2 Samuel 2:31
2 Samuel 2:31 in Multiple Translations
but they had struck down 360 Benjamites who were with Abner.
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
But David's men had put to death three hundred and sixty of the men of Benjamin and of Abner's men
However, they had killed three hundred and sixty of Abner's men from the tribe of Benjamin.
But the seruants of Dauid had smitten of Beniamin, and of Abners men, so that three hundreth and threescore men dyed.
and the servants of David have smitten of Benjamin, even among the men of Abner, three hundred and sixty men — they died.
But David’s servants had struck Benjamin Abner’s men so that three hundred sixty men died.
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and sixty men died.
But the servants of David had killed of Benjamin, and of the men that were with Abner, three hundred and sixty, who all died.
But David’s soldiers had killed 360 of Abner’s men, all from the tribe of Benjamin.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:31
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 2:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַבְדֵ֣י
דָוִ֗ד
הִכּוּ֙
מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
וּ/בְ/אַנְשֵׁ֖י
אַבְנֵ֑ר
שְׁלֹשׁ
מֵא֧וֹת
וְ/שִׁשִּׁ֛ים
אִ֖ישׁ
מֵֽתוּ
וְ/עַבְדֵ֣י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-mp
דָוִ֗ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
הִכּוּ֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
Prep | N-proper
וּ/בְ/אַנְשֵׁ֖י
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Prep | N-mp
אַבְנֵ֑ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
שְׁלֹשׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
מֵא֧וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
וְ/שִׁשִּׁ֛ים
shishshîym
H8346
sixty
Conj | Adj
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵֽתוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:31
וְ/עַבְדֵ֣י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | 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.
דָוִ֗ד
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.
הִכּוּ֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
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/בְ/אַנְשֵׁ֖י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
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.
אַבְנֵ֑ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
שְׁלֹשׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
מֵא֧וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וְ/שִׁשִּׁ֛ים
shishshîym
H8346
"sixty"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word represents the number sixty, often used to describe large quantities, like the sixty warriors who guarded King Solomon. It is also translated as three score, as seen in Psalm 90:10.
Definition: sixty, three score Aramaic equivalent: shit.tin (שִׁתִּין "sixty" H8361)
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: sixty, three score. See also: Genesis 5:15; 1 Chronicles 2:21; Isaiah 7:8.
אִ֖ישׁ
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.
מֵֽתוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
29And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim.
30When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s servants were missing,
31but they had struck down 360 Benjamites who were with Abner.
32And they took Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and reached Hebron at daybreak.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 3:1 | Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:11 | And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” |
2 Samuel 2:31 Summary
This verse tells us that Joab's men struck down 360 Benjamites who were fighting alongside Abner. This shows that there was a big conflict between the different groups, and many people were hurt or killed. It's like what happens when people fight and can't agree, as seen in Judges 20:21. But even in the midst of conflict, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalms 34:14, and seek peace and reconciliation, just like David did in his pursuit of Abner, and ultimately establish a kingdom that honors God, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab's men strike down the Benjamites who were with Abner?
The Benjamites were likely fighting alongside Abner, and Joab's men were defending themselves, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:30 where it says Joab returned from pursuing Abner and gathered all the troops, indicating a conflict had taken place.
How many Benjamites were struck down by Joab's men?
According to 2 Samuel 2:31, 360 Benjamites who were with Abner were struck down by Joab's men, highlighting the severity of the battle.
What can we learn from the fact that Joab's men struck down so many Benjamites?
This event shows the intense conflict and loyalty that existed between the different tribes and leaders, similar to what is described in Judges 20:21, and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation as seen in Psalms 34:14.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of David and his kingdom?
This verse is part of the narrative of David's rise to power and the conflicts he faced, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where David is anointed king, and 2 Samuel 5:12, where David establishes his kingdom in Jerusalem.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the lessons of conflict and loyalty from this verse to my own life and relationships?
- How can I seek peace and reconciliation in my own conflicts, as seen in the example of David's pursuit of Abner?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty to God and to others, as seen in the example of Joab's men fighting alongside David?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, as seen in Psalms 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:31
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and Abner's men,.... Of those of the tribe of Benjamin that joined him, and of those that he brought with him from Mahanaim; so many of them were
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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David Wared Stronger and Stronger, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating that while the struggle is long and arduous, the Spirit must ultimately prevail. He encourag |
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Now Then Do It by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of making Christ the king of our lives, drawing parallels between David's anointing and Christ's role as the anointed one. He highlights how |