2 Samuel 21:13
2 Samuel 21:13 in Multiple Translations
So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged.
And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.
and he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son: and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.
And he took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from that place; and they got together the bones of those who had been put to death by hanging.
David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought back, and also had the bones of those who had been hanged gathered up.
So hee brought thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Ionathan his sonne, and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.
and he bringeth up thence the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son, and they gather the bones of those hanged,
and he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son. They also gathered the bones of those who were hanged.
And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.
And he brought from thence the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son, and they gathered up the bones of them that were crucified,
David and his men took the bones of Saul and Jonathan, and they also took the bones of the seven men from Gibeon whom the men from Philistia had hanged.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:13
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 21:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤עַל
מִ/שָּׁם֙
אֶת
עַצְמ֣וֹת
שָׁא֔וּל
וְ/אֶת
עַצְמ֖וֹת
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן
בְּנ֑/וֹ
וַ/יַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ
אֶת
עַצְמ֖וֹת
הַ/מּוּקָעִֽים
וַ/יַּ֤עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/שָּׁם֙
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַצְמ֣וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עַצְמ֖וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
בְּנ֑/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַצְמ֖וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp
הַ/מּוּקָעִֽים
yâqaʻ
H3363
to dislocate/hang
Art | V-Hophal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:13
וַ/יַּ֤עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מִ/שָּׁם֙
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
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.
עַצְמ֣וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
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.
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.
עַצְמ֖וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
בְּנ֑/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וַ/יַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
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.
עַצְמ֖וֹת
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
הַ/מּוּקָעִֽים
yâqaʻ
H3363
"to dislocate/hang"
Art | V-Hophal-Inf-c
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be dislocated or torn away, and can also mean to hang or be executed. It is used to describe physical and emotional separation. It appears in the KJV as 'be alienated' or 'hang up'.
Definition: 1) to be dislocated, be alienated 1a) (Qal) to be dislocated, be torn away, be alienated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to execute slowly (by exposure or impalation) 1b2) to hang 1c) (Hophal) to be executed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be alienated, depart, hang (up), be out of joint. See also: Genesis 32:26; 2 Samuel 21:13; Jeremiah 6:8.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David Avenges the Gibeonites
11When David was told what Saul’s concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done,
12he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa.
13So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, and they also gathered the bones of those who had been hanged.
14And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. 15Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted.2 Samuel 21:13 Summary
[In this verse, David shows respect and honor to his former king and friend by having their bones brought to a proper burial place. This act of kindness and respect is a great example for us to follow, as we are called to honor and respect those in authority over us, as mentioned in Romans 13:1-2. By doing what is right and treating others with kindness and respect, we can bring peace and prosperity to those around us, just like David did in 2 Samuel 21:14. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that doing what is right can bring blessings, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David have the bones of Saul and Jonathan brought from Jabesh-gilead?
David had the bones brought because he wanted to give them a proper burial, showing respect and honor to his former king and friend, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:13 and also in accordance with the biblical principle of respecting the dead, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:23.
Who were the ones that had been hanged mentioned in this verse?
The ones hanged were likely the seven sons of Saul that the Gibeonites had put to death, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:6-9, and their bones were also retrieved by David to be buried with Saul and Jonathan.
What was the significance of David's actions in this verse?
David's actions demonstrated his commitment to honoring his former king and friend, and also to following God's command to treat the dead with respect, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:13-14 and supported by Exodus 20:12, which emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents and, by extension, one's leaders.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about David's efforts to bring peace and prosperity to Israel, and his actions in this verse are a key part of that effort, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:14, which notes that God answered their prayers for the land after David had done what was right in burying the bones of Saul and Jonathan.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from David's example about showing respect and honor to those in authority over us, even if they have passed away?
- How can we apply the principle of respecting the dead, as seen in this verse, to our own lives and relationships?
- What role does gratitude and loyalty play in our relationships with others, and how can we demonstrate these qualities in our own lives, as David did in this verse?
- How can we balance the need to honor and respect our leaders with the need to also follow God's commands and principles, as David did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:13
And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son,.... Which had been buried there under an oak, 1 Chronicles 10:12; and they gathered the bones of them that were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:13
And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:13
Having first burnt off the flesh which remained upon them when they were taken down. Compare , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:13
2 Samuel 21:13 And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.Ver. 13. And they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.] This was some comfort to their afflicted mother. Some of Christ’ s martyrs were denied this honour.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:13
11–14. Burial of the bones of Saul and his sons 11. The curious addition of the Sept. to this verse, “and they were unfastened, and Dan the son of Joash, who was of the descendants of the giant, took them down,” is almost certainly a corrupt rendering of 2 Samuel 21:15-16, placed here by mistake.