2 Samuel 12:2
2 Samuel 12:2 in Multiple Translations
The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle,
The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds;
The man of wealth had great numbers of flocks and herds;
The rich man had many thousands of sheep and cattle,
The rich man had exceeding many sheepe and oxen:
The rich hath flocks and herds very many;
The rich man had very many flocks and herds,
The rich man had very numerous flocks and herds:
The rich man had exceeding many sheep and oxen.
The rich man owned a lot of cattle and sheep.
The rich man had big mobs of sheep, goats, cows and bulls,
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:2
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 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/עָשִׁ֗יר
הָיָ֛ה
צֹ֥אן
וּ/בָקָ֖ר
הַרְבֵּ֥ה
מְאֹֽד
לְ/עָשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Prep | Adj
הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
וּ/בָקָ֖ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | N-cs
הַרְבֵּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Ptc
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:2
לְ/עָשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בָקָ֖ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
הַרְבֵּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 12:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:2
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:2
Context — Nathan Rebukes David
1Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.
2The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle,
3but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. 4Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 15:16 | Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace. |
| 2 | Job 1:3 | and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 5:13–16 | After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him. These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 12:8 | I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:2–5 | And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron. |
2 Samuel 12:2 Summary
This verse tells us about a rich man who had many animals, which shows he was very wealthy. However, as we see in the next verses, his wealth didn't make him kind or generous. In fact, he took something that didn't belong to him, which was very wrong. This story helps us think about how we use what we have, and whether we are being kind and fair to others, as taught in Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 12:13-21. We can learn from this verse to be mindful of our actions and to always try to do what is right and just, as guided by Proverbs 21:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the rich man's wealth in this verse?
The rich man's wealth, as described in 2 Samuel 12:2, highlights his ability to provide for himself and others, but also sets the stage for his selfish actions in 2 Samuel 12:4, illustrating the dangers of selfishness and greed, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10.
How does this verse relate to the story of David and Bathsheba?
This verse is part of a parable told by Nathan to David, confronting him about his sin with Bathsheba, as described in 2 Samuel 11:1-27, and helping David to see his actions from a different perspective, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:1-14.
What can we learn from the rich man's possessions in this verse?
The rich man's many sheep and cattle, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 12:2, demonstrate his prosperity, but also serve as a contrast to the poor man's single ewe lamb, highlighting the themes of wealth, responsibility, and compassion, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Luke 12:48.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of a pivotal moment in the book of 2 Samuel, as Nathan confronts David about his sin, leading to David's repentance, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:13, and ultimately, to a deeper understanding of God's mercy and forgiveness, as described in Psalm 51:1-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting like the rich man, prioritizing my own desires over the needs of others?
- How can I use my resources and blessings to serve and care for those around me, rather than just accumulating wealth and possessions?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are less fortunate, as seen in the poor man's love for his ewe lamb?
- How can I apply the principles of justice and fairness, as implied in this verse, to my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:2
The rich [man] had exceeding many flocks and herds. In which the wealth of men lay in those times and countries; these in the parable signify David's wives and concubines, which were many; he had six
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:2
The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:2
Noting David’ s many wives and concubines.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:2
2 Samuel 12:2 The rich [man] had exceeding many flocks and herds:Ver. 2. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds.] The greater was his sin, since pressed with no necessity. What need had the angels to leave their first estate and habitation? What need had Adam to reach after a deity? What need had Ahab to covet Naboth’ s vineyard? &c. It is no small aggravation of a man’ s sin to fall into it without a strong temptation; to be led to it with a wet finger, as we say.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:2
(2) There were two men.—The parable is designed to bring out David’s indignation against the offender without being so clear as to awaken at first any suspicion of a personal application. It does not allude to the special crimes of David, but to the meanness and selfishness of the transaction—qualities which David was still in a condition to appreciate. For a similar use of parables see 2 Samuel 14:2-11; 1 Kings 20:35-41.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:2
2. The rich man, &c.] Observe how the details of the parable are all arranged so as to bring the heartless selfishness of the rich man into the strongest relief.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Dangers When We Are Blessed by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the dangers that come when the blessing of the Lord is upon our lives and labors. He highlights the risks of spiritual pride, unwillingness to receive cor |
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The Sheep by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook preaches about the significance of sheep and lambs in the Bible, highlighting how they are frequently mentioned and the beautiful descriptions given about them. She |
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And David Took Him More Wives Out of Jerusalem. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the troubling decision of King David to take more wives in Jerusalem, contrasting this with the biblical law that cautions against such actions to prevent th |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo |