2 Samuel 23:2
2 Samuel 23:2 in Multiple Translations
The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, And his word was upon my tongue.
The spirit of the Lord had voice through me, his word was on my tongue.
“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; my tongue gave his message.
The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his worde was in my tongue.
The Spirit of Jehovah hath spoken by me, And His word [is] on my tongue.
“The LORD’s Spirit spoke by me. His word was on my tongue.
The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was on my tongue.
The spirit of the Lord hath spoken by me and his word by my tongue.
“The Spirit of Yahweh tells me what to say; the message that I speak [MTY] comes from him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:2
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 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ר֥וּחַ
יְהוָ֖ה
דִּבֶּר
בִּ֑/י
וּ/מִלָּת֖/וֹ
עַל
לְשׁוֹנִֽ/י
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
דִּבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בִּ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וּ/מִלָּת֖/וֹ
millâh
H4405
speech
Conj | N-fs | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לְשׁוֹנִֽ/י
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:2
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
דִּבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בִּ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/מִלָּת֖/וֹ
millâh
H4405
"speech"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְשׁוֹנִֽ/י
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:2
Context — David’s Last Song
1These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:
2The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
3The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, 4is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 1:21 | For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. |
| 2 | Matthew 22:43 | Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: |
| 3 | Mark 12:36 | Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ |
| 4 | Acts 2:25–31 | David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope, because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’ Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay. |
| 5 | Hebrews 3:7–8 | Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, |
2 Samuel 23:2 Summary
This verse means that King David recognized God was guiding his words and actions, and he was speaking God's truth. It's like when we let God guide our thoughts and words, and we speak kindly and truthfully to others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29. When we let God's Spirit speak through us, our words can bring encouragement and hope to those around us, just like David's words did. By seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as in Acts 2:4, we can experience this same guidance and speak life-giving words to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Spirit of the LORD to speak through someone?
When the Spirit of the LORD speaks through someone, it means that God is guiding their words and actions, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:2, and is also evident in other scriptures such as Ezekiel 2:2 and Acts 4:8, where the Holy Spirit fills and directs the speakers.
How can we know if the Spirit of the LORD is speaking through us?
We can know if the Spirit of the LORD is speaking through us when our words and actions align with God's Word, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and when we are surrendered to His will, as seen in Romans 6:13.
What is the significance of God's word being on someone's tongue?
Having God's word on our tongue means that we are speaking His truth and proclaiming His message, as seen in Isaiah 51:16, where God puts His words in the mouth of His servants, and in Matthew 10:20, where Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as in Ephesians 5:18, and by being mindful of the words we speak, ensuring they align with God's Word and bring glory to Him, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- What would it look like for the Spirit of the LORD to speak through me in my current circumstances?
- How can I surrender my words and actions to the guidance of the Holy Spirit today?
- In what ways can I prioritize having God's word on my tongue in my conversations and interactions with others?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my words and actions align with God's will and bring glory to Him?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of the Lord spake by me,.... The psalms and songs he composed were not the fruits of his own genius, but were written by him under the inspiration of the Spirit of God; by whom holy men of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
The following words, and consequently the other words and Psalms composed and uttered by me upon the like solemn occasions, are not to be looked upon as my private fancies or human inventions, but both the matter and the words of them are suggested and governed by God’ s Spirit, which is the great Teacher of the church.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.Ver. 2. The Spirit of the Lord spake by me.] Both here and in other psalms composed by me; I had from the Holy Ghost both matter and words. See Acts 4:25 Luke 24:44.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
(2) The Spirit of the Lord spake by me.—In accordance with 2 Samuel 23:1, there is here, and also in the next clause, most explicit assertion that this was spoken under the prompting and guidance of the Divine Spirit.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
Verse 2. The Spirit of the Lord spake by me] Hence the matter of his writing came by direct and immediate inspiration. His word was in my tongue.] Hence the words of this writing were as directly inspired as the matter.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:2
2. the Spirit of the Lord] A direct claim of inspiration, to which Christ Himself bears witness (Matthew 22:43). Observe the parallelisms, which constitute Hebrew poetry.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:2
2. His word is on my tongue — He was conscious of divine inspiration.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Two Roads Two Destinies 02 Ireland st.chapel by Worth Ellis | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the internal evidences of inspiration in the Bible. The first proof mentioned is that the Bible claims to be the word of God. The second proof |
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The Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of divine inspiration of the Scriptures, emphasizing that every word of Scripture is God-breathed, not originating from human w |
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The Bible: Inspired of God by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the divine nature of the Bible as God's message to humanity, highlighting the unique inspiration of the Scriptures where human authors were directed |
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The Words of David, the Words of Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that the words spoken by David are not merely his own but are divinely inspired by the Spirit of the Lord, the God of Israel, and the Rock of Israel. He explai |
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |
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Jude #8 - Lessons and Conclusions by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a three-dimensional image and its analogy to the word of God. He explains that a hologram, with its ability to be viewed from d |
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Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that it is not a decision, but a mental flip that occurs when the |