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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 2 Samuel 6  › 2 Samuel 6:6

2 Samuel 6:6

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2 Samuel 6:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled.

King James Version KJV

¶ And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.

American Standard Version ASV

And when they came to the threshing-floor of Nacon, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen stumbled.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when they came to Nacon's grain-floor, Uzzah put his hand on the ark of God to keep it safe in its place, for the oxen were out of control.

Free Bible Version FBV

But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, so Uzzah reached out to stop the Ark of God from falling.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when they came to Nachons threshing floore, Vzzah put his hande to the Arke of God, and helde it: for the oxen did shake it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they come unto the threshing-floor of Nachon, and Uzzah putteth forth [his hand] unto the ark of God, and layeth hold on it, for they released the oxen;

World English Bible WEB

When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached for God’s ark and took hold of it, for the cattle stumbled.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when they came to Nachon's threshing-floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it: for the oxen shook it .

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when they came to the floor of Nachon, Oza put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it: because the oxen kicked and made it lean aside.

Translation for Translators T4T

But when they came to the place where Nacon threshed grain, the oxen stumbled. So Uzzah put his hand on the sacred chest to ◄steady it/prevent it from falling off the cart►.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:6

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 6:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ עַד גֹּ֣רֶן נָכ֑וֹן וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח עֻזָּ֜א אֶל אֲר֤וֹן הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙ וַ/יֹּ֣אחֶז בּ֔/וֹ כִּ֥י שָׁמְט֖וּ הַ/בָּקָֽר
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
גֹּ֣רֶן gôren H1637 threshing floor N-cs
נָכ֑וֹן Nâkôwn H5225 Nacon N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֻזָּ֜א ʻUzzâʼ H5798 Uzza N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אֲר֤וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
וַ/יֹּ֣אחֶז ʼâchaz H270 to grasp Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בּ֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
שָׁמְט֖וּ shâmaṭ H8058 to release V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הַ/בָּקָֽר bâqâr H1241 cattle Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:6

וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
גֹּ֣רֶן gôren H1637 "threshing floor" N-cs
A threshing floor is an open area where grain is separated from chaff, as seen in the book of Ruth. This word can also refer to a barn or empty space. The KJV Bible translates it as floor or place.
Definition: 1) threshing-floor 2) (TWOT) barn, barn floor, corn floor, void place
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (barn, corn, threshing-) floor, (threshing-, void) place. See also: Genesis 50:10; 1 Kings 22:10; Isaiah 21:10.
נָכ֑וֹן Nâkôwn H5225 "Nacon" N-proper
Nacon was an Israelite who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, and he's mentioned in 2 Samuel 6 as the owner of a threshing floor where the ark was being transported. His name means 'prepared' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at 2Sa.6.6; son of: Serug (H8286); father of: Terah (H8646); also called Chidon (NIV: Kidon) at 1Ch.13.9; Also named: ki.don (כִּידֹן "Chidon" H3592) § Nachon = "prepared" the owner of the threshing floor which the ark was passing on the trip to Jerusalem when it started to fall off the cart, Uzzah steadied it, and God smote him dead for touching it
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Nachon. See also: 2 Samuel 6:6.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
עֻזָּ֜א ʻUzzâʼ H5798 "Uzza" N-proper
Uzza is a person's name, meaning strength, and is found in the book of Ezra, referring to a Levite who lived during the Exile and Return.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.49 § Uzza or Uzzah = "strength" a Merarite Levite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Uzza, Uzzah. See also: 2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 8:7; Nehemiah 7:51.
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.
אֲר֤וֹן ʼârôwn H727 "ark" N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יֹּ֣אחֶז ʼâchaz H270 "to grasp" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
בּ֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י 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.
שָׁמְט֖וּ shâmaṭ H8058 "to release" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to release or let something go, like dropping something or stopping an activity. It can also mean to throw something down or cause it to fall. The KJV translates it as release, overthrow, or let rest.
Definition: 1) to release, let drop or loose or rest or fall 1a) (Qal) to let drop or fall 1b) (Niphal) to be made to fall down, be thrown down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to let drop 1c2) to release, let drop
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: discontinue, overthrow, release, let rest, shake, stumble, throw down. See also: Exodus 23:11; 2 Kings 9:33; Psalms 141:6.
הַ/בָּקָֽר bâqâr H1241 "cattle" Art | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 6:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled.
2 Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.
3 Numbers 4:19–20 In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry. But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”

2 Samuel 6:6 Summary

In 2 Samuel 6:6, Uzzah reached out to touch the ark of God because the oxen had stumbled, but this act was considered disobedient and irreverent to God's commands. This event teaches us the importance of respecting God's holiness and following His instructions, as seen in Numbers 4:15 and Leviticus 10:1-3. We can learn from Uzzah's mistake by being mindful of our actions and attitudes towards God, and by cultivating a sense of reverence and awe in our worship and daily life, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29 and Psalm 95:6-7. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and avoid unintentionally showing disrespect to Him, as warned in Matthew 15:8-9 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Uzzah reach out to touch the ark of God in 2 Samuel 6:6?

Uzzah reached out to touch the ark because the oxen had stumbled, and he was trying to steady it, but this act was considered irreverent and disobedient to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 4:15 and 4:20, where only the Levites were allowed to touch the ark.

Was Uzzah's intention to protect the ark or to show disrespect to God?

Uzzah's intention was likely to protect the ark, but his actions showed a lack of reverence and disobedience to God's commands, highlighting the importance of following God's instructions, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:32 and Proverbs 30:6.

What can we learn from Uzzah's mistake in 2 Samuel 6:6?

We can learn the importance of respecting God's holiness and following His instructions, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-3, where Nadab and Abihu were punished for their disobedience, and in Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are encouraged to worship God with reverence and awe.

How does this event relate to the concept of God's holiness in the Bible?

This event highlights God's holiness and the importance of treating Him with reverence and respect, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah encounters God's holiness and is overwhelmed with a sense of his own sinfulness, and in Revelation 4:8-11, where the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His holiness and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can show reverence and respect to God in my daily life, just as the Israelites were commanded to do in Exodus 19:10-13 and Leviticus 11:44-45?
  2. How can I balance my desire to serve and protect God's work with the need to follow His instructions and respect His holiness, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 and Matthew 15:8-9?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be unintentionally showing disrespect to God, and how can I correct these areas, as encouraged in Psalm 51:10-12 and 1 John 1:9?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God in my worship and daily life, as seen in Psalm 95:6-7 and Hebrews 12:28-29?
  5. What can I learn from Uzzah's mistake about the importance of humility and obedience in my relationship with God, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:6

And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor,.... Who is called Chidon, 1 Chronicles 13:9; he seems to have had two names; or it was a place that had two names, as say the Jews (h); according to a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:6

And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. Came to Nachon's threshing-floor, Uzzah put forth his hand.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:6

Nachon, otherwise called Chidon, . The oxen shook it; for they stumbled. .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:6

2 Samuel 6:6 And when they came to Nachon’ s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it].Ver. 6. Uzzah put forth his hand.] He was a good man, it is thought, and did this of a good intention, but without warrant of the word. It must be men’ s care "that their deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God." Two things make a good Christian - good actions and good aims. A good aim maketh not a bad action good, as here: and yet a bad aim maketh a good action bad, as we see in Jehu. For the oxen shook it.] Or, Stumbled, and had like to have tumbled the ark down, - compare 2 Kings 9:33, - the dumb beasts admonishing them of their error, as once the ass did Balaam.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:6

(6) Nachon’s threshingfloor.—This place is entirely unknown. 1 Chronicles 13:9 has “the threshingfloor of Chidon; “but it may be doubted whether the word is a proper name at all. The name, whatever it was, was now superseded by Perez-uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8). The turning aside of the oxen to snatch the scattered grain of the threshingfioor may have caused the trouble.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:6

Verse 6. Uzzah put forth his hand] In Numbers 4:15-20, the Levites are forbidden to touch the ark on pain of death, this penalty was inflicted upon Uzzah, and he was the first that suffered for a breach Of this law.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:6

6. Nachon’s threshingfloor] There is nothing to shew where this place was. It is called in 1 Chronicles 13:9, the threshingfloor of Chidon. It may have been known by both names, but more probably one of the two forms is due to corruption of the text. for the oxen shook it] This is the most probable explanation of an obscure word. The Ark seemed to be on the point of falling from the cart, owing to some sudden start or stumble of the oxen, or the roughness of the road.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:6

Shook it - The use of the Heb. word here is unusual. Some take the word as in 2 Kings 9:33, and render the passage: “The oxen were throwing, or had thrown it down,” very likely by turning aside to

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:6

6. Nachon’s threshingfloor — The familiar mention of such places, now utterly unknown, is evidence of the antiquity, genuineness, and credibility of these sacred writings.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:6

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill The Ark of God by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the consequences of mishandling holy things, the importance of obedience over sacrifice, and the need fo
T. Austin-Sparks The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f
Major Ian Thomas David and the Ark of God - God's Way by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher discusses the spiritual decline in the time of Eli, the last of the judges. Eli had ordained his wicked sons into the ministry, and they treated him wi
Willie Mullan Pilgrims Problems No. 3 Strong Drink by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of the book, highlighting its role in bringing misery, immorality, blasphemy, stupidity, incapability, and leading to et
Zac Poonen (The Full Gospel) 21. Helping God!! by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the dangers of using human reasoning and trying to help God according to our own understanding, as seen in the stories of Abraham, Moses, and Uzzah. He empha
Leonard Ravenhill "Old Fashioned Hell Fire Preaching" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the danger of trying to modernize or improve upon the ways of God, likening it to the mistake of trying to steady the Ark of God with human efforts. It highl
Zac Poonen Finishing the Course - 02 Filling Up What Is Lacking by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people attending church meetings but not actively seeking fellowship with others. He emphasizes the importance of filling up what
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