2 Samuel 12:15
2 Samuel 12:15 in Multiple Translations
After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
¶ And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
And Nathan departed unto his house. And Jehovah struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
Then Nathan went back to his house. And the hand of the Lord was on David's son, the child of Uriah's wife, and it became very ill.
Then Nathan went home. The Lord made the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David become very sick.
So Nathan departed vnto his house: and the Lord stroke the childe that Vriahs wife bare vnto Dauid, and it was sicke.
And Nathan goeth unto his house, and Jehovah smiteth the lad, whom the wife of Uriah hath born to David, and it is incurable;
Then Nathan departed to his house. The LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he was very sick.
And Nathan departed to his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it was very sick.
And Nathan returned to his house. The Lord also struck the child which the wife of Urias had borne to David, and his life was despaired of.
Then Nathan went home. David’s baby died Then Yahweh caused the baby t o become very sick, the one that Uriah’s wife had given birth to.
After Nathan went home, God made David and Bathsheba’s baby boy really sick.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:15
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 12:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
נָתָ֖ן
אֶל
בֵּית֑/וֹ
וַ/יִּגֹּ֣ף
יְהוָ֗ה
אֶת
הַ/יֶּ֜לֶד
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יָלְדָ֧ה
אֵֽשֶׁת
אוּרִיָּ֛ה
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
וַ/יֵּאָנַֽשׁ
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָתָ֖ן
Nâthân
H5416
Nathan
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּגֹּ֣ף
nâgaph
H5062
to strike
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יֶּ֜לֶד
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָלְדָ֧ה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אוּרִיָּ֛ה
ʼÛwrîyâh
H223
Uriah
N-proper
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יֵּאָנַֽשׁ
ʼânash
H605
be incurable
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:15
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
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.
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וַ/יִּגֹּ֣ף
nâgaph
H5062
"to strike"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.
יְהוָ֗ה
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.
הַ/יֶּ֜לֶד
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָלְדָ֧ה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אוּרִיָּ֛ה
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.
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | 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/יֵּאָנַֽשׁ
ʼânash
H605
"be incurable"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to be weak or sick, and is used to describe someone who is incurable or desperately wicked. It appears in the Bible to describe people who are hopeless or frail. In the KJV, it is translated as desperate or woeful.
Definition: 1) to be weak, sick, frail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be incurable 1a2) to be sick 1a3) desperate, incurable, desperately wicked, woeful, very sick (pass participle) (metaph.) 1b) (Niphal) to be sick
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: desperate(-ly wicked), incurable, sick, woeful. See also: 2 Samuel 12:15; Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 17:11.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 12:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:15
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:15
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:15
Context — David’s Loss and Repentance
13Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.
14Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die.”
15After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
16David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. 17The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:38 | About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. |
| 2 | Psalms 104:29 | When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 13:20 | Jeroboam did not again recover his power during the days of Abijah, and the LORD struck him down and he died. |
| 4 | Acts 12:23 | Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 26:10 | David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 15:5 | And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 32:39 | See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. |
2 Samuel 12:15 Summary
This verse tells us that God struck the child born to David and Uriah's wife, making him very sick, as a consequence of David's sin. Even though David had repented and been forgiven, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:13, the consequences of his actions still had to play out, illustrating the principle that our actions have consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8. This teaches us that God is a holy and just God who cannot tolerate sin, but also a loving and merciful God who forgives those who repent, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12 and 1 John 1:9. We can learn from David's experience and strive to live a life of obedience to God's word, as encouraged in Matthew 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God strike the child born to David and Uriah's wife?
God struck the child as a consequence of David's sin, as Nathan had prophesied in 2 Samuel 12:14, because David's actions showed contempt for the word of the Lord, similar to the punishment of Moses in Numbers 20:12 for not following God's instructions.
Did David's repentance in 2 Samuel 12:13 save the child's life?
Although David's repentance in 2 Samuel 12:13 saved his own life, as stated by Nathan, it did not undo the consequences of his sin, and the child still became ill as a result of God's judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and its consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15.
What can we learn from God's actions in this verse?
This verse teaches us that God is a holy and just God who cannot tolerate sin, as stated in Isaiah 59:2, and that our actions have consequences, but it also shows us that God is a loving and merciful God who forgives those who repent, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12 and 1 John 1:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and consequences?
This verse illustrates the biblical principle that sin has consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8, and that God's judgment is not always immediate, but it will come, emphasizing the importance of living a life of obedience to God's word, as encouraged in Matthew 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have shown contempt for God's word in my own life, and what are the potential consequences of those actions, as warned in Proverbs 28:13-14?
- How can I balance the idea of a loving God with the concept of a God who judges sin, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11 and 1 Corinthians 11:31-32?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness, as emphasized in Luke 15:11-32 and Acts 3:19?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of this verse to my own life, especially in regards to the consequences of my actions, as cautioned in Ecclesiastes 8:11-13?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:15
And Nathan departed unto his house,.... His own house, which probably was in the city of Jerusalem, having delivered his message, and brought David to a sense of his sin, and declared to him from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:15
And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. The Lord struck the child ... and it was very sick.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:15
The Lord struck the child with some sudden and dangerous distemper.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:15
2 Samuel 12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’ s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.Ver. 15. And the Lord struck the child.] As he might justly do, both for the corruption of nature wherein it was conceived - infants are no innocents - and for that children are a part of their parents, they are their goods. And it was very sick.] The Vulgate hath it, He despaired: i.e., David despaired of the child’ s recovery by any natural means, only he would try what he could do by fasting and prayer, that best lever at a dead lift.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:15
15–23. The Death of the Child 15. strake] An archaism for struck. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 20:10.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:15
15. The Lord struck the child — With some fatal disease which, on the seventh day, resulted in death.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The God of the Bible Kills People by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of a young girl who approached him and expressed her desire for her father to get saved. The preacher emphasizes the impor |
|
The Spirit of Life by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound question of life through Romans 8, emphasizing that true life is found in God, who is the source of all vitality. He explains how the Holy Spirit |
|
He Commanded and They Were Created by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the series of messages that will take the congregation from the creation of the world through God's dealings with Israel to the incarnation of God's Son, emp |
|
God's Tender Mercies Part 2 - Preparing the Way by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 40:3, which speaks of a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. The preacher emphasizes that this voice is not |
|
(Acts) the God Who Intervenes by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the supernatural aspects of the Bible. He highlights the story of Peter's miraculous escape from |
|
Revival and the Local Church by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the pastor shares practical advice for churches based on their experiences. He emphasizes the importance of learning from past successes and stumbling upon good pra |
|
Fellowship in the World or the Church by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the importance of submitting to God and accepting Him as the foundation of one's faith. The speaker emphasizes that once one agrees to the exi |