2 Samuel 12:16

2 Samuel 12:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.

King James Version KJV

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

American Standard Version ASV

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So David made prayer to God for the child; and he took no food day after day, and went in and, stretching himself out on the earth, was there all night.

Free Bible Version FBV

David pleaded with God on behalf of the boy. He fasted, went to his bedroom, and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Dauid therefore besought God for the childe, and fasted and went in, and lay all night vpon the earth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and David seeketh God for the youth, and David keepeth a fast, and hath gone in and lodged, and lain on the earth.

World English Bible WEB

David therefore begged God for the child; and David fasted, and went in and lay all night on the ground.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David besought the Lord for the child: and David kept a fast, and going in by himself lay upon the ground.

Translation for Translators T4T

So David prayed to God that the child would not die. He ◄fasted/abstained from food►, and he went into the room where he slept and lay all night on the floor.

Plain English Version PEV

So David prayed to God and asked him strongly to make the baby better. David didn’t eat any food, and he slept all night on the hard floor. He didn’t sleep on a soft bed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:16

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 12:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ דָּוִ֛ד אֶת הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּעַ֣ד הַ/נָּ֑עַר וַ/יָּ֤צָם דָּוִד֙ צ֔וֹם וּ/בָ֥א וְ/לָ֖ן וְ/שָׁכַ֥ב אָֽרְצָ/ה

וַ/יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

בְּעַ֣ד bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Prep

הַ/נָּ֑עַר naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-ms

וַ/יָּ֤צָם tsûwm H6684 to fast Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

צ֔וֹם tsôwm H6685 fast N-ms

וּ/בָ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/לָ֖ן lûwn H3885 to lodge Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/שָׁכַ֥ב shâkab H7901 to lie down Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אָֽרְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:16

וַ/יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

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.

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.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

בְּעַ֣ד bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Prep

This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.

Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.

הַ/נָּ֑עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" Art | N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

וַ/יָּ֤צָם tsûwm H6684 "to fast" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.

Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.

דָּוִד֙ 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.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

צ֔וֹם tsôwm H6685 "fast" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.

Definition: fast, fasting

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.

וּ/בָ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-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.

וְ/לָ֖ן lûwn H3885 "to lodge" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.

Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.

וְ/שָׁכַ֥ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

אָֽרְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 12:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:16
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 12:16
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16
Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:16

Context — David’s Loss and Repentance

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. 18On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 13:31	Then the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
2	Acts 9:9	For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink anything.
3	Psalms 69:10	I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.
4	Jonah 3:9	Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.”
5	Esther 4:16	“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”
6	1 Kings 21:27	When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.
7	2 Samuel 12:22	David answered, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’
8	Psalms 50:15	Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
9	Isaiah 22:12	On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth.
10	Job 20:12–14	Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet in his stomach his food sours into the venom of cobras within him.

2 Samuel 12:16 Summary

In this verse, we see David's love and concern for his son, as he pleads with God to spare his life. David shows humility and repentance by fasting and lying in sackcloth on the ground, demonstrating his dependence on God. This verse teaches us that even when we face difficult circumstances, we can turn to God in prayer and seek His mercy, just like David did (Psalm 51:1-2). By doing so, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand His ways (Romans 8:28).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David plead with God for the boy?

David pleaded with God for the boy because he loved his son and was deeply concerned about his well-being, as seen in his actions of fasting and lying in sackcloth on the ground, similar to how he had previously humbled himself before God in Psalm 51:17.

What does it mean that David spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground?

Lying in sackcloth on the ground was a sign of mourning and repentance, as seen in Job 16:15 and Esther 4:1-3, indicating David's sorrow and humility before God.

Did David's pleading with God change God's mind about the child's fate?

No, David's pleading with God did not change God's mind about the child's fate, as the child still died on the seventh day, but it shows David's dependence on God and his desire to seek God's mercy, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:9.

How does this verse relate to David's previous actions and God's judgment?

This verse is a direct response to God's judgment on David's actions, as stated in 2 Samuel 12:14, and shows David's acknowledgment of his sin and his desire to seek God's forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 32:5.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can humble myself before God, like David did, when faced with challenging circumstances?
How can I balance my desire to pray for a specific outcome with the understanding that God's will may be different from mine?
In what ways can I demonstrate my dependence on God, like David did, in my daily life?
How can I respond to God's discipline or judgment in my life, and what can I learn from David's example in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:16

David therefore besought God for the child,.... Perhaps went into the tabernacle he had built for the ark, and prayed to the Lord to restore the child, and spare its life; for though the Lord had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:16

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16

David besought God for the child; supposing the threatening might be conditional, and so the execution of it prevented by prayer. Went in, to wit, into his closet, as , to pray solitarily and earnestly, as he had done with others. Or this word may only note his progress and continuance in the actions here expressed.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16

2 Samuel 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.Ver. 16. David therefore besought God.] As knowing that God doth sometimes threaten, that he may not punish: with humble submission therefore to his goodwill and pleasure he supplicateth for the sick child: wherein also he showeth his good assurance of the pardon of his own sin, by taking the humble boldness to sue for his sick child. And lay all night upon the earth.] By this χαμευνια, humi-cubatio, lying on the ground, joined with his fasting and prayer, David doth both evidence his affection and edge his devotion. It was in the time of this humiliation, it is thought by some, that David uttered the fifty-first Psalm: which he afterwards published.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16

(16) Besought God for the child.—It can hardly be necessary to say that this does not imply any want of submissiveness to God’s will on David’s part, nor an inordinate love for the child of his guilt. “In the case of a man whose penitence was so earnest and so deep, the prayer for the preservation of his child must have sprung from some other source than excessive love of any created object. His great desire was to avert the stroke as a sign of the wrath of God, in the hope that he might be able to discern, in the preservation of the child, a proof of Divine favour consequent upon the restoration of his fellowship with God. But when the child was dead, he humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, and rested satisfied with His grace, without giving himself up to fruitless pain” (O. von Gerlach, quoted by Keil). Yet David’s deep love for the child is not to be overlooked altogether.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16

Verse 16. David - besought God for the child] How could he do so, after the solemn assurance that he had from God that the child should die? The justice of God absolutely required that the penalty of the law should be exacted; either the father or the son shall die. This could not be reversed.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:16

16. besought God for the child] Such a prayer was not presumptuous, for God’s threatenings like his promises are conditional. See Isaiah 38:1 ff.; Jonah 3:7-10. fasted] Cp. Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 4:16; Daniel 9:3; Acts 14:23. went in] To his private chamber (Matthew 6:6), where he lay all night upon the floor, instead of sleeping on his bed. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 13:31. The tense of the verbs went in and lay all night is frequentative, indicating that David did so repeatedly.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 12:16

The death of the infant child of one of the numerous harem of an Oriental monarch would in general be a matter of little moment to the father.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:16

16. Besought God for the child — For, according to 2 Samuel 12:22, he entertained some hope that God might yet spare him. Went in — Into some private apartment of his own house.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:16

	Sermon	Description
	(Heavenly Vision) 2 - the Two Aspects of the Vision by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude when encountering the word of God. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Daniel and Saul, to i
	Sceva's Seven Sins by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning between genuine and counterfeit religious views and attitudes. He uses the example of a man named Ski and his s
	Achieving a Servant's Heart by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative journey of Saul of Tarsus to Paul, highlighting how an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road led to a profound change in his heart
	On Fasting by Timothy Tow	Timothy Tow preaches about the dangers of seeking salvation through works, highlighting the different forms of salvation by works in various religions and denominations, including
	Homily 5 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom continues his exhortation to the people, urging them to bear with fortitude the impending wrath of the Emperor. He refers to the examples of Job and the Ninevites t
	The Crisis, or the Uncertain Doom of Kingdoms at Particular Times by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the uncertainty and anxiety faced by nations in times of crisis, using the example of Nineveh's impending doom due to sin. He emphasizes the importance
	"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper	This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el