2 Samuel 21:5
2 Samuel 21:5 in Multiple Translations
And they answered the king, “As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel,
And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,
And they said unto the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us, that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the borders of Israel,
And they said to the king, As for the man by whom we were wasted, and who made designs against us to have us completely cut off from the land of Israel,
They replied, “Regarding the man who destroyed us, who planned to prevent us having any place to live in the whole country of Israel,
Then they answered the King, The man that consumed vs and that imagined euill against vs, so that we are destroyed from remaining in any coast of Israel,
And they say unto the king, 'The man who consumed us, and who devised against us — we have been destroyed from stationing ourselves in all the border of Israel —
They said to the king, “The man who consumed us and who plotted against us, that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the borders of Israel,
And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining within the borders of Israel,
And they said to the king: The man that crushed us and oppressed us unjustly, we must destroy in such manner that there be not so much as one left of his stock in all the coasts of Israel.
They replied, “Saul wanted to get rid of us. He wanted to annihilate/kill all of us, in order that none of us would live anywhere in Israel.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:5
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 21:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
הָ/אִישׁ֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
כִּלָּ֔/נוּ
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
דִּמָּה
לָ֑/נוּ
נִשְׁמַ֕דְנוּ
מֵֽ/הִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
בְּ/כָל
גְּבֻ֥ל
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
כִּלָּ֔/נוּ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
דִּמָּה
dâmâh
H1819
to resemble
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לָ֑/נוּ
Prep | Suff
נִשְׁמַ֕דְנוּ
shâmad
H8045
to destroy
V-Niphal-Perf-1cp
מֵֽ/הִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
גְּבֻ֥ל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:5
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
כִּלָּ֔/נוּ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | 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.
דִּמָּה
dâmâh
H1819
"to resemble"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.
Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.
לָ֑/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
נִשְׁמַ֕דְנוּ
shâmad
H8045
"to destroy"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cp
The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.
מֵֽ/הִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גְּבֻ֥ל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 21:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:5
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:5
Context — David Avenges the Gibeonites
3So 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?”
4The Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied.
5And they answered the king, “As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel,
6let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king. 7Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 21:1 | During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” |
| 2 | Daniel 9:26 | Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:2 | For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. |
| 4 | Esther 9:24–25 | For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them. But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. |
2 Samuel 21:5 Summary
[In 2 Samuel 21:5, the Gibeonites are asking King David to punish the descendants of King Saul for the harm he caused them, as a way of seeking justice and making amends. This request reflects the biblical concept of bloodguiltiness, where the guilt of one person's actions can be passed down to their family. However, as Christians, we know that we are under the new covenant of grace and mercy, and that each person is responsible for their own sins, as seen in Ezekiel 18:20 and Romans 6:14. We can trust in God's justice and mercy, and seek to forgive and show mercy to others, just as He has forgiven us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the Gibeonites' request in 2 Samuel 21:5?
The Gibeonites were seeking justice for the harm caused by King Saul, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:1-4, and they believed that punishing his descendants would be a way to make amends, as seen in the law of Exodus 34:7 and Deuteronomy 24:16.
Why did the Gibeonites ask for seven male descendants to be delivered to them?
The number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 2:2-3 and Revelation 1:20, so the Gibeonites may have been seeking a complete or perfect punishment for the wrongs done to them.
How does this verse relate to the concept of bloodguiltiness in the Bible?
The idea of bloodguiltiness, where the guilt of one person's actions is passed down to their family, is seen in verses like Leviticus 17:4 and Deuteronomy 21:8-9, and the Gibeonites' request in 2 Samuel 21:5 reflects this concept.
Is the concept of punishing descendants for the sins of their ancestors still applicable today?
According to Ezekiel 18:20, each person is responsible for their own sins, and the concept of punishing descendants is not directly applicable today, as we are under the new covenant of grace and mercy, as seen in Romans 6:14 and Hebrews 8:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be seeking revenge or punishment for past wrongs, rather than trusting in God's justice and mercy?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 6:27-36?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be holding onto bitterness or resentment, and how can I release those feelings to God?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of injustice or hardship, as seen in Psalm 37:1-7 and Romans 8:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:5
And they answered the king,.... Declaring expressly what they would have done: the man that consumed us; meaning Saul, who lessened their number by cruel oppressions of some, and by taking away the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:5
And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:5
That we should be either killed, or banished from the land of Israel; which is as bad as death to us, because here, and here only, God is truly worshipped and enjoyed. Whereby it seems divers of them were hearty proselytes, and godly persons; and therefore God is more severe in punishing the injuries done to them. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:5
2 Samuel 21:5 And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us [that] we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,Ver. 5. The man that consumed us and devised against us.] Saul, who not only murdered and massacred many of us out of a blind and bloody zeal, but also plotted and practised our utter extermination, though we are proselytes and professors of the truth according to godliness.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:5
5. devised] This, and not the marginal alternative cut us off, is the right rendering. in any of the coasts] In all the borders. Coast, from costa, a rib or side, originally meant any border or frontier-line, not the sea-line only; and then, like the Lat. fines, the territory enclosed by the border.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Famine by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of revival and how it is seen throughout the Bible. He uses the story of David as an example of a time when God revived his peopl |
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(2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of keeping promises and being people of our word. They highlight how the entertainment industry often operates on dishonesty, b |
|
David as He Avenges the Gibionites by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and the famine that occurred during his reign. David seeks the face of Jehovah and discovers that the famine is a re |
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Because He Slew the Gibeonites. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer discusses the grave sin of Saul in slaying the Gibeonites, who were under a sacred covenant with Israel, emphasizing that the violation of such an oath demanded atonemen |
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Rizpah - Communion (Show Forth the Atonement, and Heaven Must Send the blessing.) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the story of Rizpah as a powerful illustration of atonement and the necessity of communion with God. He draws parallels between Rizpah's mourning for h |
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Jude #3 - the Angels That Sinned by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a controversial passage in the Bible, specifically verse 6 of Jude. The speaker presents three views on the interpretation of this verse. The |
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The Forbidden Chapter Isa 52-53 by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the omission of Isaiah 52 and 53, which is often referred to as the "Forbidden Chapter," from synagogue liturgy. The speaker reads from Isaiah |