2 Samuel 2:15
2 Samuel 2:15 in Multiple Translations
So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
So they got up and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth and twelve of the servants of David.
So twelve men came forward from each side—twelve for Benjamin and Ishbosheth, and twelve for David.
Then there arose and went ouer twelue of Beniamin by number, which perteined to Ish-bosheth the sonne of Saul, and twelue of the seruants of Dauid.
And they rise and pass over, in number twelve of Benjamin, even of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of David’s servants.
Then there arose, and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, who pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
Then there arose and went over twelve in number of Benjamin, of the part of Isboseth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
So twelve men from the tribe of Benjamin fought for Ishbosheth, against twelve of David’s soldiers.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:15
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 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּקֻ֖מוּ
וַ/יַּעַבְר֣וּ
בְ/מִסְפָּ֑ר
שְׁנֵ֧ים
עָשָׂ֣ר
לְ/בִנְיָמִ֗ן
וּ/לְ/אִ֥ישׁ
בֹּ֨שֶׁת֙
בֶּן
שָׁא֔וּל
וּ/שְׁנֵ֥ים
עָשָׂ֖ר
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֥י
דָוִֽד
וַ/יָּקֻ֖מוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּעַבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְ/מִסְפָּ֑ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
Prep | N-ms
שְׁנֵ֧ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עָשָׂ֣ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
לְ/בִנְיָמִ֗ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
Prep | N-proper
וּ/לְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
Conj | Prep | N-proper
בֹּ֨שֶׁת֙
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וּ/שְׁנֵ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp
דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:15
וַ/יָּקֻ֖מוּ
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.
וַ/יַּעַבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בְ/מִסְפָּ֑ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
שְׁנֵ֧ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֣ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
לְ/בִנְיָמִ֗ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
Prep | N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
וּ/לְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֹּ֨שֶׁת֙
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
שָׁא֔וּל
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.
וּ/שְׁנֵ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
מֵ/עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
דָוִֽד
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
13So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool.
14Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.
15So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.
16Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim. 17The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.2 Samuel 2:15 Summary
In 2 Samuel 2:15, twenty-four men, twelve from each side, are chosen to fight, representing a small-scale, symbolic battle between the followers of David and those of Ish-bosheth, son of Saul. This event shows how conflicts can escalate quickly, but it also sets the stage for David's eventual rise to kingship, as promised by God in 1 Samuel 16:13. As we read this verse, we can reflect on how our own actions and decisions might impact the larger story of our lives and the lives of those around us, and seek to trust in God's guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By looking to examples like David, who trusted in God's plan, we can learn to navigate our own challenges with faith and courage, remembering that God is our rock and refuge, as stated in Psalm 18:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the twelve men chosen for each side in 2 Samuel 2:15?
The twelve men chosen for each side represent a symbolic gesture of unity and a desire to resolve the conflict without full-scale war, as seen in the similar gesture of making a covenant in Genesis 31:44-54 and the instruction to settle disputes peacefully in Matthew 5:25.
Why did the men grab each other by the head and thrust their swords into their opponents' sides as described in the following verse?
This act, as described in 2 Samuel 2:16, was a brutal and intense way of fighting, highlighting the ferocity and desperation of the conflict between the two groups, similar to the fierce battles described in Judges 20:21 and 1 Samuel 31:3.
Is this event a reflection of God's will or just a human conflict?
While the event in 2 Samuel 2:15 is a human conflict, it is also part of God's larger plan, as seen in the way David's servants ultimately prevail, reflecting the promise made to David in 1 Samuel 16:13 that he would be king over Israel.
How does this event relate to the broader story of David's reign?
This event is an early test of David's leadership and a precursor to his establishment as king over all Israel, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 5:1-5 and fulfilled in his later reign, with God's guidance and blessing as promised in Psalm 89:3-4 and 1 Chronicles 28:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of David and his followers, and how can we apply those insights to our own lives?
- How can we, like David, trust in God's sovereignty even in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 23:4?
- What role does pride and the desire for power play in this conflict, and how can we guard against those motivations in our own lives, as warned against in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 13:4?
- In what ways can we, as followers of God, work towards peaceful resolution of conflicts, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:15
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin,.... Whom Abner had picked out of that tribe, being his own, and whom he knew to be stout and courageous men, and closely attached to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:15
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:15
Abner selected all his combatants out of Benjamin, both because that was a warlike and valiant tribe, and that he might give the more honour to his own tribe.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:15
2 Samuel 2:15 Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which [pertained] to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.Ver. 15. And twelve of the servants of David.] So the Romans and Albans tried it out by three of a side - viz., the Horatii and the Curiatii; but this practice is no way warrantable, as being against faith and against charity; a tempting of God, and a trusting to the arm of flesh.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:15
15. there arose and went over by number] A fixed number from either side met on neutral ground between the two armies. of Benjamin] Saul’s own tribe provided the champions for his cause. Cp. 2 Samuel 2:25.