2 Samuel 3:33 — Word Study
WLCוַיְקֹנֵ֥ן הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶל־ אַבְנֵ֖ר וַיֹּאמַ֑ר הַכְּמ֥וֹת נָבָ֖ל יָמ֥וּת אַבְנֵֽר׃
BSAAnd the kingmelek [mourning and lamenting] sang this lamentqûwn▸ [a song of grief] forʼêl AbnerʼAbnêr Should AbnerʼAbnêr [a prominent Israelite leader] diemûwth▸ [meet his end, perish] the deathmâveth [a violent or untimely end] of a foolnâbâl [a wicked or unwise person, one who acts stupidly or against God]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיְקֹנֵ֥ן | and he lamented | Verb, Piel, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ | the king | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אֶל־ | because of | Preposition |
| אַבְנֵ֖ר | Abner | Noun proper masculine |
| וַיֹּאמַ֑ר | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הַכְּמ֥וֹת | ¿ like [the] death of | Particle, preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| נָבָ֖ל | a fool | Adj |
| יָמ֥וּת | will he die | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אַבְנֵֽר׃ | Abner | Noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool? |
| KJV | And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? |
| ASV | And the king lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth? |
| YLT | and the king lamenteth for Abner, and saith: — 'As the death of a fool doth Abner die? |
| WEB | The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies? |
| BBE | And the king made a song of grief for Abner and said, Was the death of Abner to be like the death of a foolish man? |
Where they part company is in the rendering of יָמ֥וּת — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has one main clause with two subordinate phrases that elaborate on the lament's content.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאַבְנֵר
verbקין
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 2 Samuel 3:33
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Lament for Abnergenerated
2 Samuel 3:33 captures King David's sorrow as he mourns Abner, a key figure in Israel's history. Following Abner's burial, David expresses his grief through a lament, questioning the nature of Abner's death. This moment highlights the tragedy of lost leadership and the deep bonds of loyalty in David's life, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 13:12–13 | “No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:7 | A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:15–16 | So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 17:11 | Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.” |
| 5 | Luke 12:19–20 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — קין, vay.ko.Nengenerated
The verb קין (quwn) means to chant or wail, particularly in the context of mourning or lamentation. It is derived from a noun for a dirge (קִינָה) and describes the act of expressing grief musically, especially at funerals. The parsing indicates that it is a Piel verb, used here in the third person masculine singular, emphasizing David's personal act of mourning.
This word is often associated with deep sorrow and is used in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible to convey lamentation. David's use of this verb underscores the gravity of Abner's death and reflects the communal aspect of mourning in Israelite culture.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is וַיְקֹנֵ֥ן (and he lamented), which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes a noun phrase for the subject (הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ), followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the object of the lament (אֶל־ אַבְנֵ֖ר), and a series of clauses that express David's questioning of Abner's death.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the king's lament as the central action, with the subsequent clauses elaborating on the nature of Abner's death and its implications.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates קין as ἐθρήνησεν, which means to mourn or grieve. This choice emphasizes the emotional weight of David's lament, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning of expressing sorrow.
The translation of יָמ֥וּת as ἀποθανεῖται indicates a direct connection to the concept of death, reinforcing the seriousness of the inquiry into Abner's fate.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Samuel 3:33 tells us that King David sang a lament for Abner after his death, questioning whether Abner should die like a fool. This reflects David's sorrow and the tragedy of losing a key leader in Israel.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
David's lament signifies deep sorrow and mourning for a loyal leader, reflecting the bond they shared and the tragedy of untimely death.
David questions the manner of Abner's death to express disbelief that such a prominent leader could die in a foolish or undignified way.
Lamentation in Israelite culture is a communal act of mourning that reflects the collective grief of the community, often expressed through song and ritual.
This verse highlights the fragility of leadership and the impact of loss on a community, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and the consequences of violence.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How do I express my grief when I lose someone important in my life?
- What does it mean to die the death of a fool, and how can I avoid such a fate?
- In what ways can I honor the memory of those who have passed away?
- How can I support others who are mourning the loss of a loved one?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 3:33 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the king lamented over Abner,.... Delivered an elegy or funeral oration, which he had composed on this occasion, as Josephus (u) suggests: for he had cried and wept before, but now he expressed
Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 3 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? The king lamented over Abner. This brief elegy is an effusion of indignation as much as of sorrow.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 3 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Biblei. e. As a wicked man; for such are oft called fools in Scripture. Was he cut off by the hands of justice for his crimes? Nothing less; but by Joab’ s malice and treachery. Or did he die by his own folly, because he had not wisdom or courage to defend himself? Ah, no. The words may be thus rendered: Shall or should Abner die like a fool, or a vile contemptible person? i.e. unregarded, unpitied, unrevenged; as fools or vile persons die, for whose death none are concerned. Or, How is Abner dead like a fool! pitying his mischance. It being honourable for a great man and a soldier to fight, if met with by an enemy, and not (having his arms at liberty) stand still like a fool to be killed…
Read Matthew Poole on 2 Samuel 3 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Samuel 3:33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?Ver. 33. Died Abner as a fool dieth?] Sept., As Nabal died? Was this a fit death for so gallant a man, to be thus basely butchered? Est interrogatio indignantis.
Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 3 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 33. The king lamented over Abner] This lamentation, though short, is very pathetic. It is a high strain of poetry; but the measure cannot be easily ascertained. Our own translation may be measured thus: - Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, Nor thy feet put into fetters. As a man falleth before the wicked. So hast thou fallen! Or thus: - Shall Abner die A death like to a villain's? Thy hands not bound, Nor were the fetters to thy feet applied. Like as one falls before the sons of guilt, He was not taken away by the hand of justice, nor in battle, nor by accident: he died the death of a culprit by falling into the hands of a villain. This song was a heavy reproof to…
Read AdamClarke on 2 Samuel 3 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges33. lamented] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 1:17. Died Abner as a fool dieth] Lit. As dies a fool should Abner die? Was this ignoble death, befitting a fool, to be the fate of so brave a warrior?
Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 3 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleLamented - i. e. composed and sang the funeral dirge which follows (compare 2 Samuel 1:17). Died Abner ... - i. e. The great and noble and valiant Abner had died as ignobly and as helplessly as the meanest churl!
Read Albert Barnes on 2 Samuel 3 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible33. The king lamented — A beautiful and touching dirge, which should be rendered thus:As dies a fool should Abner die?Thy hands not bound, And thy feet unto double fetters were not brought nigh.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Samuel 3 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool?
The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool?
The king chanted the following lament for Abner: “Should Abner have died like a fool?
Tyndale line
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
And the king lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth?
And the king lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth?
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
And the King lamented ouer Abner, and sayde, Dyed Abner as a foole dyeth?
Strictly literal
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth?
and the king lamenteth for Abner, and saith: — 'As the death of a fool doth Abner die?
and the king laments for Abner and says, “Does Abner die as the death of a fool?
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, O, that Abner had to die, as the worthless dieth!
The king lamented for Abner and sang, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
From the Latin
And the king mourning and lamenting over Abner, said: Not as cowards are wont to die, hath Abner died.
Simplified
The king sang this lament for Abner: “Did Abner deserve to die like a criminal?
And the king made a song of grief for Abner and said, Was the death of Abner to be like the death of a foolish man?
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely in wording, with the Septuagint providing a direct translation of the Hebrew. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration but align with the Masoretic Text in the essential phrases, indicating consistent transmission of this lament.
וַיְקֹנֵ֥ן הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶל־ אַבְנֵ֖ר וַיֹּאמַ֑ר הַכְּמ֥וֹת נָבָ֖ל יָמ֥וּת אַבְנֵֽר׃
9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[ויקנן] [המלך] על אבנר ויאמר הכמות נבל ימות אבנר
5 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 2 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Samuel 3:33
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
קונֵן (quwn) is a verb meaning to chant or wail, particularly in the context of mourning or lamentation. It is derived from the noun for a dirge (קִינָה) and is used to describe the act of expressing grief musically, especially at funerals. The entries consistently emphasize its association with lamentation.
[קִינֵן] vb. denom. Pō‛l. chant a קִינָה
base
H6969 קונֵן vb. denom. Pō‛l. chant a קִינָה
6969 quwn koon
a primitive root; to strike a musical note, i.e. chant or
wail (at a funeral):--lament, mourning woman.
קִינֵן (qun) — to chant.
1) to chant a dirge, chant, wail, lament
1a) (Polel) to lament
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vpw3ms
The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king
base
H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king
4428 melek meh'-lek
from 4427; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
1) king
Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)
הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.
'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.
Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
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)
Prep — PrepositionHR
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word אֲבִינֵר (*Abner*) refers to a man from the tribe of Benjamin, specifically a cousin of Saul and a captain in his army. The name is derived from elements meaning 'father' and 'light,' suggesting 'my father is a lamp.' Abner is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:50 and is noted for being treacherously killed by Joab.
אֲבִינֵר n.pr.m. (my father is Nêr, or is a lamp)—cousin of Saul, and captain of host
base
H74 אֲבִינֵר
74 'Abner ab-nare'
or (fully) nAbiyner {ab-ee-nare'}; from 1 and 5216; father of
light (i.e. enlightening); Abner, an Israelite:--Abner.
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 05216
אֲבִינֵר (av.ner) — Abner.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50;
son of: Ner (H5369);
father of: Jaasiel (H3300H)
§ Abner = "my father is a lamp"
Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
ab'-ner ('abhner; in 1Sa 14:50 the Hebrew has the fuller form, 'abhiner, Abiner; compare Abiram by the side of Abram; meaning, "my father is a lamp"): Captain of the host under Saul and Ishbosheth (Eshbaal). He was Saul's cousin; Ner the father of Abner and Kish the father of Saul being brothers, the sons of Abiel (1Sa 14:50 f). In 1Ch 8:33; 9:39 the text appears to be faulty; read: And Ner begat Abner, and Kish begat Saul. According to 1Ch 27:21 Abner had a son by the name of Jaasiel. Abner was to Saul what Joab was to David. Despite the many wars waged by Saul, we hear little of Abner during Saul's lifetime. Not even in the account' of the battle of Gilboa is mention…
Abner
Father of light; i.e., “enlightening”, the son of Ner and uncle of Saul. He was commander-in-chief of Saul’s army (1 Sam. 14:50; 17:55; 20:25). He first introduced David to the court of Saul after the victory over Goliath (1 Sam. 17:57). After the death of Saul, David was made king over Judah, and reigned in Hebron. Among the other tribes there was a feeling of hostility to Judah; and Abner, at the head of Ephraim, fostered this hostility in the interest of the house of Saul, whose son Ish-bosheth he caused to be proclaimed king (2 Sam. 2:8). A state of war existed between these two kings. A battle fatal to Abner, who was the leader of Ish-boseth’s army, was fought with David’s army under Joab at Gibeon (
(father of light). Son of Ner, who was the brother of Kish, (1 Chronicles 9:36) the father of Saul. (B.C. 1063.) Abner, therefore, was Saul’s first cousin, and was made by him commander-in-chief of his army. (1 Samuel 14:51; 17:57; 26:5-14) After the death of Saul David was proclaimed king of Judah; and some time subsequently Abner proclaimed Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, king of Israel. War soon broke out between the two rival kings, and a "very sore battle" was fought at Gibeon between the men of Israel under Abner and the men of Judah under Joab. (1 Chronicles 2:16) Abner had married Rizpah, Saul’s concubine, and this, according to the views of Oriental courts, might be so interpreted as to imply a design upon the throne.…
The son of Ner, Saul’s uncle, and the general of his armies, 1Sa 14:50. For seven years after Saul’s death, he supported Ish-bosheth; but being reproved by him for his conduct towards Rizpah, he undertook to unite the whole kingdom under David. He was, however, treacherously slain by Joab, either to revenge the death of Asahel, Joab’s brother, who Abner had formerly killed, or more probably from jealousy. David abhorred this perfidious act, and composed an elegy on his death, 2Sa 2:8 3:33. He also charged Solomon to punish the crime of Joab with death, 1Ki 2:5,6.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
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)
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
מָ֫וֶת (maveth) means 'death' and encompasses various aspects such as natural or violent death, the state of being dead, and the realm of the dead (hades). It can also refer to pestilence or ruin. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to die' and has an Aramaic equivalent, מוֹת (mot).
מָ֫וֶת 161 n.m. death
death, opp. life
death by violence
state of death or place of death
base
H4194 מָ֫וֶת death
4194 maveth maw'-veth
from 4191; death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead,
their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence,
ruin:--(be) dead((-ly)), death, die(-d).
see HEBREW for 04191
מָ֫וֶת (ma.vet) — death.
1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead
1a) death
1b) death by violence (as a penalty)
1c) state of death, place of death
Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Part | Prep | N-ms — Particle · preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHTi/R/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word נָבָל (nabal) means foolish or senseless, particularly describing a person lacking ethical and religious understanding. It conveys notions of ignobility and disgracefulness. The word is derived from a root meaning 'stupid' or 'wicked.' It can also refer to a vile person.
נָבָל adj. foolish, senseless, esp. of the man who has no perception of ethical and religious claims, and with collat. idea of ignoble, disgraceful; elsewh. as subst. (impious and presumptuous) fool
base
H5036 נָבָל foolish, senseless, esp. of the man who has no perception of ethical and religious claims, and with collat. idea of ignoble, disgraceful
5036 nabal naw-bawl'
from 5034; stupid; wicked (especially impious):--
fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.
see HEBREW for 05034
נָבָל (na.val) — foolish.
foolish, senseless, fool
Adj — AdjHAamsa
Any person who does not act wisely, that is, does not follow the warnings and requirements of God, which are founded in infinite wisdom. Hence "a fool" is put for a wicked man, an enemy or neglecter of God, Ps 14:1 Pr 19:1. So folly is put for wickedness, 2Sa 13:12,13 Ps 38:5, foolish lusts for wicked lusts, etc. Foolish talking, foolish questions, are vain, empty, unprofitable conversation, 2Ti 2:23.
מוּת (mūth) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to die' or 'to kill.' It encompasses a range of meanings from dying naturally to being executed as a penalty. The word can refer to both humans and animals, and it includes various forms such as causing death or being killed. There is a distinction in usage based on the subject, whether it is a person or God inflicting death.
מוּת vb. die
Qal
die, of natural or other causes
die as a penalty = be put to death
Po‛lel. kill, put to death, despatch (intens.)
Hiph.
abs., elsewhere c. acc., subj. man
subj. God, by inflicting penalty
of animals killing men
bring to a premature death
Hoph. be killed, put to death
base
H4191 מוּת die .. die, of natural or other causes
. die as a penalty = be put to death
. kill, put to death, despatch (intens.)
. . abs., elsewhere c. acc., subj. man
. subj. God, by inflicting penalty
. of animals killing men
. bring to a premature death
. be killed, put to death
4191 muwth mooth
a primitive root: to die (literally or figuratively);
causatively, to kill:--X at all, X crying, (be) dead (body,
man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to,
be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), X must needs,
slay, X surely, X very suddenly, X in (no) wise.
מוּת (mut) — to die.
1) to die, kill, have one executed
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to die
1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death
1a3) to die, perish (of a nation)
1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct)
1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch
1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be killed, be put to death
1d1a) to die prematurely
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
(muth, gawa`; apothnesko, teleutao): "To die," etc., is of very frequent occurrence, and in the Old Testament is generally the translation of muth, meaning perhaps originally, "to be stretched out" or "prostrate." "To die," should be the consequence of eating the forbidden fruit (Ge 2:17; compare Ge 20:7; 2Ki 1:4,6). "Die" is commonly used of natural death (Ge 5:8; 25:8). It is used also of violent death (Ge 26:9,11; Ex 21:20); punitive (Ex 19:12; 21:12,14; 28:43; Nu…
The Hebrew word אֲבִינֵר (*Abner*) refers to a man from the tribe of Benjamin, specifically a cousin of Saul and a captain in his army. The name is derived from elements meaning 'father' and 'light,' suggesting 'my father is a lamp.' Abner is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:50 and is noted for being treacherously killed by Joab.
אֲבִינֵר n.pr.m. (my father is Nêr, or is a lamp)—cousin of Saul, and captain of host
base
H74 אֲבִינֵר
74 'Abner ab-nare'
or (fully) nAbiyner {ab-ee-nare'}; from 1 and 5216; father of
light (i.e. enlightening); Abner, an Israelite:--Abner.
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 05216
אֲבִינֵר (av.ner) — Abner.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50;
son of: Ner (H5369);
father of: Jaasiel (H3300H)
§ Abner = "my father is a lamp"
Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
ab'-ner ('abhner; in 1Sa 14:50 the Hebrew has the fuller form, 'abhiner, Abiner; compare Abiram by the side of Abram; meaning, "my father is a lamp"): Captain of the host under Saul and Ishbosheth (Eshbaal). He was Saul's cousin; Ner the father of Abner and Kish the father of Saul being brothers, the sons of Abiel (1Sa 14:50 f). In 1Ch 8:33; 9:39 the text appears to be faulty; read: And Ner begat Abner, and Kish begat Saul. According to 1Ch 27:21 Abner had a son by the name of Jaasiel. Abner was to Saul what Joab was to David. Despite the many wars waged by Saul, we hear little of Abner during Saul's lifetime. Not even in the account' of the battle of Gilboa is mention…
Abner
Father of light; i.e., “enlightening”, the son of Ner and uncle of Saul. He was commander-in-chief of Saul’s army (1 Sam. 14:50; 17:55; 20:25). He first introduced David to the court of Saul after the victory over Goliath (1 Sam. 17:57). After the death of Saul, David was made king over Judah, and reigned in Hebron. Among the other tribes there was a feeling of hostility to Judah; and Abner, at the head of Ephraim, fostered this hostility in the interest of the house of Saul, whose son Ish-bosheth he caused to be proclaimed king (2 Sam. 2:8). A state of war existed between these two kings. A battle fatal to Abner, who was the leader of Ish-boseth’s army, was fought with David’s army under Joab at Gibeon (
(father of light). Son of Ner, who was the brother of Kish, (1 Chronicles 9:36) the father of Saul. (B.C. 1063.) Abner, therefore, was Saul’s first cousin, and was made by him commander-in-chief of his army. (1 Samuel 14:51; 17:57; 26:5-14) After the death of Saul David was proclaimed king of Judah; and some time subsequently Abner proclaimed Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, king of Israel. War soon broke out between the two rival kings, and a "very sore battle" was fought at Gibeon between the men of Israel under Abner and the men of Judah under Joab. (1 Chronicles 2:16) Abner had married Rizpah, Saul’s concubine, and this, according to the views of Oriental courts, might be so interpreted as to imply a design upon the throne.…
The son of Ner, Saul’s uncle, and the general of his armies, 1Sa 14:50. For seven years after Saul’s death, he supported Ish-bosheth; but being reproved by him for his conduct towards Rizpah, he undertook to unite the whole kingdom under David. He was, however, treacherously slain by Joab, either to revenge the death of Asahel, Joab’s brother, who Abner had formerly killed, or more probably from jealousy. David abhorred this perfidious act, and composed an elegy on his death, 2Sa 2:8 3:33. He also charged Solomon to punish the crime of Joab with death, 1Ki 2:5,6.
