Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:14
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
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.
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.
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.
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
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.
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
This Hebrew word simply means born or to be born, like when Jesus was born in Matthew 2:1. It is often used in KJV translations to describe someone's birth or origin.
Definition: born
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: born. See also: Exodus 1:22; 2 Samuel 5:14; 2 Samuel 12:14.
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.
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.
Context — David’s Loss and Repentance
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Romans 2:24 |
As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” |
| 2 |
Isaiah 52:5 |
And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long. |
| 3 |
Psalms 89:31–33 |
if they violate My statutes and fail to keep My commandments, I will attend to their transgression with the rod, and to their iniquity with stripes. But I will not withdraw My loving devotion from him, nor ever betray My faithfulness. |
| 4 |
Hebrews 12:6 |
For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” |
| 5 |
Psalms 94:12 |
Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law, |
| 6 |
Proverbs 3:11–12 |
My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. |
| 7 |
Revelation 3:19 |
Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. |
| 8 |
Matthew 18:7 |
Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! |
| 9 |
Ezekiel 36:20–23 |
And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’ But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. |
| 10 |
Psalms 74:10 |
How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
2 Samuel 12:14 Summary
[This verse means that even though David said sorry for his sin, there were still consequences for what he did. This is because our actions can hurt others and show that we don't respect God's rules, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:14. It's like when we do something wrong and say sorry, but we still have to face the consequences of what we did. We can learn from David's mistake by trying to always do what's right and respecting God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:105.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the son born to David have to die, even after David confessed his sin?
The son's death was a consequence of David's actions, which showed contempt for the word of the Lord, as stated in 2 Samuel 12:14. Although David's sin was forgiven, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:13, the consequences of his actions still had to be faced.
Does this verse mean that God is cruel or unfair?
No, this verse does not mean that God is cruel or unfair. As seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, God is a just and fair God, and His actions are always righteous. The death of the son was a result of David's sin, not a random act of cruelty by God.
Can we apply this verse to our own lives, and if so, how?
Yes, we can apply this verse to our own lives by recognizing that our actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8. We must be mindful of the impact our choices have on ourselves and others, and strive to live according to God's word, as stated in Psalm 119:105.
How does this verse relate to the concept of mercy and forgiveness in the Bible?
This verse shows that while God is a merciful and forgiving God, as seen in Psalm 103:12, He is also a just God who demands accountability for our actions, as stated in Romans 6:23. The combination of mercy and justice is a key aspect of God's character, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I show contempt for God's word in my own life, and how can I change this?
- How do I balance the idea of God's mercy and forgiveness with the concept of consequences for my actions?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of accountability for my actions, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of respecting and obeying God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:11?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:14
Howbeit, because by this deed,.... This complicated wickedness, adultery with Bathsheba, and the murder of her husband, and occasioning the death of others: thou hast given great reason to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:14
For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:14
To blaspheme, i. e. to reproach both God and his people, and the true religion. For though these were not concerned in David’ s sin, the blame and shame of which should have been appropriated to him; yet heathens and wicked men would, according to their own evil minds and malicious hearts, fasten the reproach of this upon God and religion; as if God were unholy, because the man after God’ s own heart was so; and partial, in conniving at so great a crime, when Saul was cast off for a far less sin; and negligent in the government of the world, and of his church, in suffering such a wickedness as even heathens have abhorred to go unpunished; and as if all religion were but hypocrisy and imposture, and a pretence for villainies. Besides, the Ammonites, upon their success against Uriah and his party, did doubtless magnify and praise their idols, and blaspheme the God of Israel. The child shall surely die; which, considering his affection to it, and the punishment threatened to the poor innocent infant for his sake, must needs be grievous to him.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:14
2 Samuel 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also [that is] born unto thee shall surely die.Ver. 14. Howbeit, because by this deed, &c.] Thus, though the Lord was a God that forgave David, yet took he vengeance of his scandalous and reproachful practices. Such sins seldom go unpunished, because of the offence and the evil example that is in them. If sins committed be pardoned, yet sins may be punished: that is, sins committed by example from others: like as a father may be spared, and his children executed. Occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.] To lay reproach upon religion, and to rail against God, as if he were the author, or, at least, the abettor of such wickedness. See Isaiah 52:5 Ezekiel 36:20; Ezekiel 36:23 Romans 2:24. This the Jews at this day all chillul hashem, a profaning of God’ s name; and this they account one of the greatest sins that can be. The child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.] This, though in some respects it was a mercy to David, - for how could he ever have looked upon this child without grief and shame? - yet, considering the dear affection he bare to it, and the manifestation of the divine displeasure in the death of it, he took on exceedingly. So true is that of an ancient, Etiam post veniam impetratam nunquam deerit nobis flendi materia, donec Deus eadem benignitate lacrymas nostras abstergat, qua et peccatum remisit: Even after sins pardoned, there will be continual cause of weeping, till such time as God, who hath remitted our sins, shall, by the same grace, have wiped away all tears from our eyes. Leo Modena.
Marulus.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:14
(14) Thou hast given great occasion.—Although David was forgiven, yet since his sin had brought great scandal on the church, it was necessary that he should suffer publicly the consequences of that sin. We can see that this was especially important in David’s case, both for the vindication of God’s justice, and to destroy the hope that other sins also might go unpunished; yet it is not to be forgotten that the effect of sin generally is similar. The far greater part of David’s sufferings were from what are called “the natural consequences” of his sin, i.e., from consequences which flowed from it under the immutable laws of the world’s moral government. These laws are always in force, and bring home the earthly consequences of sin, however the sinner may have repented and been forgiven. The child also that is born.—The death of a little infant in the harem of a great Oriental monarch might seem of small significance, and but a light punishment; David, however, saw it in its true light—as an evidence of God’s unalterable purpose, and a sign of the greater judgments that must come upon him. The people also, no doubt, saw and felt the appropriateness of this punishment.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:14
14. thou hast given great occasion, &c.] The enemies of Jehovah would mock and blaspheme Him, when they saw His chosen representative, the King of Israel, thus breaking His law. To divorce Bath-sheba now would be a further wrong. Yet if he was not punished men might answer yes to the question “May one be pardoned and retain the offence?” And therefore a long series of chastisements, beginning with the death of the child, must unequivocally declare the divine judgment on such sin.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:14
14. Howbeit — The honour of God’s holy law must be regarded. Though David be forgiven he must yet suffer loss.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:14
| Sermon | Description |
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Avoiding Sin's Sudden Traps
by Mack Tomlinson
|
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Bathsheba from the Bible. David, while casually observing the sunset, sees Bathsheba and is immediately tempted by her |
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Two Men Kings of Israel Who Came Into Judgment
by Svend Christensen
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sees and knows everything about us, including our thoughts and actions. Sin is taken very seriously by God, and it will always be d |
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The Reformed Pastor - the Oversight of Ourselves
by Richard Baxter
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Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of ministers taking heed to themselves, emphasizing the need for self-examination and personal holiness. He highlights the dangers of h |
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I Wish That You Were Cold or Hot
by Paul Washer
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of losing focus on God amidst worldly success and prosperity. He highlights the story of a wealthy city that had become self-suff |
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(A Heavenly Church) 1. Secure in God Our Father
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others through our attitudes and words. He highlights the prevalence of insecurity and jealousy among G |
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(Christian Leadership) Heaven on Earth
by Zac Poonen
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Zac Poonen emphasizes the need for Christians to embody the principles of heaven on earth, arguing that many have rejected Christ due to the poor testimony of believers. He highlig |
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Gods Fire Marks His Presence
by Zac Poonen
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of being on fire for God, drawing parallels from the Old Testament where God's presence was manifested through fire. It highlights the need fo |