2 Samuel 2:12
2 Samuel 2:12 in Multiple Translations
One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
¶ And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Abner, the son of Ner, with the servants of Saul's son Ish-bosheth, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
One day Abner and Ishbosheth's men left Mahanaim and went to the town of Gibeon.
And Abner the sonne of Ner, and the seruantes of Ish-bosheth the sonne of Saul went out of Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Abner son of Ner goeth out, and servants of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Isboseth the son of Saul, went out from the camp to Gabaon.
One day Abner and the officials of Isbosheth went from Mahanaim across the Jordan River to Gibeon city.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:12
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
אַבְנֵ֣ר
בֶּן
נֵ֔ר
וְ/עַבְדֵ֖י
אִֽישׁ
בֹּ֣שֶׁת
בֶּן
שָׁא֑וּל
מִֽ/מַּחֲנַ֖יִם
גִּבְעֽוֹנָ/ה
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְנֵ֣ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
נֵ֔ר
Nêr
H5369
Ner
N-proper
וְ/עַבְדֵ֖י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-mp
אִֽישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֹּ֣שֶׁת
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שָׁא֑וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
מִֽ/מַּחֲנַ֖יִם
Machănayim
H4266
Mahanaim
Prep | N-proper
גִּבְעֽוֹנָ/ה
Gibʻôwn
H1391
Gibeon
N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:12
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אַבְנֵ֣ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
נֵ֔ר
Nêr
H5369
"Ner"
N-proper
Ner was an Israelite man who lived during the time of the United Monarchy. He is mentioned in the Bible as the father of several sons, including Kish, and is an ancestor of King Saul. Ner is also known as Jeiel in some parts of the Bible.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.1; son of: Zeror (H6872C); married to Maacah (H4601N); father of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Baal (H1168B), Nadab (H5070J), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732); also called Jeiel (Ketiv: Jeuel; KJV: Jehiel) at 1Ch.9.35; Ner at 1Ch.8.33; 9.39; Another name of a.vi.el (אֲבִיאֵל "Abiel" H0022G) § Ner = "lamp" 1) son of Jehiel, father of Kish, and grandfather of king Saul 2) father of Abner, the uncle of Saul 2a) perhaps the same as 1
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Ner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:28; 1 Chronicles 26:28.
וְ/עַבְדֵ֖י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אִֽישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֹּ֣שֶׁת
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
שָׁא֑וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
מִֽ/מַּחֲנַ֖יִם
Machănayim
H4266
"Mahanaim"
Prep | N-proper
Mahanaim was a place in Palestine where Jacob met angels, and its name means 'two camps'. It's east of the Jordan River and is an important location in biblical history.
Definition: § Mahanaim = "two camps" a place east of the Jordan, named from Jacob's encounter with angels
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Mahanaim. See also: Genesis 32:3; 2 Samuel 2:29; 1 Chronicles 6:65.
גִּבְעֽוֹנָ/ה
Gibʻôwn
H1391
"Gibeon"
N-proper | Suff
Gibeon was a Levitical city in the region of Benjamin, located about 5 miles from Jerusalem, and is now known as el-Jib. The name means hill city, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeon.
Definition: § Gibeon = "hill city" a Levitical city of Benjamin, modern 'el-Jib', which lies 5 miles or 8 km from Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Gibeon. See also: Joshua 9:3; 2 Samuel 3:30; Isaiah 28:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:12
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
10Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
11And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
12One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
13So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool. 14Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 18:25 | Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, |
| 2 | Joshua 10:2 | So Adoni-zedek and his people were greatly alarmed, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were mighty. |
| 3 | Joshua 9:3 | But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, |
| 4 | Joshua 10:4 | “Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” |
| 5 | Joshua 10:12 | On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” |
| 6 | Genesis 32:2 | When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 17:14 | Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. |
2 Samuel 2:12 Summary
This verse tells us that Abner, the commander of Saul's army, and the servants of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, marched from Mahanaim to Gibeon. This was likely a show of force or a attempt to negotiate with David's forces, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:13. We can learn from this verse that our actions often have consequences, and that loyalty and leadership are important qualities, as seen in Proverbs 27:6 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7. By examining Abner's actions, we can see the importance of considering our motivations and the potential outcomes of our decisions, just as David did in 1 Samuel 30:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Abner and why was he marching to Gibeon?
Abner was the son of Ner and the commander of Saul's army, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:51 and 1 Samuel 26:14. He was marching to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth to likely engage in battle or negotiations with David's forces.
What is the significance of Mahanaim and Gibeon in this context?
Mahanaim was a city in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, where Ish-bosheth had established his capital, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:8-9. Gibeon, on the other hand, was a city in the territory of Benjamin, west of the Jordan River, which was a strategic location for battle or negotiations, as mentioned in Joshua 9:3-15 and 2 Samuel 2:13.
What can we learn about the relationship between Abner and Ish-bosheth from this verse?
From this verse, we can see that Abner was still loyal to Ish-bosheth and was acting on his behalf, as he was marching with Ish-bosheth's servants. This loyalty is also seen in 1 Samuel 26:14-16, where Abner defended Saul and his household.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of the narrative of the conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:1-7 and 2 Samuel 3:1. It sets the stage for the battle between the two groups in 2 Samuel 2:12-32.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn about leadership and loyalty from Abner's actions in this verse?
- How does this verse relate to the theme of conflict and division in the book of 2 Samuel?
- What role do you think God was playing in the events leading up to this verse, and how can we see His sovereignty at work?
- How can we apply the principles of loyalty and leadership seen in this verse to our own lives and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:12
And Abner the son of Ner,.... Who was before captain of Saul's host, and now of Ishbosheth's: and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul; who seem to be not only his domestic servants, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:12
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. Abner ... and the servants of Ish-bosheth ... went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
The servants of Ish-bosheth, i.e. his officers and commanders, and their army. To Gibeon, in the country of Benjamin, , near Judah, to fight with David’ s army, and to bring back the rest of the kingdom to Saul’ s house.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
2 Samuel 2:12 And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.Ver. 12. Went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.] The same with Gibeah of Saul; hither he came with his host, to chastise Judah for their revolt from the house of Saul.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
(12) To Gibeon.—Gibeon, in the territory of Benjamin, had become noted in the original conquest of the land as the only city which succeeded, though by craft, in making a league with the conquerors (Joshua 9). It was five and a half miles north-west from Jerusalem, and at a long distance both from Mahanaim and from Hebron. Here the generals of the rival monarchs met, possibly by design, but more likely each engaged in the effort to extend their respective masters’ sway over the tribe of Benjamin.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:12
12–17. War between Ish-bosheth and David. The Combat at Gibeon 12. went out] The technical expression for going to war. Cp. 1 Samuel 18:30. After establishing Ish-bosheth’s power over all Israel, Abner turned his arms against Judah, and marched with his army from Ish-bosheth’s capital, Mahanaim, to Gibeon, where David’s army under the command of Joab met him. to Gibeon] The site of Gibeon (=belonging to, or built on, a hill) is fixed with certainty on a rounded hill five miles N.W. of Jerusalem, which still bears the name El-Jib. Gibeon was the largest of the four cities of the Hivites (Joshua 10:2), famous for the stratagem by which its inhabitants procured a treaty from Joshua (Joshua 9:3 ff.). It was in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25), and specially assigned to the priests (Joshua 21:17). Here Amasa met his death by the treacherous hand of Joab (2 Samuel 20:5-10). It gained its chief importance in the reigns of David and Solomon, as the great centre of worship at which the Tabernacle and the Altar of Burnt-offering were set up before the building of the Temple (2 Chronicles 1:3; 2 Chronicles 1:5), at which Solomon celebrated his accession with solemn sacrifices, and God appeared to him in vision (1 Kings 3:4-15).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:12
This expedition to Gibeon may have been for the purpose of shifting his metropolis to his own tribe of Benjamin, and to his family place, “Gibeah of Saul,” close to Gibeon, with the further purpose
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:12
THE BATTLE OF GIBEON, 2 Samuel 2:12-32. 12. Went out from Mahanaim — That is, marched out from the capital of the kingdom of Ishbosheth.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joshua (Part 7): Don't Let Failure Be Final by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of failure and recovery using the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua chapter 9. The people of Gibeon deceive Joshua and the Israe |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 319 by Don Courville | Don Courville discusses the theme of deception, drawing from the biblical account of Joshua and the Gibeonites to illustrate how easily one can be misled. He emphasizes the importa |
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Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas |
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Robert Murray Mccheyne by Thomas Martin | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a church that started praying fervently for the work of God, for backslidden members, and for individuals. One man's simple prayer, |
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New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | This sermon from 2 Peter chapter 1 emphasizes God's divine power that provides everything needed for a godly life, likening our bodies to the land of Canaan where no giants should |
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Message 10 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to be proactive in their faith and to share the message of God with others. They mention that they have free books available for |