he is too distraught to be consoled, illustrating the deep emotional pain he is experiencing, and the challenge of providing comfort to someone in such a state of sorrow, as also seen in Job 2:11 where Job's friends came to mourn with him.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with the consequences of my own sin, and what can I learn from David's example of repentance and humility?
- In what ways can I, like the elders of David's household, offer support and comfort to those around me who are grieving or struggling?
- What are some ways that I can, like David, prioritize my relationship with God and seek His forgiveness when I have sinned?
- How can I balance the need to mourn and grieve with the need to care for my physical and emotional well-being, as David's refusal to eat may have ultimately harmed his health?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:17
And the elders of his house arose, [and went] to him, to raise him up from the earth,.... To persuade him to rise up, and sit upon a seat, and go to bed, after having taken some food; these were some
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:17
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:17
The elders of his house; the chief officers of his kingdom and household who were there present. This excessive mourning did not proceed simply from the fear of the loss of the child; but from a deep sense of his sin, and from the Divine displeasure manifested herein; and particularly from a just apprehension of the injury which he had done to the child by his sin, which justice obliged him to do his utmost to repair by prayer or other means.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:17
2 Samuel 12:17 And the elders of his house arose, [and went] to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.Ver. 17. But he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.] It is easy to observe that good man, David, too passionately attached to his children: and that these strong affections brought strong afflictions.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:17
17. the elders of his house] His oldest and most confidential servants. Cp. Genesis 24:2; Genesis 50:7.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:17
17. The elders of his house — The oldest, most experienced, and confidential of his servants.