2 Samuel 1:9
2 Samuel 1:9 in Multiple Translations
Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’
He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
And he said unto me, Stand, I pray thee, beside me, and slay me; for anguish hath taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.
Then he said to me, Come here to my side, and put me to death, for the pain of death has me in its grip but my life is still strong in me.
Then he told me, ‘Please come over here and kill me! I'm in terrible agony but life is still hanging on.’
Then saide hee vnto me, I pray thee come vpon mee, and slay me: for anguish is come vpon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
'And he saith unto me, Stand, I pray thee, over me, and put me to death, for seized me hath the arrow, for all my soul [is] still in me.
He said to me, ‘Please stand beside me, and kill me, for anguish has taken hold of me because my life lingers in me.’
He said to me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
And he said to me: Stand over me, and kill me: for anguish is come upon me, and as yet my whole life is in me.
Then he said to me, ‘Come over here and kill me. I am still alive, but I am enduring a lot of pain.’
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 1:9
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 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלַ֗/י
עֲמָד
נָ֤א
עָלַ/י֙
וּ/מֹ֣תְתֵ֔/נִי
כִּ֥י
אֲחָזַ֖/נִי
הַ/שָּׁבָ֑ץ
כִּֽי
כָל
ע֥וֹד
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
בִּֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
עֲמָד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
עָלַ/י֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וּ/מֹ֣תְתֵ֔/נִי
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-o-Impv-2ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲחָזַ֖/נִי
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
הַ/שָּׁבָ֑ץ
shâbâts
H7661
agony
Art | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
ע֥וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בִּֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 1:9
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
עֲמָד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
עָלַ/י֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
וּ/מֹ֣תְתֵ֔/נִי
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-o-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
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.
אֲחָזַ֖/נִי
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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.
הַ/שָּׁבָ֑ץ
shâbâts
H7661
"agony"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means agony or anguish, describing a state of intense emotional pain. It's used to convey feelings of distress and suffering. In the Bible, it's often translated as anguish.
Definition: 1) cramp, agony, anguish 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: anguish. See also: 2 Samuel 1:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָל
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.
ע֥וֹד
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.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בִּֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 1:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 1:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 1:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
Context — Saul’s Death Reported to David
7When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’
8‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’
9Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’
10So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” 11Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same.2 Samuel 1:9 Summary
This verse shows a man who is badly hurt and in a lot of pain, asking someone to end his life to stop his suffering. It's a sad and desperate situation, but it reminds us that we all need God's help and comfort when we're struggling, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 38:9. We can learn from this man's desperation and remember that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6. By turning to God and seeking His redemption, we can find hope and healing, even in the midst of suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Amalekite ask David to kill him?
The Amalekite asked David to kill him because he was suffering from severe injuries and wanted to end his life, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:9, similar to the situation of the mortally wounded warrior in Judges 9:54 who also begged to be killed to end his suffering.
Was it right for the Amalekite to ask to be killed?
The Bible does not explicitly condone or condemn the Amalekite's request, but it does show that he was desperate to end his suffering, highlighting the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption, as expressed in Romans 3:23.
What can we learn from the Amalekite's desperation?
The Amalekite's desperation to end his life serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's redemption and healing, as promised in Psalm 103:3 and Isaiah 53:5.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of suffering?
This verse contributes to the biblical discussion on suffering, as seen in Job 2:4 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, highlighting the complexities of human pain and the need for divine comfort and strength.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by suffering or pain, and how did I respond to those situations?
- How can I, like the Amalekite, acknowledge my own vulnerability and limitations, and seek help and comfort from God and others?
- In what ways can I apply the biblical teachings on suffering and redemption to my own life, and how can I share these teachings with others who may be struggling?
- What are some practical ways I can show compassion and empathy to those who are suffering, just as Jesus showed compassion to those in need, as seen in Matthew 9:36-38?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 1:9
And he said unto me again, stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me,.... Which it can hardly be thought Saul would say; since he might as well have died by the hands of the uncircumcised Philistines,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 1:9
And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
Stand upon me, i.e. lean upon me by thy weight and force, that the spear may come through me; or, stay by me, i.e. stop thy flight, and tarry so long with me till thou hast killed me. Anguish is come upon me, i.e. I am in great pain of body, and anguish of mind. Or thus, my coat of mail, or embroidered coat, hath hindered me, that the spear could not pierce into me. Thus divers both Hebrew and other learned expositors understand it. My life is yet whole in me; I am heart-whole, and not likely to die, as well as not willing to live.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
2 Samuel 1:9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life [is] yet whole in me. Ver. 9. For anguish is come upon me.] Or, My chlamys ocellata, coat of mail, hindereth me, that I cannot die. Life may prove a mischief to a man; we should therefore set the less by it. Bernard saith it would be little better to us than hell, were it not for the hopes we have of heaven. σκοτοςδεινον. - Sept.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
(9) Anguish is come upon me.—The word for “anguish” occurs only here, and probably does not have either of the meanings given to it in the text and margin of our version. The Rabbis explain it of cramp, others of giddiness, and the ancient versions differ as to its sense. It indicates probably some effect of his wound which incapacitated him for further combat.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 1:9
9. Stand … upon me] Rather, Stand by me, or, Rise up against me, and similarly in 2 Samuel 1:10. Saul is represented in 2 Samuel 1:6 as still upright, not as lying prostrate on the ground. anguish] The Heb. word occurs nowhere else, and its sense is doubtful. The Targum renders it agony; the LXX. terrible darkness; the Vulg. distress (angustiae). Probably it means giddiness or cramp, which made it impossible for him to defend himself any longer. The marg. renderings, my coat of mail, or, my embroidered coat, are improbable. because my life is yet whole in me] A second reason for the request to slay him. He feared that he might fall alive into the hands of the Philistines. Cp. 1 Samuel 31:4.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 1:9
Anguish - The Hebrew word used here occurs nowhere else, and is of doubtful meaning (compare the margin). The rabbis interpret it as a cramp or giddiness.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:9
9. Anguish is come upon me — The margin, following the Latin version of Junius and Tremellius, reads: My coat of mail, or, My embroidered coat hindereth me. Septuagint: A fearful darkness has taken hold of me.