2 Samuel 23:4
2 Samuel 23:4 in Multiple Translations
is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain.
It is as the light of the morning, when the sun comes up, a morning without clouds; making young grass come to life from the earth.
is like the light of the morning sunrise on a cloudless dawn; like the shining of raindrops on the new grass growing from the earth.’
Euen as the morning light when the sunne riseth, the morning, I say, without cloudes, so shall mine house be, and not as the grasse of the earth is by the bright raine.
And as the light of morning he riseth, A morning sun — no clouds! By the shining, by the rain, Tender grass of the earth!
shall be as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.’
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
As the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, shineth in the morning without clouds, and as the grass springeth out of the earth by rain.
They are like the sun that shines at dawn and causes the grass to sprout/sparkle after the rain ends.’
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:4
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 23:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/כְ/א֥וֹר
בֹּ֖קֶר
יִזְרַח
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
בֹּ֚קֶר
לֹ֣א
עָב֔וֹת
מִ/נֹּ֥גַהּ
מִ/מָּטָ֖ר
דֶּ֥שֶׁא
מֵ/אָֽרֶץ
וּ/כְ/א֥וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
Conj | Prep | N-cs
בֹּ֖קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
N-ms
יִזְרַח
zârach
H2224
to rise
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
N-cs
בֹּ֚קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָב֔וֹת
ʻâb
H5645
cloud
N-cp
מִ/נֹּ֥גַהּ
nôgahh
H5051
brightness
Prep | N-fs
מִ/מָּטָ֖ר
mâṭar
H4306
rain
Prep | N-ms
דֶּ֥שֶׁא
desheʼ
H1877
grass
N-ms
מֵ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:4
וּ/כְ/א֥וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
בֹּ֖קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
יִזְרַח
zârach
H2224
"to rise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rise or shine, like the sun coming up. It's used in the Bible to describe the sun rising or a symptom appearing. In the KJV, it's translated as 'arise' or 'rise up'.
Definition: 1) to rise, come forth, break out, arise, rise up, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise 1a2) to come out, appear
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: arise, rise (up), as soon as it is up. See also: Genesis 32:32; Psalms 104:22; Psalms 112:4.
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
בֹּ֚קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָב֔וֹת
ʻâb
H5645
"cloud"
N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a dark cloud or a thicket, often used to describe a place of refuge or a sign of God's presence, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17. It can also refer to a cloudy or thick atmosphere. The word is used to describe natural phenomena and is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare H5672 (עֲבִי). See also: Exodus 19:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:12.
מִ/נֹּ֥גַהּ
nôgahh
H5051
"brightness"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to brightness or brilliancy, like the shining of the sun, and is used in Ezekiel 8:2 to describe a brilliant light that looks like a man.
Definition: brightness Aramaic equivalent: no.gah (נֹ֫גַהּ "daylight" H5053)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining. See also: 2 Samuel 22:13; Ezekiel 1:4; Psalms 18:13.
מִ/מָּטָ֖ר
mâṭar
H4306
"rain"
Prep | N-ms
This noun simply means rain, describing the water that falls from the sky. It is a common weather phenomenon in the Bible, often used to symbolize God's blessing or judgment. Rain is essential for life and growth in the biblical world.
Definition: rain
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: rain. See also: Exodus 9:33; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Psalms 72:6.
דֶּ֥שֶׁא
desheʼ
H1877
"grass"
N-ms
Grass or new growth is what this word refers to, often used to describe the beauty of nature and God's creation. It can also mean tender shoots or green herbs.
Definition: grass, new grass, green herb, vegetation, young Aramaic equivalent: de.te (דֶּ֫תֶא "grass" H1883)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (tender) grass, green, (tender) herb. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 23:2; Psalms 37:2.
מֵ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:4
Context — David’s Last Song
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.’
5Is not my house right with God? For He has established with me an everlasting covenant, ordered and secured in every part. Will He not bring about my full salvation and my every desire? 6But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 5:31 | So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:6 | May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. |
| 3 | Hosea 6:5 | Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning. |
| 4 | Psalms 89:36 | his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, |
| 5 | Malachi 4:2 | “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall. |
| 6 | John 1:7 | He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. |
| 7 | Isaiah 4:2 | On that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors. |
| 8 | Psalms 110:3 | Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth. |
| 9 | Proverbs 4:18 | The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. |
| 10 | Isaiah 60:1 | Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. |
2 Samuel 23:4 Summary
This verse in 2 Samuel 23:4 uses beautiful natural images to describe what it's like when a leader rules with justice and fears God. It's like a brand new day, full of hope and promise, where everything feels fresh and possible (similar to the new beginning described in Lamentations 3:22-23). Just as the morning light and the glistening grass after rain bring joy and refreshment, a righteous leader brings life and vitality to their people. By following God's ways and leading with justice, we can reflect this kind of leadership in our own lives, bringing light and hope to those around us, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'light of the morning' symbolize in this verse?
The 'light of the morning' in 2 Samuel 23:4 symbolizes the joy, hope, and new beginnings that come with a righteous leader, as also seen in Psalm 119:147, where the psalmist longs for the light of morning to bring him comfort and guidance.
How does the image of 'glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass' relate to a ruler who governs with justice?
The image of 'glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass' in 2 Samuel 23:4 represents the refreshing and rejuvenating effect of a just ruler on the land and its people, much like the promise in Isaiah 58:11, where the righteous are promised to be like a well-watered garden.
What is the significance of a 'cloudless dawn' in this context?
A 'cloudless dawn' in 2 Samuel 23:4 signifies a time of peace, clarity, and freedom from the shadows of fear or oppression, reflecting the kind of leadership described in Proverbs 29:2, where the righteous are said to rejoice when a just leader rules.
How does this verse relate to the character of a God-fearing leader?
This verse in 2 Samuel 23:4 describes the beauty and refreshment a leader who fears God and rules with justice brings, echoing the qualities of a leader outlined in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, where a king is instructed to follow God's law and lead with humility and justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which a leader's character can either refresh or oppress those they lead, and how can I apply this to my own life and relationships?
- How can I, as a follower of God, contribute to creating an environment that is like 'a cloudless dawn' for those around me, filled with hope and peace?
- In what ways can I reflect the 'light of the morning' in my daily interactions, bringing joy and new beginnings to those I meet?
- What does it mean for me to 'rule' my own life and decisions with justice and the fear of God, and how can I practically live this out in my choices and actions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:4
And [he shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun riseth, [even] a morning without clouds,.... That is, such a ruler that rules in righteousness, and in the fear of God; he is the light
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:4
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
These words are either, 1. A further description of the king’ s duty, which is not only to rule with exact justice and piety, but also with sweetness, and gentleness, and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as pleasant and acceptable to them as is the sunshine in a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of the earth by the warm and refreshing beams of the sun after the rain, which hath a peculiar kind of sweetness and fragrancy in it. Or rather, 2. A prediction or declaration of the sweet and blessed effects of such a government, both to the governor himself; in that peace, and prosperity, and glory, and happiness which it brings to him, and to his people; to whom it is no less grateful, , and comfortable, and beneficial, than those great and public blessings of sunshine and rain, and the fruits which they produce; which is true of every good king or governor, but most eminently of the Messias.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
2 Samuel 23:4 And [he shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun riseth, [even] a morning without clouds; [as] the tender grass [springing] out of the earth by clear shining after rain.Ver. 4. And he shall be as the light of the morning.] "Which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." He shall prosper and proceed, do great exploits, as did Joshua and Josiah, Constantine, Gustavus, king of Sweden, &c. But all these things are chiefly to be understood concerning Christ, saith Vatablus. Lyra applieth the next words thus to Christ, "As the tender grass springeth out of the earth," &c. As the ground is barren and bringeth forth no fruit but by the rain falling upon it, so the blessed Virgin could not have brought forth a son, but by the Spirit of God making her fruitful. Peter Martyr also understandeth this and the next verse of the kingdom of Christ.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
(4) A morning without clouds.—This description of the blessings of the ideally perfect government is closely connected with the Divine promise made through Nathan (2 Samuel 7). David recognises that the ruler of God’s people must be just, and here, as in Psalms 72, the highest blessings are depicted as flowing from such a government. David knew far too much of the evil of his own heart and of the troubles in his household to suppose that his ideal could be perfectly realised in any other of his descendants than in Him who should “crush the serpent’s head “and win the victory over the powers of evil. The sense of the verse will be made clearer by the following translation: “And as the light of the morning when the sun ariseth, a morning without clouds; as by means of sunlight and by means of rain the tender grass grows from the earth:—is not my house so with God?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
Verse 4. He shall be as the light of the morning] This verse is very obscure, for it does not appear from it who the person is of whom the prophet speaks. As the Messiah seems to be the whole subject of these last words of David, he is probably the person intended. One of Dr. Kennicott's MSS. Supplies the word יהוה Yehovah; and he therefore translates, As the light of the morning ariseth Jehovah (see below) He shall be the Sun of righteousness, bringing salvation in his rays, and shining-illuminating the children of men, with increasing splendour, as long as the sun and moon endure. As the tender grass] The effects of this shining, and of the rays of his grace, shall be like the shining of the sun upon the young grass or corn, after a plentiful shower of rain.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:4
Ch. 2 Samuel 23:1-7. The last words of David The great hymn of triumph in ch. 22, composed when David was in the zenith of his prosperity, is followed by his “last words:” his last prophetic utterance, delivered not long before his death, a parting testimony to the world of his confidence in the fulfilment of the promise concerning the eternal dominion of his posterity. A translation of the Targum or Aramaic paraphrase of David’s last words is given in Note IV., p. 237.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:4
Comparisons illustrating the prosperity of the righteous king.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:4
4. As the light of morning — That is, the righteous ruler, on whom the vision of the psalmist rests, commences his reign as grandly and auspiciously as breaks the light of an oriental morning.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Last Words of David by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last words of David as recorded in the book of Samuel. He connects these words to the Harvest Festival, emphasizing the importance of re |
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The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 1 by John Gill | John Gill preaches about the appearance of Christ in human nature, comparing it to the light of the morning when the sun rises, emphasizing that His coming dispels darkness and bri |
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The Morning Without Clouds by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle reflects on David's poignant acknowledgment of his family's imperfections and the trials he faced, emphasizing that despite these struggles, God has established an everla |
|
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The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 2 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ's appearance in human nature, likening it to the light of the morning and the tender grass that springs forth after rain. He explain |
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As the Light of the Morning When the Sun Riseth, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer illustrates God's dealings with humanity through the metaphor of morning light and the growth of grass after rain, emphasizing that both youth and age experience God's s |
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Letter 188. by James Bourne | James Bourne reflects on the inevitability of afflictions in life, sharing personal struggles with fear, bodily afflictions, and the constant battle against Satan's deceptions. Des |
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The Nail (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority that God gives to those who are in difficult situations and have had enough of their enemy's oppression. The preache |