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2 Samuel 21:3

2 Samuel 21:3 in Multiple Translations

So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?”

Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

and David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of Jehovah?

So David said to the Gibeonites, What may I do for you? how am I to make up to you for your wrongs, so that you may give a blessing to the heritage of the Lord?

“What can I do for you?” David asked the Gibeonites. “How can I compensate you so that you may bless the Lord's people?”

And Dauid said vnto the Gibeonites, What shall I doe for you, and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may blesse the inheritance of the Lord?

yea, David saith unto the Gibeonites, 'What do I do for you? and with what do I make atonement? and bless ye the inheritance of Jehovah.'

and David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless the LORD’s inheritance?”

Wherefore David said to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and with what shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

David therefore said to the Gabaonites: What shall I do for you? and what shall be the atonement for you, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord?

and said to them, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends/up for what was done to your people, in order that you will bless us who belong to Yahweh?”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:3

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 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר דָּוִד֙ אֶל הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֔ים מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לָ/כֶ֑ם וּ/בַ/מָּ֣ה אֲכַפֵּ֔ר וּ/בָרְכ֖וּ אֶת נַחֲלַ֥ת יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֔ים Gibʻônîy H1393 Gibeonite Art | Ngmpa
מָ֥ה mâh H4100 what? Part
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָ/כֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
וּ/בַ/מָּ֣ה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Prep | Part
אֲכַפֵּ֔ר kâphar H3722 to atone V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וּ/בָרְכ֖וּ bârak H1288 to bless Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
נַחֲלַ֥ת nachălâh H5159 inheritance N-fs
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:3

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּוִד֙ 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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֔ים Gibʻônîy H1393 "Gibeonite" Art | Ngmpa
A Gibeonite is a person from Gibeon, a city in the Bible. The name means 'little hill' or 'hilly' and is mentioned in the book of Joshua. Gibeonites were known for their cleverness and diplomacy.
Definition: Group of giv.on (גִּבְעוֹן "Gibeon" H1391) § Gibeonite = "little hill: hilly" an inhabitant of Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Gibeonite. See also: 2 Samuel 21:1; 2 Samuel 21:4; Nehemiah 3:7.
מָ֥ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/כֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
וּ/בַ/מָּ֣ה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֲכַפֵּ֔ר kâphar H3722 "to atone" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
וּ/בָרְכ֖וּ bârak H1288 "to bless" Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2mp
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
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.
נַחֲלַ֥ת nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 20:19 I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”
2 Hebrews 9:22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
3 1 Samuel 26:19 Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
4 Micah 6:6–7 With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
5 1 Samuel 2:25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.
6 Hebrews 10:4–12 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight. Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law). Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
7 Exodus 32:30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”
8 Leviticus 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.

2 Samuel 21:3 Summary

In this verse, David is trying to make things right with the Gibeonites because of the wrongs done to them by Saul. He wants to honor God and bring blessing to His people, as seen in Psalm 115:12-15. David's actions show that he values fairness, justice, and listening to others. We can learn from David's example by taking responsibility for our actions, seeking to understand others, and making amends when we have wronged someone, just as the Bible teaches us to do in Matthew 5:23-24 and Luke 19:8-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David ask the Gibeonites how he could make amends?

David asked the Gibeonites how he could make amends because he wanted to address the injustice done to them by Saul, as the Lord had revealed to him that the current famine was a result of Saul's actions, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:1. By doing so, David was seeking to honor the Lord and restore balance to the nation.

What does it mean to 'bless the inheritance of the LORD'?

To 'bless the inheritance of the LORD' means to bring prosperity and well-being to the people and the land that belong to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:19 and Psalm 37:22. In this context, David is asking the Gibeonites how he can make things right so that God's people can thrive and be blessed.

Why was it important for David to consult with the Gibeonites directly?

David consulted with the Gibeonites directly because he wanted to understand their perspective and needs, and to make amends for the wrongs done to them by Saul, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:2. This approach shows that David valued their input and was willing to listen and learn from them.

How does this verse relate to the concept of restitution in the Bible?

This verse relates to the concept of restitution in the Bible, as seen in Exodus 22:1-4 and Leviticus 6:1-7, where God commands His people to make amends for wrongs done to others. David's actions demonstrate a commitment to restoring justice and making things right, even if it means taking responsibility for the actions of others, like Saul.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can make amends for past wrongs or injustices, just like David did in this verse?
  2. How can I prioritize seeking the Lord's guidance and wisdom, as David did in 2 Samuel 21:1, when faced with difficult decisions or situations?
  3. What does it mean for me to 'bless the inheritance of the LORD' in my own life and community, and how can I participate in this process?
  4. In what ways can I, like David, demonstrate a willingness to listen and learn from others, especially those who may have been marginalized or oppressed?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:3

Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, what shall I do for you,.... By way of satisfaction for the injuries done them: and wherewith shall I make the atonement; for the offences committed, that so

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:3

Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD? Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:3

Unto the Gibeonites; to some of the chief of them, who were to impart it to the rest. What shall I do for you? what satisfaction do you expect or require for the injuries formerly done to you? That ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord; that by your acknowledgment of satisfaction received, the guilt and curse may be removed from the land and people of God, and by this means, as also by your prayers, God may be reconciled, and may restore his blessing of plenty to us, which hitherto he hath denied us.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:3

2 Samuel 21:3 Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?Ver. 3. Wherefore David said to the Gibeonites.] Who had complained to God of Saul’ s cruelty and perfidy; and he had heard them, for he is gracious. Their satisfaction therefore is by David endeavoured, and their prayers for Israel requested. See Job 29:13. This was an evident type, saith Pellican, of the calling of the Gentiles: and that, upon their prayers, God would one day receive the Jews again into grace and favour.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:3

(3) Make the atonement.—This is the same technical word as is used throughout the Law in connection with the propitiatory sacrifices. It means literally, to cover up, and is here used in that literal sense. David asks what he can do to so cover up the sin of Saul as to remove it from the sight of those against whom it had been committed—the Gibeonites as the earthly sufferers from it, and God Himself as the one against whom he had chiefly offended. Then might God’s blessing again return to His people.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:3

Verse 3. Wherewith shall I make the atonement] It is very strange that a choice of this kind should be left to such a people. Why not ask this of God himself?

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:3

3. Make the atonement — Make the necessary satisfaction. The inheritance of the Lord — The land and people of Israel.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:3

SermonDescription
Major Ian Thomas Knowing Jesus by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher addresses the idea that many people have been "house trained" or "brainwashed" into thinking that once they make a decision to follow God and attend ch
David Wilkerson Overcoming Satan by the Blood of Jesus by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concern of how to maintain righteousness and be a shining light in a world that is becoming increasingly dark. The preacher emphasizes th
A.W. Tozer (Hebrews - Part 27): The Blood of Infinite Value by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of standing back from a painting to understand the passage being discussed. He emphasizes that sin leads to death and that when a perso
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 12:9-13 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of law enforcement and the consequences of sin. He emphasizes that in God's universe, the law is inexorable and sin leads to d
Leonard Ravenhill The Spirit of a True Prophet by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God rather than seeking material success and prestige. He highlights the role of John t
Leonard Ravenhill Who Are God's Annointed by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of preaching without the living presence of God. He shares a conversation he had with a famous manager of a rock and roll band who
Duncan Campbell Principles That Govern Spiritual Awakenings - Part 2 by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and testimonies of encountering God's presence and salvation. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and following the word

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