2 Samuel 3:7
2 Samuel 3:7 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?
Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?
Now Saul had among his wives a woman named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Why have you taken my father's wife?
Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. One day Ishbosheth accused Abner, saying “Why have you been sleeping with my father's concubine?”
And Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiiah. And Ish-bosheth sayde to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in to my fathers concubine?
and Saul hath a concubine, and her name [is] Rizpah daughter of Aiah, and [Ish-Bosheth] saith unto Abner, 'Wherefore hast thou gone in unto the concubine of my father?'
Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Why hast thou gone in to my father's concubine?
And Saul had a concubine named Respha, the daughter of Aia. And Isboseth said to Abner:
When Saul was alive, he had as one of his wives a slave woman named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. But one day Abner had sexual relations with her. So Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you had sexual relations with [EUP] my father’s slave wife?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:7
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 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/שָׁא֣וּל
פִּלֶ֔גֶשׁ
וּ/שְׁמָ֖/הּ
רִצְפָּ֣ה
בַת
אַיָּ֑ה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
אַבְנֵ֔ר
מַדּ֥וּעַ
בָּ֖אתָה
אֶל
פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ
אָבִֽ/י
וּ/לְ/שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
Conj | Prep | N-proper
פִּלֶ֔גֶשׁ
pîylegesh
H6370
concubine
N-fs
וּ/שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
רִצְפָּ֣ה
Ritspâh
H7532
Rizpah
N-proper
בַת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אַיָּ֑ה
ʼAyâh
H345
Aiah
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְנֵ֔ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
מַדּ֥וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
בָּ֖אתָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ
pîylegesh
H6370
concubine
N-fs
אָבִֽ/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:7
וּ/לְ/שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
פִּלֶ֔גֶשׁ
pîylegesh
H6370
"concubine"
N-fs
A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Solomon. This word can also refer to a paramour, or a person's lover. The Bible mentions concubines in the context of polygamy and relationships.
Definition: 1) concubine, paramour 1a) concubine 1b) paramour
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: concubine, paramour. See also: Genesis 22:24; 2 Samuel 5:13; Ezekiel 23:20.
וּ/שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
רִצְפָּ֣ה
Ritspâh
H7532
"Rizpah"
N-proper
Rizpah was an Israelite woman, daughter of Aiah, and one of King Saul's concubines, mother of Armoni and Mephibosheth.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.7; daughter of: Aiah (H0345H); married to Saul (H7586G); mother of: Armoni (H0764) and Mephibosheth (H4648H) § Rizpah = "pavement" a concubine of king Saul and mother of Armoni and Mephibosheth
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Rizpah. See also: 2 Samuel 3:7; 2 Samuel 21:10; 2 Samuel 21:11.
בַת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אַיָּ֑ה
ʼAyâh
H345
"Aiah"
N-proper
Aiah, meaning falcon, was the name of two Israelites, including a Horite and the father of Rizpah, Saul's concubine. Aiah was mentioned in 2 Samuel as the father of Rizpah.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.7; father of: Rizpah (H7532) § Aiah or Ajah = "falcon" 1) a Horite, son of Zibeon 2) father of Rizpah, Saul's concubine
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Aiah, Ajah. See also: Genesis 36:24; 2 Samuel 21:10; 1 Chronicles 1:40.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
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.
אַבְנֵ֔ר
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.
מַדּ֥וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
בָּ֖אתָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
פִּילֶ֥גֶשׁ
pîylegesh
H6370
"concubine"
N-fs
A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Solomon. This word can also refer to a paramour, or a person's lover. The Bible mentions concubines in the context of polygamy and relationships.
Definition: 1) concubine, paramour 1a) concubine 1b) paramour
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: concubine, paramour. See also: Genesis 22:24; 2 Samuel 5:13; Ezekiel 23:20.
אָבִֽ/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
Context — Abner Joins David
5and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.
6During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.
7Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”
8Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! 9May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 21:8–11 | But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD. So all seven of them fell together; they were put to death in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest. And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. When David was told what Saul’s concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done, |
| 2 | 1 Kings 2:21–22 | So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.” King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 12:8 | I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 2:17 | Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 16:21–22 | Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. |
2 Samuel 3:7 Summary
This verse is about a conflict between two men, Ish-bosheth and Abner, over a woman named Rizpah, who was one of Saul's concubines. Abner had slept with Rizpah, which Ish-bosheth saw as a challenge to his authority, similar to the situation in 1 Kings 2:22. This incident reveals the tensions and power struggles that were present during this time in Israel's history, as described in 2 Samuel 3:1-6. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and humility, as demonstrated in 1 Corinthians 4:2 and Proverbs 4:23, and how these values can help us navigate our own relationships and conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Rizpah being Saul's concubine in this verse?
Rizpah's role as Saul's concubine is important because it represents a symbol of power and authority, and Abner's actions with her are seen as a challenge to Ish-bosheth's leadership, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:7, and is reminiscent of similar power struggles in 1 Kings 2:22.
Why did Ish-bosheth question Abner about sleeping with Rizpah?
Ish-bosheth questioned Abner because he saw Abner's actions as a threat to his own authority and a betrayal of his father's legacy, as stated in 2 Samuel 3:7, and this is similar to the concerns expressed in 1 Samuel 26:19.
What does this verse reveal about Abner's character?
This verse reveals that Abner is a powerful and confident individual who is not afraid to assert himself, but also that he is sensitive to accusations and quick to defend his honor, as seen in his response to Ish-bosheth in 2 Samuel 3:8, and this is consistent with his character in 1 Samuel 26:14-16.
How does this verse relate to the larger context of 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of the ongoing struggle for power and leadership between the house of Saul and the house of David, as described in 2 Samuel 3:1-6, and it sets the stage for Abner's eventual defection to David's side in 2 Samuel 3:9-10, which is a fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Samuel 23:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Abner, may be seeking power or prestige in my own life, and how can I ensure that my actions are pleasing to God?
- How can I, like Ish-bosheth, be more aware of the potential threats to my spiritual authority and take steps to protect my relationship with God, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:23?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of loyalty and faithfulness, as demonstrated by Abner's defense of his actions in 2 Samuel 3:8, and how can I apply this to my own relationships, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 4:2?
- In what ways can I, like Abner, be more sensitive to the accusations and criticisms of others, and how can I respond in a way that honors God, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:7
And Saul had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah,.... By whom he had two sons, 2 Samuel 21:8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:7
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
Either, first, To satisfy thy own lust. Or rather, secondly, By that pretence to take away my crown first; for this was that which stirred up his jealousy and rage, and caused him to speak that to Abner which otherwise he neither would nor durst. But whether Abner were guilty or no, it is not evident from the following words; for if it were true, great men cannot endure to be told of their faults, though they be true and great.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
2 Samuel 3:7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and [Ishbosheth] said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’ s concubine?Ver. 7. Wherefore hast thou gone in, &c.] Whether this charge were true or false, it appeareth not. But Ishbosheth, belike, suspected that Abner aspired to the kingdom. Compare 1 Kings 2:17 2 Samuel 16:21.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
(7) Rizpah.—The name of this woman is associated with her strong and tender grief over the loss of her sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 21:8-11. Wherefore hast thou gone in?—The harem of an Eastern monarch was considered as the property of his successor, and therefore the taking of a woman belonging to it as the assertion of a claim to the throne. (See 2 Samuel 12:8; 2 Samuel 16:21; 1 Kings 2:22.) It is not probable that Abner had any such design, since he was exerting himself to maintain Ish-bosheth on the throne. But the king appears to have so regarded the act, as it is this implied charge of treachery that so greatly rouses the anger of Abner. The name of Ish-bosheth has dropped out of the Hebrew text, but appears in a few MSS., and is rightly restored in all the versions.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:7
7. Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah] The heroine of the tragic story related in ch. 2 Samuel 21:8-11. and Ish-bosheth said] Ish-bosheth has fallen out of the Heb. text. The Sept. has Ish-bosheth the son of Saul; the Vulg. Ish-bosheth. Wherefore, &c.] An Oriental monarch took possession of his predecessor’s harem. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 12:8, 2 Samuel 16:21; 1 Kings 2:22. There is no further indication that Abner intended to dethrone Ish-bosheth, but the act was an invasion of royal rights, and consequently implicit treason.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:7
Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah - For the sequel of her history, see the marginal reference. Aiah, was an Edomite, or rather Horite name Genesis 36:24.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7
ABNER’S REVOLT, 2 Samuel 3:7-21. 7. Wherefore hast thou… my father’s concubine — Whether or not Abner was guilty of this charge is not clear, but at least King Ishbosheth’s suspicion was aroused, and he made the charge.