2 Samuel 23:6
2 Samuel 23:6 in Multiple Translations
But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand.
¶ But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But the ungodly shall be all of them as thorns to be thrust away, Because they cannot be taken with the hand;
But the evil-doers, all of them, will be like thorns to be pushed away, because they may not be gripped in the hand:
But evil people are like thorns to be thrown aside; they can't be held in the hand.
But the wicked shalbe euery one as thornes thrust away, because they can not be taken with handes.
As to the worthless — As a thorn driven away [are] all of them, For — not by hand are they taken;
But all the ungodly will be as thorns to be thrust away, because they can’t be taken with the hand.
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But transgressors shall all of them be plucked up as thorns: which are not taken away with hands.
But he will get rid of godless/evil people like [SIM] people throw away thorns that injure people if they try to pick them up with their hands.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:6
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 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בְלִיַּ֕עַל
כְּ/ק֥וֹץ
מֻנָ֖ד
כֻּלָּ֑/הַם
כִּֽי
לֹ֥א
בְ/יָ֖ד
יִקָּֽחוּ
וּ/בְלִיַּ֕עַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
Belial
Conj | N-ms
כְּ/ק֥וֹץ
qôwts
H6975
thorn
Prep | N-ms
מֻנָ֖ד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Hophal-Inf-c
כֻּלָּ֑/הַם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בְ/יָ֖ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
יִקָּֽחוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:6
וּ/בְלִיַּ֕עַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
"Belial"
Conj | N-ms
Belial refers to something or someone worthless or wicked, often translated as evil or ungodly. It describes people or actions that are good for nothing and lead to destruction.
Definition: : worthless 1) worthlessness 1a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base fellow 1b) wicked 1c) ruin, destruction (construct) Also means: be.liy.ya.al (בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ": destruction" H1100H)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. See also: Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 18:5.
כְּ/ק֥וֹץ
qôwts
H6975
"thorn"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word simply means a thorn, like the thorns that grew in the ground after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3:18. It can also refer to a thornbush, as in Judges 9:14.
Definition: 1) thorn, thornbush 1a) thornbush 1b) thorn
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Psalms 118:12.
מֻנָ֖ד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Hophal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
כֻּלָּ֑/הַם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ/יָ֖ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יִקָּֽחוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:6
Context — David’s Last Song
4is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’
5Is not my house right with God? For He has established with me an everlasting covenant, ordered and secured in every part. Will He not bring about my full salvation and my every desire?
6But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand.
7The man who touches them must be armed with iron or with the shaft of a spear. The fire burns them to ashes in the place where they lie.” 8These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 2:6 | But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. |
| 2 | Isaiah 33:12 | The peoples will be burned to ashes, like thorns cut down and set ablaze. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:13 | that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), |
| 4 | Genesis 3:18 | Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 2:12 | Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD |
| 6 | Song of Solomon 2:2 | Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 20:1 | Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” |
| 8 | Matthew 13:41 | The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. |
2 Samuel 23:6 Summary
This verse is saying that people who reject God and live in sin are like thorns that are thrown away and can't be used for anything good. They are a danger to others and can cause harm, just like thorns can hurt us if we touch them. As Christians, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God, like David in 1 Samuel 13:14, who was a man after God's own heart. By following God and living according to His Word, we can avoid being like the worthless and instead be a blessing to those around us, as seen in Matthew 5:16, where our good works can shine like a light for all to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'worthless' in 2 Samuel 23:6?
In this context, 'worthless' refers to people who have rejected God and are living in sin, much like the fool in Psalms 14:1 who says 'there is no God'. Such individuals are of no spiritual value to God's kingdom and can cause harm to others, as seen in the thorns that are 'raked aside' and cannot be gathered by hand.
Why are the worthless compared to thorns in this verse?
Thorns are often used in the Bible as a symbol of sin and its consequences, such as in Matthew 13:7, where the thorns represent the worries and desires of this life that choke out God's Word. In 2 Samuel 23:6, the comparison to thorns highlights the worthless as being a hindrance to God's work and a danger to others.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, where we are encouraged to strive for excellence and live for God's approval. Those who reject God and live in sin will face consequences, while those who follow Him will experience His blessings and protection.
What is the significance of the worthless being 'raked aside' and unable to be gathered by hand?
The image of being 'raked aside' suggests a violent and forceful removal, highlighting the severity of God's judgment on the wicked, as seen in Psalms 37:38, where the wicked will be destroyed and cut off from the land. The inability to be gathered by hand emphasizes the worthless as being irredeemable and beyond human help or salvation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be like the 'worthless' in this verse, and how can I repent and turn to God?
- How can I discern between those who are truly following God and those who are 'worthless' and living in sin?
- In what ways can I be a source of blessing and encouragement to others, rather than a hindrance like the thorns in this verse?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be allowing 'thorns' to grow, and how can I uproot them and allow God's Word to flourish instead?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:6
But [the sons] of Belial [shall be] all of them as thorns thrust away,.... Not like the tender grass that springs up, and flourishes after rain, and the sunshine upon that; but like thorns, useless,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:6
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the sons of Belial , [ uwbªliya`al (H1100)] - worthlessness, wickedness = wicked men (cf. Deuteronomy 13:13).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
The sons of Belial, or, the men of Belial, as it is expressed , and elsewhere. Having in the foregoing verses described the nature, and felicity, and stability of that kingdom which God himself had by a sure and everlasting covenant settled upon him and his seed; and especially, upon the Messiah, who was to be one of his posterity; he now describes the quality, the mischievous nature, the hazardous and miserable condition, of all the enemies of this holy and blessed kingdom, whom he justly calleth sons of Belial, because they rebelled against God’ s appointment, and against that king whom God had set over them; for which reason others are so called, . As thorns thrust away which men do not use to handle, as they do other trees, but thrust them away from themselves, by some instrument chosen for that purpose. And so will God remove or thrust away from himself, and from his people and kingdom, all those who shall either secretly or openly set themselves against it. And this may be here added, either, 1. By way of prescription to rulers, whom, as before he admonished to be just and kind to their people, ,4; so here he requires them to be severe in punishing and purging away wicked and incorrigible men from about his throne, and from among his people; the encouraging of the good, and the punishing of the bad, being the two chief works of every good magistrate, and the two pillars of all government. Or, 2. By way of caution; to show, that notwithstanding the holiness, and happiness, and sureness of this kingdom, yet there would be sons of Belial in it, who would endeavour to disturb and overthrow it, but to no purpose; for all their projects against it should be vain, and fall upon their own heads.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
2 Samuel 23:6 But [the sons] of Belial [shall be] all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:Ver. 6. But the sons of Belial.] Lawless, aweless, yokeless, masterless men, or monsters rather, such as contemn the word, and refuse to be reformed; untractable, incorrigible, such as were the Jews in Christ’ s time, and so continue to be. Shall be all of them as thorns.] That bear no good fruit, but only pricks, to hurt those that meddle with them. These shall be thrust away, that is, powerfully proceeded against; they shall be stubbed up by the roots, and burnt, viz., in hell fire. Those refractory Jews, for instance, on whom wrath came to the utmost, because "they pleased not God, but were contrary to all men," and the same is and shall be seen in Antichrist and his adherents, cast alive into the lake of fire.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
(6) The sons of Belial.—According to the Masoretic punctuation, Belial is not here in the common form, but in the stronger abstract form=worthlessness. The coming in of Divine righteousness leads not only to the assimilation of that which is holy, but also to the rejection of that which is evil, by a law as necessary and immutable as that of action and reaction in the material world. The figures used are to show that, although the wicked injure whatever touches them, means will yet be found by which they may safely be put out of the way.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
Verse 6. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns] There is no word in the text for sons; it is simply Belial, the good-for-nothing man, and may here refer - first to Saul, and secondly to the enemies of our Lord. As thorns thrust away] A metaphor taken from hedging; the workman thrusts the thorns aside either with his bill or hand, protected by his impenetrable mitten or glove, till, getting a fair blow at the roots, he cuts them all down. The man is fenced with iron, and the handle of his bill is like the staff of a spear. This is a good representation of the dubbing-bill, with which they slash the thorn hedge on each side before they level the tops by the pruning-shears. The handle is five or six feet long. This is a perfectly natural and intelligible image.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:6
6. But the sons of Belial] But the wicked, &c. All ungodly men and evil things are described as worthlessness or wickedness. Their judgment and destruction is the necessary consequence of the perfect rule of the righteous king. Cp. Matthew 13:41.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:6
6. The worthless — Literally, worthlessness, an elliptical expression for worthless or wicked men, depicting the godless as personified worthlessness.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Character and End of the Wicked, Considered. by John Gill | John Gill examines the character and ultimate fate of the wicked, referred to as 'sons of Belial,' contrasting them with the just ruler, the Messiah. He emphasizes that these wicke |
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The Voice of Micaiah by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks explores the story of Micaiah, a minor prophet who stood alone against 400 false prophets, emphasizing the importance of truth over popularity. Micaiah's unwaverin |
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of maintaining peace, love, and discipline within the Church, emphasizing the need to correct and punish those who cause unrest or disobedien |
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Paul's Humiliating Confession by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his characte |
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Epistle 214 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns again |
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Prickly Problems of This Existence by Vance Havner | The sermon transcript discusses the current state of some churches, describing them as "25 miles wide, one-inch deep." The speaker shares personal experiences of preaching at the F |
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(1 Samuel) Blessed Sons and Wicked Sons by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Hannah and her dedication of her son Samuel to the Lord. He emphasizes the joy and praise that Hannah expresses in her prayer to |