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2 Samuel 2:16

2 Samuel 2:16 in Multiple Translations

Then 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.

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

And every one got the other by the head, driving his sword into the other's side, so they all went down together: and that place was named the Field of Sides, and it is in Gibeon.

Each man grabbed his opponent's head and drove his sword into his opponent's side so that they all fell down dead together. That's why this place in Gibeon is called the Field of Sword-edges.

And euery one caught his fellowe by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellowes side, so they fell downe together: wherefore ye place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

And they lay hold, each on the head of his companion, and his sword [is] in the side of his companion, and they fall together, and [one] calleth that place Helkath-Hazzurim, which [is] in Gibeon,

They each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place in Gibeon was called Helkath Hazzurim.

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side: so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

And every one catching his fellow, by the head, thrust his sword into the side of his adversary, and they fell down together: and the name of the place was called: The field of the valiant, in Gabaon.

Each of them grabbed the head of the man against whom he was fighting, and thrust his sword into that man’s side. The result was that all 24 of them fell down dead. So that area in Gibeon is now called ‘Field of Swords’.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:16

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 2:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יַּחֲזִ֜קוּ אִ֣ישׁ בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ רֵעֵ֗/הוּ וְ/חַרְבּ/וֹ֙ בְּ/צַ֣ד רֵעֵ֔/הוּ וַֽ/יִּפְּל֖וּ יַחְדָּ֑ו וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ לַ/מָּק֣וֹם הַ/ה֔וּא חֶלְקַ֥ת הַצֻּרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּ/גִבְעֽוֹן
וַֽ/יַּחֲזִ֜קוּ châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms
רֵעֵ֗/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff
וְ/חַרְבּ/וֹ֙ chereb H2719 sword Conj | N-fs | Suff
בְּ/צַ֣ד tsad H6654 side Prep | N-ms
רֵעֵ֔/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff
וַֽ/יִּפְּל֖וּ nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
יַחְדָּ֑ו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/מָּק֣וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
חֶלְקַ֥ת Chelqath hats-Tsurîym H2521 Helkath-hazzurim N-proper
הַצֻּרִ֖ים Chelqath hats-Tsurîym H2521 Helkath-hazzurim N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בְּ/גִבְעֽוֹן Gibʻôwn H1391 Gibeon Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:16

וַֽ/יַּחֲזִ֜קוּ châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
רֵעֵ֗/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/חַרְבּ/וֹ֙ chereb H2719 "sword" Conj | N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
בְּ/צַ֣ד tsad H6654 "side" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the side of something, like the side of a building or a person's side. It can also mean an enemy or adversary, like someone who opposes you. It is used in the Bible to describe locations or relationships.
Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.
רֵעֵ֔/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וַֽ/יִּפְּל֖וּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
יַחְדָּ֑ו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַ/מָּק֣וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
חֶלְקַ֥ת Chelqath hats-Tsurîym H2521 "Helkath-hazzurim" N-proper
Helkath-hazzurim means field of swords, a place near Gibeon where David's men fought Ishbosheth's men. It's where many swords were used in battle. This event is recorded in the Bible.
Definition: § Helkath-hazzurim = "field of swords" a place near the pool of Gibeon where Ishbosheth's men were killed by David's men under Joab
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Helkath-hazzurim. See also: 2 Samuel 2:16.
הַצֻּרִ֖ים Chelqath hats-Tsurîym H2521 "Helkath-hazzurim" N-proper
Helkath-hazzurim means field of swords, a place near Gibeon where David's men fought Ishbosheth's men. It's where many swords were used in battle. This event is recorded in the Bible.
Definition: § Helkath-hazzurim = "field of swords" a place near the pool of Gibeon where Ishbosheth's men were killed by David's men under Joab
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Helkath-hazzurim. See also: 2 Samuel 2:16.
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.
בְּ/גִבְעֽוֹן Gibʻôwn H1391 "Gibeon" Prep | N-proper
Gibeon was a Levitical city in the region of Benjamin, located about 5 miles from Jerusalem, and is now known as el-Jib. The name means hill city, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeon.
Definition: § Gibeon = "hill city" a Levitical city of Benjamin, modern 'el-Jib', which lies 5 miles or 8 km from Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Gibeon. See also: Joshua 9:3; 2 Samuel 3:30; Isaiah 28:21.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

2 Samuel 2:16 Summary

This verse, 2 Samuel 2:16, describes a intense and deadly battle between the men of Benjamin and the men of David, where each man grabs his opponent by the head and thrusts his sword into his side, resulting in the death of all the combatants. This event is a reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and human conflict, as seen in other verses like Judges 21:25, and it points to the need for reconciliation and peace, as emphasized in verses like Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9. The place where this battle took place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which means 'field of sword edges' or 'field of flint', a name that serves as a reminder of the tragic outcome of this event. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation, and trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of conflict and violence, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the place being called Helkath-hazzurim?

The place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which means 'field of sword edges' or 'field of flint', because of the intense battle that took place there, as described in 2 Samuel 2:16, resulting in the death of all the combatants who fell together.

Why did the men engage in this fierce and deadly combat?

The men engaged in this combat as a form of agreement between Abner and Joab, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:14, where Abner suggests that the young men compete before them, and Joab agrees, leading to the tragic outcome in 2 Samuel 2:16.

Is this kind of violence and bloodshed something that God condones?

The Bible teaches that God values human life and hates violence, as seen in Exodus 20:13 and Matthew 5:21, so the events in 2 Samuel 2:16 should not be seen as something that God condones, but rather as a consequence of human sin and rebellion.

What can we learn from the fact that all the combatants fell together?

The fact that all the combatants fell together, as described in 2 Samuel 2:16, can be seen as a symbol of the devastating consequences of sin and the futility of human conflict, and it points to the need for reconciliation and peace, as emphasized in verses like Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I can avoid getting drawn into conflicts or violent situations, and instead seek peace and reconciliation, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of the devastating consequences of sin and human conflict, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:16, to my own life and relationships?
  3. What are some ways in which I can promote peace and understanding in my community, and be a peacemaker, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of conflict and violence, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:16, and find comfort in His presence, as promised in Psalm 23:4?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:16

And they caught everyone his fellow by the head,.... By the hair of his head with his hand: and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; which he had in the other; so they fell down together; the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:16

And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side;

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:16

By the head; by the hair of the head, which after their manner was of a considerable length, and therefore gave their enemy advantage; which every one of them endeavoured to get, and to improve against the other. Helkath-hazzurim, or the field of rocks, i. e. of men who stood like rocks, unmovable, each one dying upon the spot where he fought.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:16

2 Samuel 2:16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow’ s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which [is] in Gibeon.Ver. 16. And they caught every one his fellow.] With such eagerness and fury met these gallants, that each in others’ side “ Capulo tenus abdidit ensem, ” sheathed his sword, for a proof of his valour. Talis fait Cadmaea Tugna. But was this valour, or madness rather? Courage or outrage, whether? Josephus saith - but not well - that Abner’ s twelve men only were slain. Helkathhazzurim,] i.e., The field of strong men, or of rocks, i.e., of those that stood firm as rocks, till they fell in the place. Aliis placet agellum mucronum reddi. - Jun.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:16

(16) Helkath – hazzurim is interpreted in the margin “the field of strong men,” but the etymology is very doubtful. Most modern expositors understand it as meaning “the field of sharp edges.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:16

Verse 16. Caught every one his fellow by the head] Probably by the beard, if these persons were not too young to have one, or by the hair of the head. Alexander ordered all the Macedonians to shave their beards; and being asked by Parmenio why they should do so, answered, "Dost thou not know that in battle there is no better hold than the beard?" Helkath-hazzurim] "The portion of the mighty;" or, "The inheritance of those who were slain," according to the Targum.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:16

16. And they caught, &c.] Self-defence was forgotten in the ferocity of the struggle, and all the combatants fell together by a mutual slaughter. Helkath-hazzurim] This obscure name is variously explained as the field or plat, (a) of sharp edges, in allusion to the swords which proved so fatal; (b) of strong men, literally rocks, from the rock-like obstinacy with which they fought; so the Vulg. ager robustorum; (c) of plotters, the rendering of the LXX. (μερὶςτῶνἐπιβούλων), which involves a slight change in the Hebrew word, implying that there was some foul play in the combat; (d) of sides, according to a conjectural emendation suggested in the Speaker’s Commentary, in allusion to the phrase “thrust his sword in his fellow’s side.” Either the first or second explanation is the most probable.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:16

Compare Livy’s history of the battle between the Horatii and Curiatii.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:16

16. By the head — By the hair of the head or by the beard. Alexander, before entering into battle, ordered his men to shave their beards, because, said he, “in battle there is no better hold for the

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