2 Samuel 14:6
2 Samuel 14:6 in Multiple Translations
And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him.
And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.
And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and killed him.
And I had two sons, and the two of them had a fight in the field, and there was no one to come between them, and one with a blow put the other to death.
“Your Majesty, I had two sons. They had a fight outside, and there was nobody there to stop them. One of them hit the other, and killed him.
And thine handmayd had two sonnes, and they two stroue together in the fielde: (and there was none to part them) so the one smote the other, and slew him.
and thy maid-servant hath two sons; and they strive both of them in a field, and there is no deliverer between them, and the one smiteth the other, and putteth him to death;
Your servant had two sons; and they both fought together in the field, and there was no one to part them, but the one struck the other and killed him.
And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other and slew him.
And thy handmaid had two sons: and they quarrelled with each other in the field, and there was none to part them: and the one struck the other, and slew him.
I had two sons. But one day they quarreled with each other out in the fields. There was no one to separate them, and one of them struck the other one and killed him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 14:6
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 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/שִׁפְחָֽתְ/ךָ֙
שְׁנֵ֣י
בָנִ֔ים
וַ/יִּנָּצ֤וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶם֙
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
וְ/אֵ֥ין
מַצִּ֖יל
בֵּֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יַּכּ֧/וֹ
הָ/אֶחָ֛ד
אֶת
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
וַ/יָּ֥מֶת
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וּ/לְ/שִׁפְחָֽתְ/ךָ֙
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בָנִ֔ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
וַ/יִּנָּצ֤וּ
nâtsâh
H5327
to struggle
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶם֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מַצִּ֖יל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil
בֵּֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּכּ֧/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
הָ/אֶחָ֛ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
וַ/יָּ֥מֶת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 14:6
וּ/לְ/שִׁפְחָֽתְ/ךָ֙
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
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.
בָנִ֔ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
וַ/יִּנָּצ֤וּ
nâtsâh
H5327
"to struggle"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To desolate or lay waste, this word describes the destruction of a city or land. It is used in the book of Jeremiah to describe the fall of Jerusalem. The word implies a complete ruin.
Definition: 1) to struggle 1a) (Niphal) to struggle 1b) (Hiphil) to struggle
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be laid waste, runinous, strive (together). See also: Exodus 2:13; 2 Samuel 14:6; Psalms 60:2.
שְׁנֵי/הֶם֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
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.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַצִּ֖יל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
בֵּֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וַ/יַּכּ֧/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
הָ/אֶחָ֛ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | 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.
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/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | 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.
וַ/יָּ֥מֶת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 14:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 14:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:6
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:6
Context — Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem
4When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!”
5“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead.
6And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him.
7Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.” 8“Go home,” the king said to the woman, “and I will give orders on your behalf.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 4:8 | Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 22:26–27 | Do nothing to the young woman, because she has committed no sin worthy of death. This case is just like one in which a man attacks his neighbor and murders him. When he found her in the field, the betrothed woman cried out, but there was no one to save her. |
| 3 | Exodus 2:13 | The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?” |
2 Samuel 14:6 Summary
This verse tells us about a woman who had two sons that got into a fight, and unfortunately, one of them died. The story is part of a larger conversation she is having with King David, where she is seeking his help and mercy, similar to how we can approach God with our problems, as seen in Psalms 102:17. The situation highlights the need for forgiveness, mercy, and justice, reminding us of the importance of seeking help and guidance from God and others, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14. By reflecting on this story, we can learn valuable lessons about conflict resolution, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace, as taught in Matthew 5:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the story in 2 Samuel 14:6?
The story is part of a larger narrative where a woman from Tekoa approaches King David to plead for mercy and justice, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:4-5, and her request is rooted in a personal tragedy involving her two sons.
Why did the two sons fight in the field?
The Bible does not provide a specific reason for the fight, but it highlights the consequence of their actions, which led to the death of one of the brothers, reminiscent of the conflict between Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:8.
What is the significance of the woman's story in relation to King David's situation?
The woman's story serves as a parable to appeal to King David's sense of justice and mercy, drawing a parallel between her situation and his own, particularly concerning his son Absalom, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:37-39.
How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and redemption?
This verse sets the stage for the discussion on forgiveness and redemption, as the woman seeks to avoid further bloodshed and loss, reflecting the broader biblical theme of mercy and restoration, as seen in Psalms 51:1-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are the consequences of unresolved conflicts and uncontrolled emotions in our personal lives and relationships?
- How can we, like the woman, approach God or those in authority with our problems and pleas for help, as exemplified in Psalms 138:8?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of justice, mercy, and forgiveness in our own lives, considering the teachings of Matthew 6:14-15?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking help and guidance from God and others in times of need and crisis?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:6
And thy handmaid had two sons,.... Two are observed, that her case might suit with Amnon and Absalom: and they two strove together in the field; they quarrelled, and fought in the field, where there
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:6
And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:6
There was none to part them; and therefore there is no witness, either that he killed him, or how he killed him, whether from some sudden passion and great provocation, or in his own necessary defence, or otherwise. Slew him; as the avengers of blood report.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:6
2 Samuel 14:6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and [there was] none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.Ver. 6. And they two strove together in the field.] Upon some sudden and perhaps slight occasion; such as was that recorded by Camerarius, who telleth a story of two brethren walking out in a starlit night: said one of the brethren, Would I had a pasture as large as this element. And said the other, Would I had as many oxen as there be stars. Says the other again, Where would you feed those oxen? In your pasture, replied he. What, whether I would or no? Yea, said he, whether you would or no. What, in spite of me? Yes, said he. And thus it went on from words, till at length the one killed the other.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:6
(6) They two strove together.—The woman represents the fratricide as unpremeditated and without malice. This really made the case essentially different from that of Absalom; but at this point of the story the object is to dispose the king favourably towards the culprit, while by the time the application is reached, this point will have passed out of mind.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot |
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Holy Spirit, Why Some Can't Receive Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to hear and recognize the voice of God. He compares Christians to a generation that is odd and different from th |
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Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a 10-day period of fasting and prayer where they were seeking a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. They acknowledge that God did not act in t |
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Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and being filled with compassion. He refers to the story of Isaiah, who had a vision of God and recognized |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth chapter of Genesis, which explores the root and fruit of sin. The speaker emphasizes that sin is not just a minor issue, but a se |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible. He highlights the significance of Abel's blood crying out to God from the ground, representing th |
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What Does It Take to See God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else. He reminds the congregation that Jesus promises to provide |