2 Samuel 12:1

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2 Samuel 12:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord sent Nathan to David. And Nathan came to him and said, There were two men in the same town: one a man of great wealth, and the other a poor man.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord sent Nathan to see David. When he got there, he said, “Once there were two men living in the same town. One was rich, and one was poor.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the Lord sent Nathan vnto Dauid, who came to him, and sayd vnto him, There were two men in one citie, the one riche, and the other poore.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah sendeth Nathan unto David, and he cometh unto him, and saith to him: 'Two men have been in one city; One rich and one poor;

World English Bible WEB

The LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in one city: the one rich, and the other poor.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord sent Nathan to David: and when he was come to him, he said to him: There were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh told the prophet Nathan what David had done, and he sent Nathan to tell this story to David: “I heard about two men who were living in a certain city. One was rich and the other was poor.

Plain English Version PEV

God talked to Nathan, the man that told God’s message to people. God said, “Go to David and tell him this story, ‘2 men lived in the same town. One was very rich and had all kinds of things. But the other one was very poor. He had nothing.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:1

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 12:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֧ח יְהוָ֛ה אֶת נָתָ֖ן אֶל דָּוִ֑ד וַ/יָּבֹ֣א אֵלָ֗י/ו וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ל/וֹ֙ שְׁנֵ֣י אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הָיוּ֙ בְּ/עִ֣יר אֶחָ֔ת אֶחָ֥ד עָשִׁ֖יר וְ/אֶחָ֥ד רָֽאשׁ

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֧ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

נָתָ֖ן Nâthân H5416 Nathan N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

דָּוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff

שְׁנֵ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

הָיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בְּ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs

אֶחָ֔ת ʼechâd H259 one Adj

אֶחָ֥ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

עָשִׁ֖יר ʻâshîyr H6223 rich Adj

וְ/אֶחָ֥ד ʼechâd H259 one Conj | Adj

רָֽאשׁ rûwsh H7326 be poor V-Qal

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:1

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֧ח 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.

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

נָתָ֖ן Nâthân H5416 "Nathan" N-proper

Nathan was a prophet in the time of King David and Solomon, and his name means 'giver' in Hebrew, as mentioned in 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.39 § Nathan = "giver" 1) a son of David by Bathsheba 2) the eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon 3) a man of Zobah, father of one of David's mighty warriors 4) father of Azariah who was over the officers of Solomon 5) son of Attai and father of Zabad of the tribe of Judah 6) brother of Joel of the tribe of Judah 7) one of the head men who returned from Babylon with Ezra 8) a man with a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) head of a family of Israel who shall mourn when they look on Him whom they pierced

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Nathan. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 51:2.

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.

דָּוִ֑ד 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.

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.

ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff

שְׁנֵ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הָיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

בְּ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

אֶחָ֔ת ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

אֶחָ֥ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

עָשִׁ֖יר ʻâshîyr H6223 "rich" Adj

In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.

Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.

וְ/אֶחָ֥ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Conj | Adj

רָֽאשׁ rûwsh H7326 "be poor" V-Qal

To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.

Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:1

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Context — Nathan Rebukes David

1Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.

2The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, 3but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 20:35–41	Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him. Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him. Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver. ’ But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.
2	Psalms 51:1–19	Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.
3	2 Samuel 11:10–17	And David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” “Haven’t you just arrived from a journey?” David asked Uriah. “Why didn’t you go home?” Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!” “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. Then 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. The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In 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.” So as Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he saw the strongest enemy soldiers. And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died.
4	2 Samuel 24:11–13	When David got up in the morning, a revelation from the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer: “Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’” So Gad went and said to David, “Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.”
5	2 Samuel 14:14	For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.
6	1 Kings 18:1	After a long time, in the third year of the drought, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the face of the earth.”
7	2 Kings 1:3	But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’
8	Matthew 21:33–45	Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first group. But the tenants did the same to them. Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard returns, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed. ” When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them.
9	1 Kings 13:1	Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD.
10	2 Samuel 11:25	Then David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Do not let this matter upset you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city and demolish it.’ Encourage him with these words.”

2 Samuel 12:1 Summary

This verse tells us that the LORD sent Nathan to David to talk to him about something important. Nathan starts by telling a story about two men, one rich and one poor, to help David understand a lesson. This story is like a parable, which is a simple story that teaches a big truth, similar to what Jesus used in the Gospels, like in Matthew 13:1-23. The story is meant to help David see his own heart and actions, and to call him to repentance and restoration, which is a reminder that God is always willing to forgive us and restore us, as we see in Psalms 51:1-17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the LORD send Nathan to David?

The LORD sent Nathan to David to confront him about his sin with Bathsheba, as we see in the context of 2 Samuel 12. This was a pivotal moment in David's life, and Nathan's message was a call to repentance, similar to what we see in Isaiah 55:7, where God calls us to turn from our wicked ways and return to Him.

What is the significance of the story Nathan tells David?

The story Nathan tells David is a parable that illustrates the gravity of David's sin. By using a relatable story, Nathan helps David see the injustice of his actions, much like Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 13:1-23.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of 2 Samuel 12, where Nathan confronts David about his sin and David responds with repentance. It's a powerful example of God's mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Psalms 51:1-17, where David writes about his own experience of repentance and restoration.

What can we learn from Nathan's approach to confronting David?

Nathan's approach teaches us the importance of speaking the truth in love, as we see in Ephesians 4:15. By using a story to confront David, Nathan shows us that sometimes the most effective way to address sin is to use creative and non-confrontational methods, while still being faithful to God's Word, as in 2 Timothy 4:2.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to be confronted with the truth, and how can I respond with humility and repentance?
How can I use creative and loving methods to speak truth to others, just as Nathan did with David?
What does this verse teach me about God's desire to restore and forgive us, even in the midst of sin and failure?
How can I apply the principles of repentance and restoration in my own life, and what role can I play in helping others experience God's mercy and forgiveness?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:1

And the Lord sent Nathan unto David,.... Quickly after the child was born begotten on Bathsheba, and when it was known and became the public talk of people, and the enemies of religion were full of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:1

And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The Lord sent Nathan unto David.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:1

2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 12 Nathan by a parable reproveth and threateneth David, . He confesseth his sin, and is pardoned, but the child must die, ,14: David mourneth and prayeth for it whilst life was in it; after is satisfied and cheered: the reason, . He goeth in to Bath-sheba: Solomon is born of her, and is called Jedidiah, ,25. David taketh Rabbah, and tortureth the people thereof, . Nathan, the prophet, . When the ordinary means did not awaken David to repentance, God useth an extraordinary course. Thus the merciful God pities and prevents him who had so horribly forsaken and forgotten God. Nathan prudently ushereth in his reproof with a parable, after the manner of the eastern nations and ancient times, that so he might surprise David, and cause him unawares to give sentence against himself. He manageth his relation as if it had been a real thing; and demands the king’ s justice in the case. Though the application of this parable to David be easy and obvious, yet it matters not if some circumstances be not so applicable; because it was fit to put in some such clauses, either for the decency of the parable, or that David might not too early discover his designs.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:1

2 Samuel 12:1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.Ver. 1. And the Lord sent Nathan unto David.] He must be of God’ s sending, that shall effectually awaken conscience, and speak to the heart. Nathan the prophet - a man so highly esteemed by David, that he called one of his sons by his name (say some), made him tutor to his son Solomon, and had him of his Cabinet Council - is here purposely sent to let good David feel the bruise of his fall; to be unto him as Paul’ s sister’ s son was to the chief captain; as the cock, or rather as Christ’ s look, was to Peter; to arouse him out of that dead lethargy wherein he had lain for three quarters of a year together; and to convert him from the error of his way. If God’ s best children have been sometimes suffered to sleep in sin, at last he hath awakened them in a fright. Now because men that are awakened hastily out of a deep and sweet sleep are apt to take it ill, and to brawl with their best friends, wise Nathan, non aperte, sed per ambages, beginneth his reproof, not in plain terms, but by fetching about a form of speech - as she saith, 2 Samuel 14:20; by an allegory or apologue, he first fisheth out of David what the law was, and then forceth him to pronounce sentence of death against himself. David was a prophet, yet needed he a prophet to be sent unto him; as one physician to another; but the sound to the sick, as Chrysostom saith. And he came unto him] In conclave Davidis, into David’ s closet; for whereas some have thought that Nathan dealt now with David in the hearing of his courtiers and captains, it is more likely that he did it privately, that he might the more easily work and win upon him. Hitherto all the king’ s care had been to conceal his sin from the world, - which yet he could not do with all his skill, for the enemies had got it by the end, - and although his conscience had galled him betwixt whiles, when he heard the lectures of the law, and groaned under a great fit of sickness, as some gather from, yet he turned the deaf ear, and continued in the hardness of his heart till the prophet came home to him, and dealt plainly and privately with him. Great is the benefit of conference and private admonition.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:1

(1) Sent Nathan.—Nathan was already on intimate terms with David, and recognised by him as a prophet (2 Samuel 7:1-17).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:1

CHAPTER XII The Lord sends Nathan the prophet to reprove David; which he does by means of a curious parable, 1-4. David is led, unknowingly, to pronounce his on condemnation, 5, 6. Nathan charges the guilt home on his conscience; and predicts a long train of calamities which should fall on him and his family, 7-12. David confesses his sin; and Nathan gives him hope of God's mercy, and foretells the death of the child born in adultery, 13, 14. The child is taken ill; David fasts and prays for its restoration, 15-17. On the seventh day the child dies, and David is comforted, 18-24. Solomon is born of Bath-sheba, 25, 26. Joab besieges Rabbah of the Ammonites, takes the city of waters, and sends for David to take Rabbah, 27, 28. He comes, takes it, gets much spoil, and puts the inhabitants to hard labor, 29-31. NOTES ON CHAP. XII Verse 1. There were two men in one city] See a discourse on fables at the end of Jdg 9:56, and a discourse on parabolic writing at the end of the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. There is nothing in this parable that requires illustration; its bent is evident; and it was construed to make David, unwittingly, pass sentence on himself. It was in David's hand, what his own letters were in the hands of the brave but unfortunate Uriah.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:1

Ch. 2 Samuel 12:1-6. Nathan’s Parable 1. the Lord sent Nathan] A year had passed, and Bath-sheba’s child had been born, before Nathan was sent to rouse the king’s slumbering conscience. To this crisis belong Psalms 51. and 32. See Introd. ch. VIII. § 5, p. 47. and said unto him] Some MSS of the Vulg. add Give me a judgment. The words cannot be regarded as part of the original text, though they are a correct gloss. The prophet asks for the king’s decision, as though he were consulting him about a case which had really happened. Compare the plan adopted by the widow of Tekoah (ch. 2 Samuel 14:4-7); and by the prophet sent to rebuke Ahab (1 Kings 20:35-41). Other parables are found in the O.T. in Judges 9:7-15; 2 Kings 14:9; Isaiah 5:1-2.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 12:1

Nathan came to David as if to ask his judicial decision on the case about to be submitted to him (compare 2 Samuel 14:2-11; 1 Kings 20:35-41).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:1

1. Sent Nathan unto David — This was after the birth of the child of Bathsheba. Compare 2 Samuel 12:14-15 with 2 Samuel 11:27. By this time, perhaps, David began to think that his sin was unknown or forgotten.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:1

	Sermon	Description
	Where Are the Men of God by Steve Hill	This sermon delves into the story of King David's grave sins of adultery and murder, showcasing how we often try to cover up our sins instead of seeking true repentance and cleansi
	The Great Evil of All Sin - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts	This sermon delves into the concept of sin and its roots, emphasizing that all individuals are born as sinners and children of the devil, not as children of God. It explores the st
	David and Bathsheba by Robin Wood	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David and his mistakes. He highlights three mistakes made by David, which ultimately led to disastrous consequences. The speaker
	Whatever Happened to Repentance? by William Graham	William Graham addresses the critical topic of repentance, using the story of King David's sin with Bathsheba as a backdrop. He emphasizes that true repentance begins with God's co
	How Did Jesus Work? by Charles Price	The preacher delves into the concept of being 'without excuse' as described in Romans, emphasizing that both the unrighteous and the self-righteous are without defense before God.
	Commentary Notes - Ii Samuel by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of II Samuel, highlighting David's deep aspiration to conform his will to God's, despite his failings, and his God-centered life. The key phras
	Ii Samuel 12:1 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on II Samuel 12:1, focusing on King David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up that led to Uriah's death. He emphasiz