2 Samuel 6:13
2 Samuel 6:13 in Multiple Translations
When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
And it was so, that, when they that bare the ark of Jehovah had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.
And when those who were lifting the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he made an offering of an ox and a fat young beast.
After those carrying the Ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.
And when they that bare the Arke of the Lord had gone sixe paces, he offred an oxe, and a fatte beast.
And it cometh to pass, when those bearing the ark of Jehovah have stepped six steps, that he sacrificeth an ox and a fatling.
When those who bore the LORD’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
And it was so , that when they that bore the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
And when they that carried the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a ram:
This time, descendants of Levi were carrying the sacred chest, but when they had walked only six steps, they stopped, and there David killed a bull and a fat calf, and offered them to Yahweh for a sacrifice.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:13
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 6:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
כִּ֧י
צָעֲד֛וּ
נֹשְׂאֵ֥י
אֲרוֹן
יְהוָ֖ה
שִׁשָּׁ֣ה
צְעָדִ֑ים
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֥ח
שׁ֖וֹר
וּ/מְרִֽיא
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
צָעֲד֛וּ
tsâʻad
H6805
to march
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נֹשְׂאֵ֥י
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
אֲרוֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שִׁשָּׁ֣ה
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
צְעָדִ֑ים
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-mp
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֥ח
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שׁ֖וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms
וּ/מְרִֽיא
mᵉrîyʼ
H4806
fatling
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:13
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ֧י
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.
צָעֲד֛וּ
tsâʻad
H6805
"to march"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to march or step regularly, like pacing or striding. In the Bible, it can also mean to mount or hurl something. The KJV translates it as 'bring', 'go', or 'march'.
Definition: 1) to step, march, stride 1a) (Qal) to step, march 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to march
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bring, go, march (through), run over. See also: Genesis 49:22; Psalms 68:8; Proverbs 7:8.
נֹשְׂאֵ֥י
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֲרוֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שִׁשָּׁ֣ה
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
צְעָדִ֑ים
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֥ח
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
שׁ֖וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
וּ/מְרִֽיא
mᵉrîyʼ
H4806
"fatling"
Conj | N-ms
A fat or well-fed animal, often a cow or cattle. It's used to describe an animal that has been fed well and is healthy.
Definition: well-fed, fatling
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fat (fed) beast (cattle, -ling). See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 11:6.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 6:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 6:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:13
Context — The Ark Brought to Jerusalem
11Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household.
12Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing.
13When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
14And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, 15while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:5 | There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 15:15 | And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD. |
| 3 | Numbers 4:15 | When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 15:2 | Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.” |
| 5 | Numbers 7:9 | But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible. |
| 6 | Joshua 3:3 | and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 5:6 | There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 15:25–26 | So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. |
2 Samuel 6:13 Summary
[In 2 Samuel 6:13, King David showed his gratitude and worship to God by sacrificing an ox and a fattened calf as the ark was being transported. This act of worship was a way for King David to honor God and recognize His presence, just as we are called to do in our own lives (see Psalms 95:6-7). By taking the time to stop and worship, King David demonstrated the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can show our gratitude and worship to God in our daily lives, whether through prayer, song, or sacrifice.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David sacrifice an ox and a fattened calf in 2 Samuel 6:13?
King David sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf as an act of worship and thanksgiving to the Lord for the safe transportation of the ark, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Numbers 7:87-88 and Deuteronomy 12:5-7.
What is the significance of the ark being carried six paces before the sacrifice in 2 Samuel 6:13?
The ark being carried six paces before the sacrifice may symbolize the careful and reverent handling of the ark, as instructed in Numbers 4:15 and Deuteronomy 10:8, highlighting the importance of honoring God's presence.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of 2 Samuel 6?
This verse is part of the larger story of King David bringing the ark of the Lord to the City of David, demonstrating his desire to honor God and follow His commands, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:12 and 1 Chronicles 15:1-2.
What can we learn from King David's actions in this verse about worship and gratitude?
King David's actions in 2 Samuel 6:13 teach us the importance of expressing gratitude and worship to God through sacrifice and reverence, as also seen in Psalms 100:4-5 and Hebrews 13:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my gratitude and worship to God in my daily life, just as King David did in 2 Samuel 6:13?
- How can I balance reverence and joy in my worship, as seen in King David's actions in 2 Samuel 6:13-15?
- What are some 'six paces' I can take in my life to carefully and reverently handle the things of God, such as His Word and His presence?
- In what ways can I, like King David, prioritize the presence and honor of God in my life and community?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:13
And it was [so], that when they that bare the ark of the Lord,.... The Levites; for now David had seen the former mistake, and rectified it, and ordered the Levites to "carry" it, as they did upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:13
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. When they that bare the ark ... had gone six paces.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
Had gone six paces with safety and comfort. He sacrificed oxen and fatlings, upon an altar suddenly erected, as was usual in such cases. See . This he did either to appease God for the former miscarriage; or to praise him for his present mercy, that he had not made another breach upon them; or to implore his favour and gracious presence with them in this great affair.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
2 Samuel 6:13 And it was [so], that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.Ver. 13. Had gone six paces.] Gravi et decenti incessu, in a grave and decent equipage, and had felt by comfortable experience that God helped them to bear the ark, - supporting it haply together with them by a divine power invisibly, so that it seemed light unto them. David thereupon took order to have sacrifices offered in the place, for the better carrying on of the good work in hand.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
(13) They that bare the ark.—David no longer presumed to violate the law, but took care that the ark should be borne by the proper persons. In 1 Chronicles 15 a detailed account is given of the sanctification of the priests and Levites for the purpose, and of the musical arrangements. Had gone six paces.—As soon as the removal of the ark had been successfully begun, David offered sacrifices of thanksgiving and of prayer; and again, when the journey was completed, “they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God” (2 Samuel 6:17, 1 Chronicles 16:1). The work was begun and ended with solemn sacrifice. It is quite unnecessary to suppose that offerings were made at each six steps of the way, for although this might have been possible, it is not recorded. Of course, David offered these sacrifices, like all Israel” in 1 Kings 8:62, through the ministration of the priests whom he had called together.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:13
13. they that bare the ark of the Lord] The requirements of the law were now duly observed, as is recorded at length in 1 Chronicles 15, where further details are given about the preparation of a tent to receive the Ark, the number of Levites who took part in the ceremony, and the arrangements for the music which accompanied the procession. had gone six paces] As soon as the procession had started on its way, without any sign of the divine displeasure, David offered a sacrifice as a thank-offering for the prosperous commencement, and an intercession for the successful completion, of his undertaking. Cp. 1 Chronicles 15:26, “And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the Ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.”
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:13
The meaning is, not that they sacrificed oxen and fatlings every six steps, which would have been impossible, but that when - after the arrangement made by David for the Levites to carry the ark 1
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:13
13. When they… had gone six paces, he sacrificed — Some think such sacrifices were offered all along the way, at the distance of six paces apart, from the house of Obed-edom to Zion.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fulfilled Law by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the ark of the covenant, which symbolizes the fulfillment of God's law through Christ. The sermon highlights that the law, represent |
|
Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r |
|
Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the co |
|
Uzzah and the Ark of God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, a |
|
|
Soaring 2 - Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings in the Old Testament. The story is about a little bundle that learns to fly and soar without moving its |
|
David - Failure and Effectiveness by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who were enthusiastic about evangelizing and helping forgotten people in their country. They set up their own bak |
|
Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie |