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2 Samuel 12:6

2 Samuel 12:6 in Multiple Translations

Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

And he will have to give back four times the value of the lamb, because he has done this and because he had no pity.

He must repay that lamb with four of his own for doing this, for being so heartless.”

And he shall restore the lambe foure folde, because he did this thing, and had no pitie thereof.

and the ewe-lamb he doth repay fourfold, because that he hath done this thing, and because that he had no pity.'

He must restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity!”

And he shall restore the lamb four-fold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

He shall restore the ewe fourfold, because he did this thing, and had no pity.

But before he is executed, he should pay back to the poor man four lambs for doing this, and for not having pity on the poor man.”

He had no shame, and he did not care about the poor man. He has to give that poor man 4 little sheep, to pay for the one he took.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:6

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 12:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֶת הַ/כִּבְשָׂ֖ה יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם אַרְבַּעְתָּ֑יִם עֵ֗קֶב אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ אֶת הַ/דָּבָ֣ר הַ/זֶּ֔ה וְ/עַ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא חָמָֽל
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הַ/כִּבְשָׂ֖ה kibsâh H3535 ewe-lamb Art | N-fs
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם shâlam H7999 to complete V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אַרְבַּעְתָּ֑יִם ʼarbaʻtayim H706 fourfold Adj
עֵ֗קֶב ʻêqeb H6118 consequence N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
עָשָׂה֙ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
חָמָֽל châmal H2550 to spare V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:6

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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/כִּבְשָׂ֖ה kibsâh H3535 "ewe-lamb" Art | N-fs
An ewe-lamb is a young female sheep, often used in sacrifices in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel offers a lamb to God to ask for His help. This word is also used in 2 Samuel 12:3 to describe a poor man's only lamb.
Definition: ewe-lamb, lamb
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (ewe) lamb. See also: Genesis 21:28; Numbers 6:14; 2 Samuel 12:6.
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם shâlam H7999 "to complete" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
אַרְבַּעְתָּ֑יִם ʼarbaʻtayim H706 "fourfold" Adj
The word ʼarbaʻtayim means fourfold, or multiplied by four, like the four corners of a square or the four seasons. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is quadrupled or increased four times, often in measurements or quantities. This word is derived from the Hebrew word for four.
Definition: fourfold A grammatical form of ar.ba (אַרְבַּע "four" H0702)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: fourfold. See also: 2 Samuel 12:6.
עֵ֗קֶב ʻêqeb H6118 "consequence" N-ms
This word refers to a consequence or result of something, often used to describe a reward or payment. It is used in Genesis 49:19, where Gad's reward is described. The word can also mean 'because' or 'on account of'.
Definition: 1) consequence 1a) consequence 1b) consequence, gain, reward 1c) end adv 2) as a consequence, because, consequently conj 3) as a consequence of, that, because
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] because, by, end, for, if, reward. See also: Genesis 22:18; Psalms 19:12; Psalms 40:16.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשָׂה֙ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
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/דָּבָ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | 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.
וְ/עַ֖ל 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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
חָמָֽל châmal H2550 "to spare" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.
Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 22:1 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.
2 Luke 19:8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
3 Proverbs 6:31 Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
4 James 2:13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

2 Samuel 12:6 Summary

This verse, 2 Samuel 12:6, shows that when we do wrong to others, especially those who are weaker or more vulnerable, we must make things right. The rich man in the story must pay four times over for the lamb he took, which teaches us about the importance of restitution and making amends for our actions, as seen in Leviticus 6:4-5. This verse also reminds us of the importance of showing pity and compassion to those in need, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, and to be mindful of how our actions affect others, just like David's actions affected Uriah and Bathsheba.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of paying four times over for the lamb in 2 Samuel 12:6?

The payment of four times over for the lamb signifies the severity of the punishment for the rich man's actions, as seen in Exodus 22:1, where restitution for stolen livestock is four to five times the value of the animal.

How does David's reaction to the parable relate to his own actions in 2 Samuel 11?

David's reaction to the parable, calling for the death of the rich man, shows his own guilt and conviction over his actions with Bathsheba, as described in 2 Samuel 11:2-5, demonstrating the working of his conscience.

What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the poor and vulnerable?

This verse highlights God's concern for the poor and vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, where we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and in Isaiah 1:17, where God commands us to learn to do right and to seek justice, especially for the oppressed.

How does Nathan's use of the parable in 2 Samuel 12:1-6 help David to see his sin?

Nathan's parable helps David to see his sin by using a story that David can relate to, allowing him to condemn the actions of the rich man, and then revealing that David is the rich man, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:7, bringing conviction and repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like the rich man, may be taking advantage of those who are weaker or more vulnerable than myself, and how can I make amends?
  2. How does the concept of restitution, as seen in this verse, relate to my own relationships and interactions with others?
  3. In what ways can I, like David, be blinded to my own sin, and how can I cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, as seen in John 16:8?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of showing pity and compassion to those in need, and how can I demonstrate this in my own life, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold,.... Which was according to the law in Exodus 22:1; but Kimchi thinks, because the word is of the dual number, it signifies double the number, and that the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:6

2 Samuel 12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.Ver. 6. And he shall restore the lamb fourfold.] Nay, twice fourfold, as some sense it; because the word is of the dual number. But what! Must he do all this, and die too? This was hard law, better beseeming a Draco to pronounce, than a David: but he was transported and biassed, as above said. Prompte et fervide sententiam pronunciat.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:6

(6) Fourfold.—In exact accordance with the Law (Exodus 22:1; comp. Luke 19:8). The LXX. (in most copies “sevenfold,” comp. Proverbs 6:31) and the Chaldee (“fortyfold”) have expressed more of human indignation; but David knew the Law too well to change its terms.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:6

6. fourfold] The legal compensation. See Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8. The Sept. reads sevenfold, and this may be the original reading. David in his indignation would be likely to prescribe a more liberal restitution than the usual fourfold. Cp. Proverbs 6:31.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 12:6

Fourfold - The exact number prescribed by the Law (see the marginal references), and acted upon by Zaccheus. The Septuagint has “sevenfold,” as in Proverbs 6:31.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:6

6. Fourfold — Compare Exodus 22:1 : “If a man steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”

Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:6

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 22:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses a news story about a man who shot a thief breaking into his home and was sued by the thief. The speaker argues that the man should have been j
Zac Poonen What Christ Did for Me (Zac’s Testimony) by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the disconnect between the captivating nature of worldly entertainment and the perceived lack of interest in church and sermons. The speaker
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea
Alistair Begg Guidelines to Freedom Part 7 - I Was Only Borrowing It by Alistair Begg In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal." He explains that stealing is wrong and explores different ways in which people can steal. The
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 19 by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories of individuals who were convicted of their sins and chose to make restitution. The first story is about a construction work
John Gill 1 Peter 4:15 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing, such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He explains that the consequences of such acti
Tom Palmer Gaining and Maintaining a Clear Conscience by Tom Palmer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear conscience and being right with God and others. He encourages the audience to take a moment to reflect on th

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