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2 Samuel 6:22

2 Samuel 6:22 in Multiple Translations

and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.”

And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.

And I will be yet more vile than this, and will be base in mine own sight: but of the handmaids of whom thou hast spoken, of them shall I be had in honor.

And I will do even worse than this, and make myself even lower in your eyes: but the servant-girls of whom you were talking will give me honour.

in fact I'm going to make myself even less distinguished, become even more humble. However, I will be respected by those servant girls you spoke about.”

And will yet be more vile then thus, and will be low in mine owne sight, and of the verie same maidseruants, which thou hast spoken of, shall I be had in honour.

and I have been more vile than this, and have been low in mine eyes, and with the handmaids whom thou hast spoken of, with them I am honoured.'

I will be yet more undignified than this, and will be worthless in my own sight. But the maids of whom you have spoken will honor me.”

And I shall yet be more vile than thus, and shall be base in my own sight: and by the maid-servants which thou hast spoken of, by them shall I be had in honor.

I will both play and make myself meaner than I have done: and I will be little in my own eyes: and with the handmaid of whom thou speakest, I shall appear more glorious.

Even though you think that what I did was disgraceful, I will continue to do it even more. You may despise me because of what I did, but the women whom you were talking about will honor me!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:22

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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 6:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/נְקַלֹּ֤תִי עוֹד֙ מִ/זֹּ֔את וְ/הָיִ֥יתִי שָׁפָ֖ל בְּ/עֵינָ֑/י וְ/עִם הָֽ/אֲמָהוֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֔רְתְּ עִמָּ֖/ם אִכָּבֵֽדָה
וּ/נְקַלֹּ֤תִי qâlal H7043 to lighten Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
עוֹד֙ ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
מִ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Prep | Pron
וְ/הָיִ֥יתִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-1cs
שָׁפָ֖ל shâphâl H8217 low Adj
בְּ/עֵינָ֑/י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/עִם ʻim H5973 with Conj | Prep
הָֽ/אֲמָהוֹת֙ ʼâmâh H519 maidservant Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אָמַ֔רְתְּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עִמָּ֖/ם ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
אִכָּבֵֽדָה kâbad H3513 to honor V-Niphal-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:22

וּ/נְקַלֹּ֤תִי qâlal H7043 "to lighten" Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
עוֹד֙ ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מִ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
וְ/הָיִ֥יתִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁפָ֖ל shâphâl H8217 "low" Adj
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
בְּ/עֵינָ֑/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הָֽ/אֲמָהוֹת֙ ʼâmâh H519 "maidservant" Art | N-fp
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֔רְתְּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-2fs
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.
עִמָּ֖/ם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אִכָּבֵֽדָה kâbad H3513 "to honor" V-Niphal-1cs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 6:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
2 Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Isaiah 51:7 Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.
4 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
5 Job 42:6 Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
6 Job 40:4 “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
7 Acts 5:41–42 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
8 Matthew 5:11–12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
9 Genesis 32:10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps.
10 Isaiah 50:6 I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

2 Samuel 6:22 Summary

[In this verse, David is saying that he is willing to humble himself even more, in order to worship God with his whole heart, as we see in 2 Samuel 6:22. He's not worried about what others think, but rather, he's focused on pleasing God. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-38, where he taught us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. By following David's example, we can learn to prioritize our worship of God, even when it's hard or unpopular.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for David to humble himself even more than this?

David is expressing his willingness to lower himself even further in his worship of God, despite Michal's criticism, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:22, demonstrating his heart of humility and surrender to God, similar to the attitude of Jesus in Philippians 2:8

Why does David say he will be honored by the maidservants?

David is saying that his humility and worship of God will ultimately bring him honor, not from the high and mighty, but from those who are often overlooked, the maidservants, as a testament to God's ability to exalt the humble, as seen in Luke 1:52

Is David being arrogant by saying he will be honored?

No, David is not being arrogant, but rather, he is expressing his confidence in God's sovereignty and promise to exalt those who humble themselves, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6, and his statement is a declaration of trust in God's plan, not his own self-importance

What can we learn from David's response to Michal's criticism?

We can learn the importance of staying focused on our worship of God, despite criticism or opposition from others, and trusting in God's ability to exalt us in due time, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:30 and Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and trust in God's sovereignty?
  2. How can I, like David, prioritize my worship of God, even when it's not popular or convenient?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate my humility and trust in God, like David's willingness to be honored by the maidservants?
  4. How can I balance my desire for recognition and honor with the need to humble myself before God, as seen in Matthew 23:12?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:22

And I will yet be more vile than thus,.... If this is to be vile, I will endeavour to be viler still; if to dance before the ark, and sing the praises of God, be reckoned a lessening of me, I will

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:22

And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:22

I will be base in mine own sight; I will always be ready to humble and abase myself before God. Of them shall I be had in honour; I shall rather choose to get honour from the meanest of my people, in serving and praising God, than to gain esteem from thee by my lukewarmness in God’ s service.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:22

2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.Ver. 22. And I will yet be more vile.] This was bravely resolved. So when the proud prefect told Basil that he was mad, he answered, I wish to be mad in this manner always. Opto me in aeternum sic delirare.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:22

(22) Base in mine own sight.—The LXX., not understanding this expression, has changed it to “in thine eyes.” But the meaning is, that while Michal had charged him with making himself base in the eyes of the maidservants (who were no fit judges of such matters), he was ready to abase himself in his own eyes, to do anything, however humbling it might seem even to himself, which should be for the honour and glory of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:22

Verse 22. I will yet be more vile] The plain meaning of these words appears to be this: "I am not ashamed of humbling myself before that God who rejected thy father because of his obstinacy and pride, and chose me in his stead to rule his people; and even those maid-servants, when they come to know the motive of my conduct, shall acknowledge its propriety, and treat me with additional respect; and as for thee, thou shalt find that thy conduct is as little pleasing to God as it is to me." Then it is said, Michal had no child till the day of her death: probably David never more took her to his bed; or God, in his providence, might have subjected her to barrenness which in Palestine was considered both a misfortune and a reproach. Michal formed her judgment without reason, and meddled with that which she did not understand. We should be careful how we attribute actions, the reasons of which we cannot comprehend, to motives which may appear to us unjustifiable or absurd. Rash judgments are doubly pernicious; they hurt those who form them, and those of whom they are formed.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:22

22. And I will yet, &c.] And I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and will be humble in mine own eyes. Michal had taunted David with degrading himself in the eyes of the meanest servants. He replies that even if he humbled himself yet more deeply, instead of priding himself on his royal dignity, they would continue to honour him.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:22

22. I will yet be more vile — I am ready to be still more despised, if I may thereby honour Jehovah. How unlike the spirit of Michal, who seems to have had little interest in the God of Israel.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:22

SermonDescription
Stephen Kaung Ephraim Is a Cake Not Turned by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between life and knowledge. He warns against being extreme in either direction, as it can lead to neg
J.C. Philpot A Discriminating Ministry by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the prophet Jeremiah's rough path and rebellious nature, highlighting the distinction between precious and vile elements in God's sight. He emphasizes t
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 30): Suffering in God's Will and Out by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of identifying and understanding adversities in order to better bear them. He emphasizes that humans are naturally afraid of
David Wilkerson Holy Ground by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it
Corrie Ten Boom Corrie Ten Boom, on Tribulation and Persecution by Corrie Ten Boom This sermon by Corrie ten Boom emphasizes the role of Christians as overcomers and ambassadors for Christ in a world filled with tribulation and persecution. It highlights the impo
T. Austin-Sparks The Cross and Eternal Glory - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of glory in the foundation of the Christian faith. The New Testament reveals that glory is a central and governing factor in t
William MacDonald Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgme

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