2 Samuel 11:14
2 Samuel 11:14 in Multiple Translations
The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah.
¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
Now in the morning, David gave Uriah a letter to take to Joab.
In the morning David wrote Joab a letter, and gave it to Uriah to take to him.
And on the morowe Dauid wrote a letter to Ioab, and sent it by the hand of Vriah.
And it cometh to pass in the morning, that David writeth a letter unto Joab, and sendeth by the hand of Uriah;
In the morning, David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
And when the morning was come, David wrote a letter to Joab: and sent it by the hand of Urias,
Someone reported that to David, so the next morning he wrote a letter to Joab, and gave it to Uriah to take to Joab.
The next morning, David heard the same story. So he wrote a letter to Joab. He gave it to Uriah, and he said, “Give this letter to your boss, Joab.” So Uriah took the paper with him, but he didn’t know what it said.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 11:14
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 11:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֣י
בַ/בֹּ֔קֶר
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֥ב
דָּוִ֛ד
סֵ֖פֶר
אֶל
יוֹאָ֑ב
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֖ח
בְּ/יַ֥ד
אוּרִיָּֽה
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֥ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֛ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
סֵ֖פֶר
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹאָ֑ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֖ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
אוּרִיָּֽה
ʼÛwrîyâh
H223
Uriah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 11:14
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.
בַ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֥ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
דָּוִ֛ד
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.
סֵ֖פֶר
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
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.
יוֹאָ֑ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֖ח
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.
בְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אוּרִיָּֽה
ʼÛwrîyâh
H223
"Uriah"
N-proper
Uriah was a prophet who lived during the time of King Jehoiakim, as mentioned in Jeremiah 26:20-23. His name means 'God is my light' and he was slain for speaking God's word. Several other Israelites shared this name, including a Hittite warrior in David's army.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.4 § Uriah or Urijah = "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)" a prophet slain by Jehoiakim
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Uriah, Urijah. See also: 2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 12:10; Isaiah 8:2.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 11:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 11:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 11:14
Context — David Arranges Uriah’s Death
12“Stay here one more day,” David said to Uriah, “and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next.
13Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and he got Uriah drunk. And in the evening Uriah went out to lie down on his cot with his master’s servants, but he did not go home.
14The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah.
15In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” 16So as Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the strongest enemy soldiers were.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? |
| 2 | 1 Kings 21:8–10 | Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” |
| 3 | Psalms 19:13 | Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression. |
| 4 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
| 5 | Psalms 52:2 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 6 | Micah 7:3–5 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion. Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:1–4 | Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people. If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. |
2 Samuel 11:14 Summary
In this verse, we see David taking steps to cover up his sin by writing a letter to Joab and sending it with Uriah, which ultimately leads to Uriah's death. This shows how sin can lead to a chain of bad decisions and hurtful actions, as we also see in Proverbs 28:13. However, as we see in 1 John 1:9, God is always ready to forgive us when we come to Him in repentance. By learning from David's mistakes, we can choose to walk in integrity and honesty, and seek God's forgiveness when we fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David write a letter to Joab and send it with Uriah?
David wrote a letter to Joab with instructions to put Uriah on the front lines of battle, as we see in the next verse, 2 Samuel 11:15, in order to have him killed, which was a result of David's sinful actions in 2 Samuel 11:2-4.
What does this verse reveal about David's character at this point in his life?
This verse shows that David was willing to deceive and manipulate others to cover up his own sin, which is in contrast to his character in Psalms 51:1-17 where he repents and seeks forgiveness from God.
How does this event relate to the concept of sin and its consequences?
This event illustrates how sin can lead to a chain of destructive actions, as seen in 2 Samuel 11:14-17, and how it can have severe consequences, as noted in Galatians 6:7-8, where it is written that we will reap what we sow.
What can we learn from David's actions in this verse about the dangers of unchecked sin?
We can learn that when we allow sin to go unchecked in our lives, it can lead to further sin and destruction, as seen in 2 Samuel 11:14-17, but that through repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, we can find restoration, as seen in Psalms 32:1-11 and 2 Samuel 12:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be trying to cover up my own sin, and how can I come clean before God?
- How can I avoid the temptation to manipulate or deceive others to get what I want, and instead choose to walk in integrity?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my values or convictions, and how can I stand firm in my faith?
- How can I cultivate a heart of repentance and humility, like David did after his sin was confronted, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:1-14 and Psalms 51:1-19?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 11:14
And it came to pass in the morning,.... When David was informed that Uriah did not go to his own house, but slept with his servants, Satan put it into his head and heart to take the following wicked
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 11:14
And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. David wrote a letter to Joab ...
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
2 Samuel 11:14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent [it] by the hand of Uriah.Ver. 14. David wrote a letter.] Not with black, but with blood. Sic ex vitio vitium gignitur. This is the last but worst link in that woeful chain of David’ s lust: non evitavit adulteriam, perpetravit et homicidium, saith Isidor; to palliate his adultery he committeth murder. This was to do worse than that non-such, Ahab, who only coveted Naboth’ s vineyard, and then took away his life: but David coveted first the wife, and then the life of this valiant Uriah; yea, and of many more that fell with him by like treachery, Joab also being involved in the same guilt. Well might Gregory say, David rectior fuit in servitio quam in regno: servus enim adversarium retire timuit, Rex factus luxuriae, persunsione Uriam fraude extinxit: David was better while a servant than when a king; for being a servant, he feared to kill Saul his adversary, but becoming a king, he basely slew his most faithful friend and dutiful subject. And sent it by the hand of Uriah.] Qui abiit ferens gladium suae caedis, saith Theodoret, who went his way carrying a sword to Joab to cut his own throat. So did Bellerophon to Jobata by the command of King Praetus; unless that fable were feigned by Satan’ s subtlety out of this true story, to elude it. Lysander carried letters to Lacedemon from Pharnabarus against himself. And the like do all those, saith Aquinas, qui sciunt et docent, et non faciunt, who know and teach others the will of God, but practise it not themselves.
Knowledge without virtue draweth a greater judgment, and oftentimes condemneth the bearer. Isidor. Praef., in Epist. Canon.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
(14) Sent it by the hand of Uriah.—The brave soldier is made the bearer of his own death-warrant, and his well-known valour for his king is to be the means of accomplishing his destruction, to relieve that king of the consequences of his crime, which also involved a great wrong to himself. No reason is given to Joab for this order, but as a loyal and somewhat unscrupulous general he obeys without question.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
Verse 14. David wrote a letter] This was the sum of treachery and villany. He made this most noble man the carrier of letters which prescribed the mode in which he was to be murdered. This case some have likened to that of Bellerophon, son of Glaucus, king of Ephyra, who being in the court of Proetus, king of the Argives, his queen Antia, or as others Sthenoboea, fell violently in love with him; but he, refusing to gratify her criminal passions, was in revenge accused by her to Proetus her husband, as having attempted to corrupt her. Proetus not willing to violate the laws of hospitality by slaying him in his own house, wrote letters to Jobates, king of Lycia, the father of Sthenoboea, and sent them by the hand of Bellerophon, stating his crime, and desiring Jobates to put him to death. To meet the wishes of his son-in-law, and keep his own hands innocent of blood, he sent him with a small force against a very warlike people called the Solymi; but, contrary to all expectation, he not only escaped with his life, but gained a complete victory over them. He was afterwards sent upon several equally dangerous and hopeless expeditions, but still came off with success; and to reward him Jobates gave him one of his daughters to wife, and a part of his kingdom. Sthenoboea, hearing this, through rage and despair killed herself. I have given this history at large, because many have thought it not only to be parallel to that of Uriah, but to be a fabulous formation from the Scripture fact: for my own part, I scarcely see in them any correspondence, but in the simple circumstance that both carried those letters which contained their own condemnation. From the fable of Bellerophon came the proverb, Bellerophontis literas portare, "to carry one's own condemnation."
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 11:14
14–17. David’s letter to Joab. Uriah’s death 14. sent it by the hand of Uriah] So in the Greek story Proetus sent Bellerophon to Jobates with his own death-warrant. Cp. Hom. Il. VI. 168, 169. “Slay him he would not, that his soul abhorred;But to the father of his wife, the kingOf Lycia, sent him forth, with tokens chargedOf dire import, on folded tablets traced,Poisoning the monarch’s mind to work his death.”
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:14
14. David wrote a letter — Having been frustrated in his efforts thus far, his fallen soul conceives another dark and deadly crime.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 11:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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David's Attempt to Cover His Sin Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David's attempt to cover up his sin. David initially tries to manipulate the situation by having Uriah, the husband of the |
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David (2.9.1986) by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unexpected nature of falling into sin. He shares a personal story of an elder from a committed church who recently left his family for a y |
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The Plague of the Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. |
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Practical Aspects of the Holy Spirit - Promise of a Father by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three periods in the disciples' journey after Jesus' departure. The first period is characterized by Jesus intensifying His teaching and prepa |
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Plague of His Own Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. He shares a story of a 15-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder and reflects |
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Laying by the Pool by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been lying by a pool for 38 years, hoping for healing. The pool was surrounded by a crowd of people, with the stro |
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Attitudes of a Christian Leader by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon focuses on the attitudes of Christian leaders, specifically drawing a distinction between outer habits and inner attitudes. He emphasizes the |