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2 Samuel 21:21

2 Samuel 21:21 in Multiple Translations

and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, slew him.

And when he was purposing to put shame on Israel, Jonathan, the son of Shimei, David's brother, put him to death.

But when he insulted Israel, Jonathan, son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him.

And when hee reuiled Israel, Ionathan the sonne of Shima the brother of Dauid slewe him.

and he reproacheth Israel, and smite him doth Jonathan son of Shimeah, brother of David;

When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, killed him.

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimeah the brother of David slew him.

And he reproached Israel: and Jonathan the son of Samae the brother of David slew him.

But when he ◄made fun of/ridiculed► the men in the Israeli army, Jonathan, the son of David’s older brother Shimeah, killed him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:21

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 21:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְחָרֵ֖ף אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יַּכֵּ֨/הוּ֙ יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן בֶּן שמעי שִׁמְעָ֖ה אֲחִ֥י דָוִֽד
וַ/יְחָרֵ֖ף châraph H2778 to taunt Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
וַ/יַּכֵּ֨/הוּ֙ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן Yᵉhôwnâthân H3083 Jonathan N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
שמעי Shimʻîy H8096 Shimei N-proper
שִׁמְעָ֖ה Shimʻâʼ H8092 Shimea N-proper
אֲחִ֥י ʼâch H251 brother N-ms
דָוִֽד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:21

וַ/יְחָרֵ֖ף châraph H2778 "to taunt" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יַּכֵּ֨/הוּ֙ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
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.
יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן 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.
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.
שמעי Shimʻîy H8096 "Shimei" N-proper
Shimei was a common name among Israelites, with at least 20 people having this name. One notable Shimei was the brother of David and son of Jesse, who lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.16.9; son of: Jesse (H3448); brother of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J); father of: Jonadab (H3122); also called Shimei (KJV: Shimea) at 2Sa.21.21; Shammah at 1Sa.16.9; 17.13; Shimea at 1Ch.2.13; 20.7; Another name of shim.ah (שִׁמְעָה "Shimeah" H8093) § Shimei or Shimhi or Shimi or Shimea = "renowned" 1) a Benjamite, son of Gera of the house of Saul in the time of David 2) a Benjamite, son of Elah and commissariat officer in the time of Solomon 3) the Ramathite in charge of the vineyards of David 4) son of Gershon and grandson of Levi 5) a Levite, son of Jeduthun and chief of the 10th division of singers in the time of David 6) a Levite of the sons of Heman who took part in the purification of the temple in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 7) a Levite, brother of Cononiah in charge of receiving the tithes and offerings in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah 8) a Levite who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) a Judaite, son of Pedaiah and brother of Zerubbabel 10) a Simeonite, son of Zacchur 11) a Reubenite, son of Gog and father of Micah 12) one of the sons of Hashum who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 13) one of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 14) a Benjamite, son of Kish, father of Jair, and grandfather of Mordecai in the time of Esther 15) a Levite, son of Jahath, grandson of Gershon, and great grandson of Levi 16) Benjamite, father of Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. Spelled 'Shimhi'
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi. See also: Exodus 6:17; 1 Chronicles 3:19; Esther 2:5.
שִׁמְעָ֖ה Shimʻâʼ H8092 "Shimea" N-proper
Shimea was the name of several Israelites in the Bible, including a son of King David and Bathsheba, mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and 1 Chronicles 3:5. The word refers to a person's name, often associated with the tribe of Judah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416) and Solomon (H8010); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); also called Shimea at 1Ch.3.5; Another name of sham.mu.a (שַׁמּוּעַ "Shammua" H8051H) § Shimea = "fame" 1) son of David by Bathsheba 2) brother of David, the 3rd son of Jesse 2a) also 'Shammah', 'Shimma', and 'Shimeah' 3) a Gershonite Levite, father of Berachiah, and grandfather of Asaph 4) a Merarite Levite, son of Uzzah, and father of Haggiah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Shimea, Shimei, Shamma. See also: 2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Chronicles 6:15; 1 Chronicles 20:7.
אֲחִ֥י ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
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 21:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 17:10 Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”
2 1 Samuel 17:36 Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”
3 1 Samuel 16:9 Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”
4 1 Samuel 17:25–26 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
5 1 Samuel 17:3 The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them.
6 1 Chronicles 27:32 David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king.
7 2 Kings 19:13 Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’”
8 1 Chronicles 2:13 Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third,

2 Samuel 21:21 Summary

This verse tells us about a brave man named Jonathan, who was the son of David's brother Shimei, and how he killed a giant who was taunting Israel. This story reminds us that God is powerful and can help us overcome any challenge, just like He helped David defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:51). It also teaches us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength or abilities (Psalm 28:7). By trusting in God, we can be brave like Jonathan and accomplish great things for His glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jonathan the son of David's brother Shimei?

Jonathan was the son of Shimei, who was David's brother, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:21, and his actions in killing the giant were a testament to God's power and provision, similar to David's own experience in 1 Samuel 17:51.

Why did the giant taunt Israel?

The giant, being a descendant of Rapha, likely taunted Israel to provoke them into battle, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:21, similar to Goliath's actions in 1 Samuel 17:10.

What can we learn from Jonathan's bravery?

Jonathan's bravery in killing the giant teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or experience, to accomplish great things, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:21 and 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Samuel 21, which highlights the ongoing battles between the Israelites and the Philistines, and demonstrates God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:22.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being 'taunted' or challenged, and how can I trust God to give me the courage and strength to overcome them?
  2. How can I, like Jonathan, be brave and trust in God's power to accomplish great things, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges?
  3. What does this verse teach me about God's character and His desire to protect and deliver His people?
  4. How can I apply the lesson of Jonathan's bravery to my own life, and what steps can I take to trust God more fully in the face of adversity?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:21

And when he defied Israel,.... The armies of Israel, as Goliath had done some years ago, 1 Samuel 17:10; Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him; this brother of David is called

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:21

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimeah the brother of David slew him.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:21

2 Samuel 21:21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.Ver. 21. Jonathan the son of Shimei.] Whom some hold to be the same with that Jonadab, and then though he were witty and valiant, yet he was non nimus pius, not so honest as he should have been. So Joses Barnabas is by the Centurists thought to be the same with Joseph Barsabas, but a far better man he was than this Jonathan, alias Jonadab.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:21

(21) Jonathan the son of Shimeah.—Hence he was the nephew of David (1 Chronicles 20:7), and was either the wily Jonadab mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:3, or, more probably, his brother. David’s family connections seem to have constituted a clan of heroes.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:21

21. defied Israel] Cp. 1 Samuel 17:10; 1 Samuel 17:25-26. Jonathan] David’s nephew, brother of the astute Jonadab (ch. 2 Samuel 13:3).

Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:21

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer The Armies of the Living God. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the stark contrast between David and the soldiers of Saul, who viewed God as distant and absent, while David experienced God as a living presence in his life.
Chuck Smith I Samuel 17:36 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of David's faith and past victories in overcoming the giant Goliath. He highlights how David's previous encounters with a lion and a bear pr
David Wilkerson Are You Facing a Giant? by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past miracles as a source of strength when facing life's giants. He draws on the example of Moses reminding Israel to
Carter Conlon Jesus, Wash My Feet by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 13, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the true source of power. He emphasizes that power is not found in worldly wealth,
Horatius Bonar Human Remedies. by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar emphasizes the futility of human remedies in addressing spiritual afflictions, using Saul's disobedience and subsequent torment as a cautionary tale. He illustrates

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