2 Samuel 3:33
2 Samuel 3:33 in Multiple Translations
And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool?
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
And the king lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth?
And the king made a song of grief for Abner and said, Was the death of Abner to be like the death of a foolish man?
The king sang this lament for Abner: “Did Abner deserve to die like a criminal?
And the King lamented ouer Abner, and sayde, Dyed Abner as a foole dyeth?
and the king lamenteth for Abner, and saith: — 'As the death of a fool doth Abner die?
The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
And the king mourning and lamenting over Abner, said: Not as cowards are wont to die, hath Abner died.
David sang this sad song to lament for Abner: “It is not right that [RHQ] Abner died like outlaws die!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:33
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 3:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְקֹנֵ֥ן
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
אֶל
אַבְנֵ֖ר
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
הַ/כְּ/מ֥וֹת
נָבָ֖ל
יָמ֥וּת
אַבְנֵֽר
וַ/יְקֹנֵ֥ן
qûwn
H6969
to chant
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְנֵ֖ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/כְּ/מ֥וֹת
mâveth
H4194
death
Part | Prep | N-ms
נָבָ֖ל
nâbâl
H5036
foolish
Adj
יָמ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אַבְנֵֽר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
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 3:33
וַ/יְקֹנֵ֥ן
qûwn
H6969
"to chant"
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to chant or wail, often at a funeral, and is used to express lament or mourning, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to chant a dirge, chant, wail, lament 1a) (Polel) to lament
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourning woman. See also: 2 Samuel 1:17; Jeremiah 9:16; Ezekiel 32:16.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
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.
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.
אַבְנֵ֖ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
הַ/כְּ/מ֥וֹת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Part | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
נָבָ֖ל
nâbâl
H5036
"foolish"
Adj
A foolish person is someone who acts stupidly or wickedly, often in a way that is impious or against God. This word is used to describe someone who lacks sense or wisdom.
Definition: foolish, senseless, fool
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. See also: Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 74:18; Psalms 14:1.
יָמ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אַבְנֵֽר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 3:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:33
Context — David Mourns for Abner
31Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.
32When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept.
33And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool?
34Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. As a man falls before the wicked, so also you fell.” And all the people wept over him even more. 35Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:17 | Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 35:25 | Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the choirs of men and women sing laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments. |
| 3 | Luke 12:19–20 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 13:12–13 | “No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 17:11 | Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 18:7 | A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 2:15–16 | So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 13:28–29 | Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. |
2 Samuel 3:33 Summary
In this verse, King David is expressing his sadness and regret over the death of Abner, a former enemy who had recently defected to his side. He is lamenting the fact that Abner died a tragic and unjust death, similar to the death of a fool, as mentioned in Proverbs 10:21. King David's response shows that he valued Abner's life and recognized his potential to bring unity to the nation, as seen in Second Samuel 3:17-21. This teaches us the importance of treating others with respect, dignity, and compassion, even if they have wronged us, and trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Romans 12:14-21 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David lament the death of Abner, considering he was a former enemy?
King David lamented Abner's death because he recognized Abner's value as a leader and his potential to bring unity to the nation, as seen in Second Samuel 3:17-21, and he also acknowledged that Abner's death was not a just punishment, but rather a tragic event, similar to the death of a fool, as mentioned in Proverbs 10:21.
What does it mean to 'die the death of a fool' in this context?
To 'die the death of a fool' means to die a premature or unjust death, often as a result of one's own actions or circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 10:8-9, and in Abner's case, his death was seen as unjust and tragic by King David, who valued his life and potential contribution to the kingdom.
How does King David's lament for Abner reflect his character as a leader?
King David's lament for Abner reflects his character as a leader who values human life, recognizes the potential of his enemies, and is willing to show compassion and empathy, as seen in Second Samuel 3:31-32, and this is consistent with his earlier actions, such as his sparing of Saul's life in First Samuel 24:6-7.
What can we learn from King David's response to Abner's death in terms of how to treat our enemies?
We can learn from King David's response to Abner's death that we should treat our enemies with respect, dignity, and compassion, even if they have wronged us, as taught in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28, and this is reflected in King David's actions towards Abner, as seen in Second Samuel 3:31-35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can show respect and compassion to those who may have wronged me, just as King David showed respect to Abner?
- How can I, like King David, recognize the value and potential of those around me, even if they have made mistakes or poor choices?
- What can I learn from King David's example about the importance of valuing human life and treating others with dignity, as seen in his lament for Abner?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of compassion, empathy, and respect, as demonstrated by King David, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- How can I, like King David, trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when faced with tragic or unjust events, such as the death of Abner?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:33
And the king lamented over Abner,.... Delivered an elegy or funeral oration, which he had composed on this occasion, as Josephus (u) suggests: for he had cried and wept before, but now he expressed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:33
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? The king lamented over Abner. This brief elegy is an effusion of indignation as much as of sorrow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
i. e. As a wicked man; for such are oft called fools in Scripture. Was he cut off by the hands of justice for his crimes? Nothing less; but by Joab’ s malice and treachery. Or did he die by his own folly, because he had not wisdom or courage to defend himself? Ah, no. The words may be thus rendered: Shall or should Abner die like a fool, or a vile contemptible person? i.e. unregarded, unpitied, unrevenged; as fools or vile persons die, for whose death none are concerned. Or, How is Abner dead like a fool! pitying his mischance. It being honourable for a great man and a soldier to fight, if met with by an enemy, and not (having his arms at liberty) stand still like a fool to be killed, without making any resistance or defence; which, by this treachery of Joab, happened to be his case.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
2 Samuel 3:33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?Ver. 33. Died Abner as a fool dieth?] Sept., As Nabal died? Was this a fit death for so gallant a man, to be thus basely butchered? Est interrogatio indignantis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
Verse 33. The king lamented over Abner] This lamentation, though short, is very pathetic. It is a high strain of poetry; but the measure cannot be easily ascertained. Our own translation may be measured thus: - Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, Nor thy feet put into fetters. As a man falleth before the wicked. So hast thou fallen! Or thus: - Shall Abner die A death like to a villain's? Thy hands not bound, Nor were the fetters to thy feet applied. Like as one falls before the sons of guilt, He was not taken away by the hand of justice, nor in battle, nor by accident: he died the death of a culprit by falling into the hands of a villain.
This song was a heavy reproof to Joab; and must have galled him extremely, being sung by all the people.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:33
33. lamented] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 1:17. Died Abner as a fool dieth] Lit. As dies a fool should Abner die? Was this ignoble death, befitting a fool, to be the fate of so brave a warrior?
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:33
Lamented - i. e. composed and sang the funeral dirge which follows (compare 2 Samuel 1:17). Died Abner ... - i. e. The great and noble and valiant Abner had died as ignobly and as helplessly as the meanest churl!
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
33. The king lamented — A beautiful and touching dirge, which should be rendered thus:As dies a fool should Abner die?Thy hands not bound, And thy feet unto double fetters were not brought nigh.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by discussing the closing events of 1 Samuel, which include the death of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. He then transi |
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(1 Samuel) How to Be Free From Bitterness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of river rafting to illustrate the journey of walking with God. He emphasizes the importance of suffering courageously for the Lord in |
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Faithful to the End by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, as exemplified by Fano, who obeyed God's voice despite opposition. He warns against the dangers of dis |
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Five Solemn Facts by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes five solemn facts about salvation. Firstly, not everyone will be saved, and the listeners are urged to reflect on their own standing. Secondl |
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The Soul of a Man by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will face judgment at the great |
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Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 04 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he couldn't interpret, so he called upon Daniel |
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The Duty of Self-Denial by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the duty of self-denial, emphasizing the need for Christians to deny their own righteousness and trust only in Christ's righteousness for salvation. He wa |