2 Samuel 3:29
2 Samuel 3:29 in Multiple Translations
May it whirl over the heads of Joab and the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.”
Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
let it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father’s house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth by the sword, or that lacketh bread.
May it come on the head of Joab and all his father's family: among the men of Joab's family may there ever be some who are diseased or lepers, or who do the work of women, or are put to the sword, or are wasted from need of food!
May the guilt for his death fall on Joab and his family! May Joab's descendants always have someone who has running sores or leprosy or is crippled or who is killed by the sword or who is starving.”
Let the blood fall on the head of Ioab, and on all his fathers house, that the house of Ioab be neuer without some that haue running issues, or leper, or that leaneth on a staffe, or that doeth fall on the sworde, or that lacketh bread.
it doth stay on the head of Joab, and on all the house of his father, and there is not cut off from the house of Joab one having an issue, and leprous, and laying hold on a staff, and falling by a sword, and lacking bread.'
Let it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”
Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
And may it come upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father’s house: and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue of seed, or that is a leper, or that holdeth the distaff, or that falleth by the sword, or that wanteth bread.
I hope/desire that Joab and all his family will be punished [MTY] for doing that! I hope/desire that there will always be someone in his family who has sores, or someone who is a leper, or some man who is forced to do women’s work, or someone who is killed in a battle, or someone who does not have enough food to eat!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:29
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 3:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָחֻ֨לוּ֙
עַל
רֹ֣אשׁ
יוֹאָ֔ב
וְ/אֶ֖ל
כָּל
בֵּ֣ית
אָבִ֑י/ו
וְֽ/אַל
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
יוֹאָ֡ב
זָ֠ב
וּ/מְצֹרָ֞ע
וּ/מַחֲזִ֥יק
בַּ/פֶּ֛לֶךְ
וְ/נֹפֵ֥ל
בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב
וַ/חֲסַר
לָֽחֶם
יָחֻ֨לוּ֙
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וְ/אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְֽ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
יוֹאָ֡ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
זָ֠ב
zûwb
H2100
to flow
V-Qal
וּ/מְצֹרָ֞ע
tsâraʻ
H6879
be leprous
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c
וּ/מַחֲזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil
בַּ/פֶּ֛לֶךְ
pelek
H6418
district
Prep | N-ms
וְ/נֹפֵ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal
בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
וַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Conj | Adj
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:29
יָחֻ֨לוּ֙
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
וְ/אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | 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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
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.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
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.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְֽ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
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.
יוֹאָ֡ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
זָ֠ב
zûwb
H2100
"to flow"
V-Qal
To flow means to have a continuous movement, like water, and can also refer to wasting away or overflowing. It is used in the Bible to describe various physical and emotional states.
Definition: : flowing 1) to flow, gush, issue, discharge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flow, gush 1a2) to die, pine away (fig.) 1a3) to flow (of issue from woman), have an issue, flux 1a4) flowing (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run. See also: Exodus 3:8; Numbers 13:27; Psalms 78:20.
וּ/מְצֹרָ֞ע
tsâraʻ
H6879
"be leprous"
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to be afflicted with leprosy, a skin disease. It is used in the Bible to describe someone with leprosy, like in the stories of Moses and Miriam. The word appears in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to be diseased of skin, be leprous 1a) (Qal) to be a leper 1b) (Pual) to have leprosy
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: leper, leprous. See also: Exodus 4:6; 2 Kings 5:1; 2 Chronicles 26:23.
וּ/מַחֲזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בַּ/פֶּ֛לֶךְ
pelek
H6418
"district"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can refer to a district or region, like a specific area of land. It can also mean a spindle or a staff, as in the book of Isaiah. The KJV translates it as staff or participle.
Definition: 1) whirl of spindle, stick, district 1a) whirl of spindle, stick 1b) district, circuit
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (di-) staff, participle See also: 2 Samuel 3:29; Nehemiah 3:15; Proverbs 31:19.
וְ/נֹפֵ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Conj | Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:29
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- Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:29
Context — Joab Murders Abner
27When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.
28Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.
29May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.”
30(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) 31Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:16 | For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” |
| 2 | Psalms 109:8–19 | May his days be few; may another take his position. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. May the creditor seize all he owns, and strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May there be no one to extend kindness to him, and no one to favor his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. |
| 3 | Leviticus 13:44–46 | the man is diseased; he is unclean. The priest must pronounce him unclean because of the infection on his head. A diseased person must wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp. |
| 4 | Judges 9:56–57 | In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father in murdering his seventy brothers. And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their own heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 5:1 | Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 2:31–34 | And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. |
| 7 | Acts 28:4 | When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” |
| 8 | Leviticus 15:2 | “Say to the Israelites, ‘When any man has a bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 5:27 | Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. |
| 10 | Judges 9:24 | in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers. |
2 Samuel 3:29 Summary
In 2 Samuel 3:29, David is calling down God's judgment on Joab and his family for their sinful actions, trusting that God will bring about justice. This verse shows us that David is relying on God to take care of the situation, rather than taking matters into his own hands, as seen in Romans 12:19. David's trust in God's justice is a great example for us to follow, and reminds us that God is the one who will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 37:28. By trusting in God's justice, we can avoid the temptation to seek revenge or take matters into our own hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of David's curse in 2 Samuel 3:29?
David's curse is in response to the murder of Abner by Joab, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:27, and is a call for God's judgment on Joab and his family for their actions, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19.
Is David's curse a form of taking revenge?
No, David's curse is not a form of taking revenge, but rather a call for God's justice, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:28 where David declares his kingdom guiltless before the Lord concerning Abner's blood, and in Psalm 37:28 which says the Lord will not forsake His saints.
What are the specific judgments David calls down on Joab's house?
David calls for a variety of judgments, including disease, injury, and lack of food, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:29, which may be reminiscent of the curses found in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 for disobedience.
Does this verse promote violence or revenge?
No, this verse does not promote violence or revenge, but rather highlights David's trust in God's justice, as seen in Proverbs 20:22, which says do not say I will repay evil, but wait for the Lord to save you.
Reflection Questions
- What does David's response to Abner's murder reveal about his trust in God's justice?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and justice in the Bible?
- In what ways can we, like David, trust God to avenge wrongs rather than taking matters into our own hands?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of waiting on God's timing and justice, rather than seeking revenge?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:29
Let it rest on the head of Joab,.... That is, the blood of Abner, who was the shedder of it; let the guilt of it be charged to him, and let punishment for it be inflicted on him: and on all his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:29
Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:29
Let it rest, i.e. this blood, the guilt and punishment of it. And on all his father’ s house. But children were not to suffer for their parent’ s sin, ; and therefore either this was only a prediction; or, if it were an imprecation, David may seem to have transgressed his bounds, and mingled his passion with his zeal, that so he might express his utter detestation of this horrid murder, and how far he was from having any hand in it. An issue was not only a troublesome and shameful disease, but also infectious, both to him that had it, and to all that touched him; so that whilst it was upon a man, he was cut off in a great part from converse either with God or men. That leaneth on a staff, through craziness, or feebleness, or lameness, whereby he is rendered unfit for action and public service.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:29
2 Samuel 3:29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father’ s house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.Ver. 29. Let there not fail from the house of Joab.] This lamentable legacy Joab left his children. So do all these peremptores potius quam parentes, that bequeath their sins and punishments to their wretched posterity. One that hath an issue.] The gonorrhea, or running of the reins, as the Septuagint hath it. Or that leaneth on a staff.] Weak, gouty, or consumptive. Aquila rendereth it, That is blind.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:29
(29) Let it rest on the head of Joab.—The strong curse here pronounced by David shows that Joab’s act could not be justified as that of the “Goel,” or lawful avenger of his brother’s blood, for Abner had slain Asahel in battle, unwillingly and in self-defence. It is also to be remembered that Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:13), and that here not even the “Goel” might slay the murderer without a trial (Numbers 35:22-25). The curse falls “on his father’s house,” since Abishai also (2 Samuel 3:30) had been concerned with him in the murder. The phrase, “that leaneth on a staff,” has been understood by many as “holding a distaff,” i.e., a person unfit for war. The word has the sense of “distaff” in Proverbs 31:19, and is so rendered here by the Vulgate; but the sense given by the English—which is also that of the LXX. and Targum—is better, and more in accordance with the other particulars. For “on the sword” read “by the sword,” there being no reference to the idea of suicide. On the violent end of Joab see 1 Kings 2:31-34.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:29
Verse 29. Let it rest on the head] All these verbs may be rendered in the future tense: it will rest on the head of Joab, &c. This was a prophetic declaration, which sufficiently showed the displeasure of God against this execrable man.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:29
29. let it rest] Let it fall. The Heb. word is a forcible one, expressing the energy of David’s indignation. It is used in Jeremiah 23:19; Jeremiah 30:23, of the whirlwind of God’s wrath falling upon the head of the wicked. one that hath an issue, or that is a leper] Pining away miserably with incurable diseases, which not only made life a burden, but rendered their victim ceremonially unclean, and excluded him from the congregation of the Lord (Leviticus 13:46). that leaneth on a staff] A cripple, lame, or blind. The word translated staff means elsewhere distaff (Proverbs 31:19), and the phrase may also be rendered as it is in the Vulgate “distaff holder” (tenens fusum). This would signify ‘a weak, effeminate man, unfit for war,’ as “Hercules with the distaff” was the type of unmanly feebleness among the Greeks. But this explanation seems forced, and the E. V. is supported by the Sept. and Targum. that falleth on the sword] Render, “by the sword.” The E. V. suggests the idea of suicide, but untimely death in battle or by the hand of an assassin is meant.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:29
The curse of David proves that Joab was not justified as blood-revenger or Goel 2 Samuel 3:27 in taking away Abner’s life. That leaneth on a staff - Rather, a crutch. The phrase denotes one lame or infirm.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:29
29. Let there not fail from the house of Joab — Let that house always be afflicted by having constantly among its members those distressed with an issue, that is, gonorrhea, (Leviticus 15:2.) or
Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:29
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Complacency of Fools by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Proverbs 1:29-32, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He then discusses the current st |
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Naaman Healed of Leprosy [Part 1] by Bertha Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Naaman, a general from Syria who was highly respected and successful. However, Naaman had a problem - he was a leper. Through a |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo |
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Faith to Give and Receive by R. Edward Miller | R. Edward Miller emphasizes the duality of faith in his sermon 'Faith to Give and Receive,' using the story of Elisha and the faith of a young slave girl named Nara to illustrate h |
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Gods Way or My Way by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the spiritual leprosy that afflicts everyone, regardless of their status or accomplishments, using the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5 as a powerful illust |
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Naaman the Leper by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5:1-19, drawing parallels between Naaman's physical cleansing from leprosy and the spiritual cleansing from sin that beli |
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The Story of the Leper by John Sung | John Sung preaches about Naaman, a great Syrian general afflicted with leprosy, illustrating how despite his worldly success, he was spiritually dead due to sin. The sermon emphasi |