2 Samuel 8:15

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2 Samuel 8:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:

King James Version KJV

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

American Standard Version ASV

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness unto all his people.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David was king over all Israel, judging and giving right decisions for all his people.

Free Bible Version FBV

David ruled over all Israel. He did what was fair and right for all his people.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus Dauid reigned ouer all Israel, and executed iudgement and iustice vnto all his people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David reigneth over all Israel, and David is doing judgment and righteousness to all his people,

World English Bible WEB

David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice to all his people.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David reigned over all Israel: and David did judgment and justice to all his people.

Translation for Translators T4T

David ruled over all the Israeli people, and he always did for them what was fair and just.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 8:15

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 8:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּמְלֹ֥ךְ דָּוִ֖ד עַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יְהִ֣י דָוִ֗ד עֹשֶׂ֛ה מִשְׁפָּ֥ט וּ/צְדָקָ֖ה לְ/כָל עַמּֽ/וֹ

וַ/יִּמְלֹ֥ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

עֹשֶׂ֛ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal

מִשְׁפָּ֥ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms

וּ/צְדָקָ֖ה tsᵉdâqâh H6666 righteousness Conj | N-fs

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עַמּֽ/וֹ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 8:15

וַ/יִּמְלֹ֥ךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.

דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

עֹשֶׂ֛ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

מִשְׁפָּ֥ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

וּ/צְדָקָ֖ה tsᵉdâqâh H6666 "righteousness" Conj | N-fs

Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.

Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)

Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עַמּֽ/וֹ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 8:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:15
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:15
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:15
Sermons on 2 Samuel 8:15

Context — David’s Officers

13And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 14He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

15Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:

16Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 17Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Amos 5:15	Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
2	Psalms 89:14	Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.
3	Psalms 72:2	May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
4	Psalms 45:6–7	Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.
5	2 Samuel 5:5	In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
6	2 Samuel 23:3–4	The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’
7	Psalms 101:1–8	I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises. I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.
8	Jeremiah 22:15–16	Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.
9	Isaiah 9:7	Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
10	1 Chronicles 18:14	Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:

2 Samuel 8:15 Summary

This verse tells us that David was a good king who made sure everyone in Israel was treated fairly and that God's laws were followed. He did this by being a strong leader and making wise decisions, with the Lord's guidance and blessing, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:9 and 1 Chronicles 29:10-19. David's example shows us the importance of seeking God's will and promoting justice and righteousness in our own lives, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 21:3. By following David's example and trusting in God, we can strive to be fair and just in our own relationships and communities, as taught in Matthew 25:31-46 and Galatians 6:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for David to 'administer justice and righteousness'?

This means David made sure everyone was treated fairly and that God's laws were followed, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 and Isaiah 1:17, which emphasize the importance of justice and righteousness.

How did David's military victories impact his ability to reign over Israel?

David's victories, such as the one over the Edomites in 2 Samuel 8:13-14, helped establish his authority and enabled him to maintain control over Israel, as the Lord gave him victory wherever he went, according to 2 Samuel 8:14.

What role did God play in David's reign?

The Lord was the one who made David victorious, as stated in 2 Samuel 8:14, indicating that God was actively involved in David's success and reign, fulfilling the promise made to him in 2 Samuel 7:9.

How does this verse relate to the rest of David's story in 2 Samuel?

This verse serves as a summary of David's reign, highlighting his successes and the Lord's involvement, and provides a transition to the listing of his officials in 2 Samuel 8:16-18, showing how David's government was structured and functional, with the Lord's guidance and blessing, as seen in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to 'administer justice and righteousness' in my own life, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships and community?
How can I, like David, acknowledge God's involvement in my successes and failures, and give Him the glory and praise He deserves, as expressed in Psalm 75:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
What are some ways I can use my own influence and position to promote fairness, justice, and righteousness, as exhorted in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Micah 6:8?
How can I balance the need for strong leadership with the importance of humility and dependence on God, as modeled by David in 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and 1 Chronicles 29:10-19?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:15

And David reigned over all Israel,.... Not only over Judah, but over all the tribes of Israel, and over the whole land of Canaan, as promised to Abraham, Genesis 15:18; reaching to the river

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:15

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people. David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:15

Judgment and Justice, i. e. just judgment, as . A figure called hendiadis as in .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:15

2 Samuel 8:15 And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.Ver. 15. And David reigned over all Israel.] They were his loyal subjects at home; like as his foes abroad were his slaves and vassals; the bounds of his kingdom also were extended to the uttermost, as God had anciently promised. And David executed judgment and justice.] Fuit severus in quos oportuit, et in quos oportuit misericors, saith Vatablus. Now it was, haply, that "the God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke unto him, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." David was not puffed up with pride of his many victories, as Nebuchadnezzar; nor did he thereupon give himself to riot and intemperancy, as Alexander; nor did he tyrannise the more over his people, as Saul; but set himself to rule aright, that his throne might be established.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:15

15–18. David’s administration and officers A summary notice of the internal administration of the kingdom, with a list of David’s chief officers of state, is appended to the account of his wars. Another list of these officers is given in ch. 2 Samuel 20:23-26 : on the differences between them see notes there. A similar list of Solomon’s officers is to be found in 1 Kings 4:1-6.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 8:15

	Sermon	Description
	Renew Your Pledge to Kill Every Last Giant of Sin by Sandeep Poonen	This sermon delves into the story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 and 14, highlighting their choice between facing the giants in the promised land or returning to slavery in Egypt.
	Of the Hatred of God. by John Gill	John Gill addresses the concept of God's hatred, clarifying that while God does not hate His creatures, He does hate sin and the actions of sinners. He emphasizes that God's hatred
	(Through the Bible) Psalms 71-80 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the power and majesty of God, highlighting His control over nature and His guidance of His people. The speaker then shifts to addre
	The God I Worship by S.I. Emery	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and speed of God's spoken word. He compares it to the process of human imagination and construction, highlighting that God's abili
	Fren-03 Lelieu Le Plus Saint (The Holiest Place) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communication from God in order to fulfill the calling of being His witness. The speaker warns that improper communication
	Clouds and Darkness Are Round About Him by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the presence of trials and clouds in our lives is a sign of following God's guidance, as seen in the experiences of the disciples who entered the cloud
	God Under Obligation to Do Right by Charles Finney	Charles Finney emphasizes that God is morally obligated to do right, as He embodies disinterested benevolence, which is the highest good for all beings. He explains that God's natu