2 Samuel 3:30
2 Samuel 3:30 in Multiple Translations
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)
So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
So Joab and Abishai his brother put Abner to death, because he had put to death their brother Asahel in the fight at Gibeon.
(This is why Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel during the battle at Gibeon.)
(So Ioab and Abishai his brother slewe Abner, because he had slaine their brother Asahel at Gibeon in battel)
And Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner because that he put to death Asahel their brother, in Gibeon, in battle.
So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
So Joab and Abisai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother Asael at Gabaon in the battle.
That is how Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:30
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 3:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יוֹאָב֙
וַ/אֲבִישַׁ֣י
אָחִ֔י/ו
הָרְג֖וּ
לְ/אַבְנֵ֑ר
עַל֩
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
הֵמִ֜ית
אֶת
עֲשָׂהאֵ֧ל
אֲחִי/הֶ֛ם
בְּ/גִבְע֖וֹן
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
וְ/יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
Conj | N-proper
וַ/אֲבִישַׁ֣י
ʼĂbîyshay
H52
Abishai
Conj | N-proper
אָחִ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
הָרְג֖וּ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/אַבְנֵ֑ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
Prep | N-proper
עַל֩
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הֵמִ֜ית
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲשָׂהאֵ֧ל
ʻĂsâhʼêl
H6214
Asahel
N-proper
אֲחִי/הֶ֛ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/גִבְע֖וֹן
Gibʻôwn
H1391
Gibeon
Prep | N-proper
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:30
וְ/יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
Conj | 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.
וַ/אֲבִישַׁ֣י
ʼĂbîyshay
H52
"Abishai"
Conj | N-proper
Abishai was an Israelite and nephew of King David, first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6, his name means my father is Jesse or my father is a gift. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel. Abishai played a significant role in the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6 and Zeruiah (H6870); brother of: Joab (H3097) and Asahel (H6214) § Abishai = "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift" grandson of Jesse, nephew of David via his sister Zeruiah, brother of Joab
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Abishai. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 19:15.
אָחִ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
הָרְג֖וּ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
לְ/אַבְנֵ֑ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
Prep | 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.
עַל֩
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֵמִ֜ית
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hiphil-Perf-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.
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.
עֲשָׂהאֵ֧ל
ʻĂsâhʼêl
H6214
"Asahel"
N-proper
Asahel was a man in the Bible whose name means 'God-made'. He was the nephew of King David and was known for his speed, but was tragically killed by Abner in battle, as told in 2 Samuel 2:23.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.15; father of: Jonathan (H3129I) § Asahel = "God-made" 1) nephew of David, son of David's sister Zeruiah, and brother of Joab and Abishai; swift of foot he was killed by Abner when he pursued him in battle and caught him 2) a Levite in the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah who went through the kingdom giving instruction in the law 3) a Levite in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah in charge of the tithes and dedicated things in the temple 4) a priest, father of Jonathan, in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Asahel. See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; 2 Samuel 3:27; Ezra 10:15.
אֲחִי/הֶ֛ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
בְּ/גִבְע֖וֹן
Gibʻôwn
H1391
"Gibeon"
Prep | N-proper
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.
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 3:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:30
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
Context — Joab Murders Abner
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. 32When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:17 | A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 2:19–23 | and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died. |
2 Samuel 3:30 Summary
This verse tells us that Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because Abner had killed their brother Asahel in a battle. This shows how hurt and anger can lead people to do terrible things, even if they are trying to get revenge for something that happened a long time ago. As Christians, we are called to forgive and trust God for justice, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42 and Romans 12:19. By choosing to forgive and let God handle things, we can avoid the kind of hurt and violence that happened in this story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab and Abishai murder Abner?
Joab and Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:23 and 2 Samuel 3:30, showing the deep-seated family feud and desire for revenge.
Was David aware of the plot to kill Abner?
The Bible does not indicate that David was aware of the plot to kill Abner, and in 2 Samuel 3:28, David claims he and his kingdom are guiltless concerning Abner's death, suggesting he had no prior knowledge of the murder.
How does this event relate to the larger story of David's reign?
This event highlights the challenges David faced in unifying the tribes of Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:1-5, and the consequences of the actions of those around him, such as Joab, which would continue to impact his reign.
What does this verse teach us about the dangers of unchecked emotions like revenge?
This verse teaches us that unchecked emotions like revenge can lead to devastating consequences, as seen in the murder of Abner, and that we should strive to forgive and seek justice through God-ordained means, as taught in Romans 12:19 and Matthew 5:38-42.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when someone has wronged me or a loved one, and what does this verse teach me about the dangers of seeking revenge?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of forgiveness, as seen in the life of David, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the need to forgive and trust God for vengeance, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be holding onto bitterness or a desire for revenge, and how can I surrender these to God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:30
So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner,.... For though it was only Joab that gave him the thrust of which he died, Abishai was in the secret, and was consenting and advising to his death, and so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:30
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 3:30
Joab and Abishai; for though Joab only committed the murder, yet Abishai was guilty of it, because it was done with his consent, and counsel, and help, and approbation; for by these and such-like actions men are involved in the guilt of other men’ s sins, at least in God’ s judgment. Abner slew Asahel in the fury of battle, and for his own necessary defence; and therefore it was no justification of this unnecessary and treacherous murder in a time of peace.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
2 Samuel 3:30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.Ver. 30. So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner.] Joab did, but not without the privity and consent of his brother Abishai. Now there is little difference, faveasve sceleri, an illud facias; to hold the bag is as bad as to fill it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
(30) Slew . . . had slain.—The words are different in Hebrew, the former denoting violence. Translate the latter had put to death. By this strong disapproval of Joab’s act, David shows that it was done without his knowledge or consent. He still remains at fault, however, for continuing Joab in his high and responsible position; but this seems to have been the result of inability to inflict proper punishment upon so powerful a subject, an inability which David on his death-bed sought to remedy by his charge to Solomon. (See 2 Samuel 3:39; 1 Kings 2:5.)
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:30
30. slew … slain] Murdered Abner, because he had slain, &c. The words in the Heb. are different, and the first denotes the violent character of the act. The Sept. however gives another reading, “Now Joab and Abishai were lying in wait for Abner, because &c.”
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:30
30. Joab and Abishai — Joab’s sword and Abishai’s ready consent and counsel accomplished Abner’s fall.