2 Samuel 4:11

2 Samuel 4:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!”

King James Version KJV

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

American Standard Version ASV

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed, shall I not now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

Bible in Basic English BBE

How much more, when evil men have put an upright person to death, in his house, sleeping on his bed, will I take payment from you for his blood, and have you cut off from the earth?

Free Bible Version FBV

Even more so then, when evil men kill a good man in his own house, and in his own bed, shouldn't I demand you pay for his life with your own lives, and exterminate you!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

How much more, when wicked men haue slaine a righteous person in his owne house, and vpon his bed? shall I not now therfore require his blood at your hand, and take you from the earth?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Also — when wicked men have slain the righteous man in his own house, on his bed; and now, do not I require his blood of your hand, and have taken you away from the earth?'

World English Bible WEB

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house on his bed, should I not now require his blood from your hand, and rid the earth of you?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

How much more now when wicked men have slain an innocent man in his own house, upon his bed, shall I not require his blood at your hand, and take you away from the earth?

Translation for Translators T4T

So because you two evil men murdered a man who is ◄innocent/has done nothing wrong► when he was sleeping on his bed in his own house, I will do something worse to you. I will surely [RHQ] get revenge on you two for murdering [MTY] him, and ◄wipe you/cause you to disappear► from the earth!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 4:11

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 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אַ֞ף כִּֽי אֲנָשִׁ֣ים רְשָׁעִ֗ים הָרְג֧וּ אֶת אִישׁ צַדִּ֛יק בְּ/בֵית֖/וֹ עַל מִשְׁכָּב֑/וֹ וְ/עַתָּ֗ה הֲ/ל֨וֹא אֲבַקֵּ֤שׁ אֶת דָּמ/וֹ֙ מִ/יֶּדְ/כֶ֔ם וּ/בִעַרְתִּ֥י אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם מִן הָ/אָֽרֶץ

אַ֞ף ʼaph H637 also DirObjM

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

רְשָׁעִ֗ים râshâʻ H7563 wicked Adj

הָרְג֧וּ hârag H2026 to kill V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

צַדִּ֛יק tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj

בְּ/בֵית֖/וֹ bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מִשְׁכָּב֑/וֹ mishkâb H4904 bed N-ms | Suff

וְ/עַתָּ֗ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

הֲ/ל֨וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

אֲבַקֵּ֤שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דָּמ/וֹ֙ dâm H1818 blood N-ms | Suff

מִ/יֶּדְ/כֶ֔ם yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

וּ/בִעַרְתִּ֥י bâʻar H1197 to burn Conj | V-Piel-1cs

אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 4:11

אַ֞ף ʼaph H637 "also" DirObjM

The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.

Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

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.

רְשָׁעִ֗ים râshâʻ H7563 "wicked" Adj

This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.

הָרְג֧וּ hârag H2026 "to kill" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

צַדִּ֛יק tsaddîyq H6662 "righteous" Adj

Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.

Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful

Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.

בְּ/בֵית֖/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

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.

מִשְׁכָּב֑/וֹ mishkâb H4904 "bed" N-ms | Suff

Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.

Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.

וְ/עַתָּ֗ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

הֲ/ל֨וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | 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.

אֲבַקֵּ֤שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

דָּמ/וֹ֙ dâm H1818 "blood" N-ms | Suff

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

מִ/יֶּדְ/כֶ֔ם yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

וּ/בִעַרְתִּ֥י bâʻar H1197 "to burn" Conj | V-Piel-1cs

To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.

Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn

Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.

אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | 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 4:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 4:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 4:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 4:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 4:11
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11
Sermons on 2 Samuel 4:11

Context — The Execution of Rechab and Baanah

9But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, 10when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

11How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!”

12So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 9:12	For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
2	Numbers 35:31–34	You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”
3	Genesis 9:5–6	And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.
4	Genesis 7:23	And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained.
5	Exodus 9:15	For by this time I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth.
6	2 Samuel 3:27	When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.
7	Habakkuk 1:4	Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
8	Jeremiah 10:11	Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.”
9	Habakkuk 1:12	Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. O LORD, You have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, You have established them for correction.
10	1 Kings 2:32	The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

2 Samuel 4:11 Summary

[This verse is saying that if someone hurts an innocent person, they will be punished. David is talking about two men who killed a good person, Ish-bosheth, and now they will have to pay for what they did. This reminds us of what the Bible says in Exodus 21:12, that anyone who murders someone will be put to death. It's also similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 26:52, that those who live by violence will die by violence.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a righteous man in the context of 2 Samuel 4:11?

In this verse, a righteous man refers to someone who is innocent and just, such as Ish-bosheth, who was killed by Rechab and Baanah. This concept is also seen in Psalms 37:37, which says that the perfect man will have a peaceful end.

Why did David require the blood of the wicked men from the hands of Rechab and Baanah?

David required their blood because, as a leader, he was responsible for upholding justice and protecting the innocent, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:10-13. By requiring their blood, David was ensuring that justice was served for the murder of Ish-bosheth.

What does it mean to be removed from the earth in 2 Samuel 4:11?

To be removed from the earth means to be put to death, as seen in the context of the surrounding verses, such as 2 Samuel 4:12. This phrase emphasizes the severity of the punishment for the wicked men who killed Ish-bosheth.

How does this verse relate to God's justice?

This verse shows that God's justice is upheld through human leaders, such as David, who are responsible for punishing the wicked and protecting the innocent, as seen in Romans 13:1-4. It also highlights the importance of accountability for one's actions, as seen in Ezekiel 18:4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can uphold justice and protect the innocent in my own life, just like David did in this verse?
How can I ensure that I am not contributing to the harm or suffering of others, either directly or indirectly?
What does it mean to be a righteous person in my own context, and how can I strive to live a life that is pleasing to God?
How can I trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even when I see wickedness and injustice in the world around me?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 4:11

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person,.... As Ishbosheth was in comparison of the wicked men that slew him; though not with respect to David, if he knew of his divine

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 4:11

And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11

A righteous person; for so he was comparatively, and in respect of these men, having not deserved death at their hands.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11

2 Samuel 4:11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?Ver. 11. How much more,] q.d., That Amalekite’ s perdition should have been your caution; especially since you are far greater sinners against your own souls; for how bad soever Ishbosheth was, yet in comparison of you, he was righteous; and to you a good lord. In his own house.] Which is a man’ s castle, tutissimum cuique Refugium atque Receptaculum, saith the civil law. Require his blood of your hand.] Which, because it is not in your power to repair and restore, should I not execute you?

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11

(11) A righteous person—i.e., righteous, not at fault, so far as the matter in hand and his relation to the assassins is concerned. Take you away from the earth.—“Rather, put you away out of the land. The word is one specially used of removing evil or the guilt of evil from the land (Deuteronomy 19:13; Deuteronomy 19:19, &c.). The guilt of murder defiled the land, until expiated by the execution of the murderer. (Numbers 35:33.)”—Kirkpatrick.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11

Verse 11. How much more] Here are several things which aggravated the guilt of those wicked men. 1. Ish-bosheth was an innocent man, and therefore none could have any ground of quarrel against him. 2. He was in his own house, which was his sanctuary, and none but the worst of men would disturb him there. 3. He was upon his bed, resting in the heat of the day, and so free from suspicion that he was not even attended by his guards, nor had he his doors secured. To take away the life of such a man, in such circumstances, whom also they professed to hold as their sovereign, was the most abandoned treachery.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 4:11

11. a righteous person] “A man who had done no one any harm,” as Josephus says. His merits seem to have been negative rather than positive. require his blood] Demand satisfaction for his murder. God is said to “require blood,” i.e. to avenge murder (Genesis 9:5; Psalms 9:12), and in punishing the murderers David acted as His representative. take you away from the earth] Rather, put you away out of the land. The word is one specially used of removing evil or the guilt of evil from the land (Deuteronomy 19:13; Deuteronomy 19:19, &c.). The guilt of murder defiled the land until expiated by the execution of the murderer (Numbers 35:33).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:11

11. A righteous person — Ishbosheth was guilty of no crime. It is doubtful if he would have assumed the regal power without the instance of Abner.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 4:11

	Sermon	Description
	Childlike Humility by David Smithers	David Smithers preaches on the hindrance to a mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit, attributing it to the lack of humility and brokenness within the Church. He emphasizes the impor
	Eternity to Eternity 03 Genesis 1:1 by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the days of Noah and the closing days of the church age and the tribulation period. He highlights that both eras wer
	Hastening the Lord's Coming by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a sense of urgency in doing the will of God. He uses the example of Noah, who dedicated his life to building the ark
	Pressures of Christianity 04 Godly Seed Under Pressure by Harry Deutchman	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three main points: feeding, defense, and instruction. He emphasizes the parallel between the past and the present, specifically focusing on t
	Sunday Night Meditations 24 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the preacher begins by singing a song called "And This I Know" which speaks about the belief in God's reign and the promise of transformation. The sermon then focus
	The Dispensations by Lewis Sperry Chafer	Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the concept of dispensations in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these well-defined periods in understanding God's divine purpos
	2 Peter 3:6 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 3:6, emphasizing the historical account of the flood as a demonstration of God's judgment on a corrupt world. He explains that the flood was a univers