2 Samuel 6:21

2 Samuel 6:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,

King James Version KJV

And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

And David said unto Michal, It was before Jehovah, who chose me above thy father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Jehovah, over Israel: therefore will I play before Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David said to Michal, I was dancing before the Lord, who put me over your father and all his sons, to make me a ruler over the people of the Lord, over his people Israel: and I will go on playing before the Lord;

Free Bible Version FBV

David told Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his family when he named me ruler over the Lord's people Israel. I will continue to celebrate before the Lord,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Dauid sayd vnto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me rather then thy father, and all his house, and commanded me to bee ruler ouer the people of the Lord, euen ouer Israel: and therefore will I play before the Lord,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David saith unto Michal, ' — Before Jehovah, who fixed on me above thy father, and above all his house, to appoint me leader over the people of Jehovah, and over Israel, — yea, I played before Jehovah;

World English Bible WEB

David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will celebrate before the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David said to Michal, It was before the LORD, who chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David said to Michol: Before the Lord, who chose me rather than thy father, and than all his house, and commanded me to be ruler over the people of the Lord in Israel,

Translation for Translators T4T

David replied to Michal, “I was doing that to honor Yahweh, who chose me instead of your father and other members of his family, to be the king of the Israeli people, the people who belong to Yahweh. And I will continue to dance to honor Yahweh!

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:21

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 6:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר דָּוִד֮ אֶל מִיכַל֒ לִ/פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּֽחַר בִּ֤/י מֵֽ/אָבִי/ךְ֙ וּ/מִ/כָּל בֵּית֔/וֹ לְ/צַוֺּ֨ת אֹתִ֥/י נָגִ֛יד עַל עַ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה עַל יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְ/שִׂחַקְתִּ֖י לִ/פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִד֮ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מִיכַל֒ Mîykâl H4324 Merab N-proper

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּֽחַר bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal-Perf-3ms

בִּ֤/י Prep | Suff

מֵֽ/אָבִי/ךְ֙ ʼâb H1 father Prep | N-ms | Suff

וּ/מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

בֵּית֔/וֹ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff

לְ/צַוֺּ֨ת tsâvâh H6680 to command Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֹתִ֥/י ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

נָגִ֛יד nâgîyd H5057 leader N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עַ֥ם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וְ/שִׂחַקְתִּ֖י sâchaq H7832 to laugh Conj | V-Piel-1cs

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:21

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

דָּוִד֮ Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" 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.

מִיכַל֒ Mîykâl H4324 "Merab" N-proper

Michal, the daughter of King Saul, was married to David and is an important figure in the Bible. Her name is also spelled Merab, and she is mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:49. Michal's story is significant in the context of David's rise to power.

Definition: A woman of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.49; daughter of: Saul (H7586G) and Ahinoam (H0293); married to Adriel (H5741); sister of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444) and Michal (H4324); half-brother of: Ish-bosheth (H0378), Armoni (H0764) and Mephibosheth (H4648H) Another spelling of me.rav (מֵרָב "Merab" H4764) § Michal = "who is like God" daughter of king Saul, sister of Jonathan, wife of king David, and mother of five; given to David as wife for the bride price of 100 Philistine foreskins; while still married to David, her father gave her in marriage to another, Phaltiel; at the death of Saul, David forced her to return

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Michal. See also: 1 Samuel 14:49; 1 Samuel 25:44; 1 Chronicles 15:29.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָ֗ה 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.

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.

בָּֽחַר bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.

Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.

בִּ֤/י "" Prep | Suff

מֵֽ/אָבִי/ךְ֙ ʼâb H1 "father" Prep | 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.

וּ/מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | 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.

בֵּית֔/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff

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.

לְ/צַוֺּ֨ת tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

אֹתִ֥/י ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

נָגִ֛יד nâgîyd H5057 "leader" N-ms

This word refers to a leader or commander, someone who is in charge or has authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe military, civil, or religious leaders, such as princes or governors.

Definition: 1) leader, ruler, captain, prince 1a) ruler, prince 1b) prince-overseer 1c) ruler (in other capacities) 1d) princely things

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince, (chief) ruler. See also: 1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Chronicles 29:22; Psalms 76:13.

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.

עַ֥ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

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.

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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וְ/שִׂחַקְתִּ֖י sâchaq H7832 "to laugh" Conj | V-Piel-1cs

This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.

Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 6:21

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Context — Michal’s Contempt for David

19Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each to his own home. 20When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.”

21But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,

22and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” 23And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 13:22	After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’
2	Psalms 89:19–20	You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.
3	1 Samuel 13:14	But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”
4	2 Samuel 6:16	As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.
5	1 Samuel 15:28	So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.
6	Psalms 78:70–72	He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.
7	1 Samuel 16:1	Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”
8	2 Samuel 6:5	David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.
9	2 Samuel 6:14	And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,
10	1 Corinthians 10:31	So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

2 Samuel 6:21 Summary

[In 2 Samuel 6:21, David tells Michal that he was dancing before the Lord because God chose him to be the ruler of Israel. This shows that David's actions were motivated by his love and gratitude for God, rather than a desire to impress others. David's example teaches us that our worship and celebration of God should be genuine and heartfelt, like the psalmist's expression of joy in Psalm 100:1-5. By following David's example, we can learn to put God first and worship Him with freedom and abandon, without worrying about what others think.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David dance before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6:21?

David danced before the Lord because he was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for God's presence and blessings in his life, as seen in other instances like Psalm 100:1-5 where we are called to make a joyful noise and serve the Lord with gladness.

What is the significance of David saying 'who chose me over your father and all his house' in 2 Samuel 6:21?

David's statement highlights God's sovereign choice and appointment of him as ruler over Israel, emphasizing God's divine plan and purpose, similar to what we see in Genesis 12:1-3 where God calls Abraham and promises to make him a great nation.

How does David's response to Michal relate to humility and worship?

David's response shows that true humility and worship involve surrendering our pride and self-consciousness to freely express our love and adoration for God, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:4 that whoever humbles himself like a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

What can we learn from David's commitment to celebrate before the Lord despite criticism?

We learn that our worship and celebration of God should not be dependent on the opinions of others, but rather on our genuine love and devotion to Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can express my joy and gratitude to God like David did in 2 Samuel 6:21?
How can I balance my desire to worship God freely with the potential criticism or judgment of others?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my pride and self-consciousness to worship God more fully?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily life, like David exhibited in his response to Michal?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:21

And David said unto Michal, [it was] before the Lord,.... Before the ark of the Lord, what was done was done there; she upbraided him with his dancing and singing, which was designed for the honour

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:21

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:21

It was before the Lord; in his presence and service, which though contemptible to thee, is, and ever shall be, honourable in mine eyes. Which chose me before thy father, and before all his house; which took away the honour from him and his, and transferred it upon me, whereby he hath obliged me to love and serve him with all my might.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:21

2 Samuel 6:21 And David said unto Michal, [It was] before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.Ver. 21. Which chose me before thy father.] It is hard for the best men to recriminate without some tincture of tartness, and to keep quick the fire of zeal without all smoke of sin. Therefore will I play.] Ludam ut illudar, as Bernard hath it.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:21

(21) Therefore will I play.—Rather, have I danced. (See 2 Samuel 6:5.) Before the Lord.—David first gives the true and sufficient reason of his conduct—what he had done was before the Lord, in honouring whom no man can be really humbled; and then he turns with a reproof to Michal, which should have shown her the utter unworthiness of her objections. God had set aside her father and his house for this very spirit of pride in which she was now indulging, and had chosen him instead.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:21

Verse 21. It was before the Lord, which chose me] David felt the reproach, and was strongly irritated, and seems to have spoken to Michal with sufficient asperity.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 6:21

21. It was before the Lord] Before the LORD, who chose me rather than thy father, &c. … yea I will play before the LORD. “Before the Lord” stands emphatically at the beginning of David’s answer. No service offered to the God to whom he owed all his advancement could be degrading. Thus he defends his own conduct, and at the same time he humbles Michal’s pride by alluding to Saul’s rejection. The Sept. (B) reads, “Before the Lord will I dance: blessed be the Lord who chose, &c.” It is related of Sir Thomas More that he used, even when Lord Chancellor, to put on a surplice and sing in his parish church at Chelsea. The Duke of Norfolk one day found him doing so, and expostulated with him: “A parish clarke, lord chancellour, a parish clarke! you dishonour the King and his office.” “Nay,” quoth Sir Thomas, smiling upon the duke, “your grace may not thinke that the King, your maister and myne, will be offended with men for serving of God his Maister; or by this my present behaviour account his office dishonoured.” Wordsworth’s Eccles. Biogr. II. p. 68. ruler] See note on “captain” in ch. 2 Samuel 5:2.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 6:21

Play - See 2 Samuel 6:5 note. The speech might be paraphrased, Before the Lord which chose me, etc., yea, before the Lord have I danced.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:21

21. Chose me before thy father — A remark calculated to humble Michal by reminding her of her father’s fall.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:21

	Sermon	Description
	A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre
	David - the Fulfiller of God's Will by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unification of the scattered tribes of Israel under the leadership of David. He emphasizes that the people had never been unified in a kin
	God Tests Before He Promotes by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being chosen by God for a task, urging believers to seek God's purpose for their lives. It highlights the need for wholehearted discipleshi
	(The Life of David) 05 Purpose and Power in David's Life by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God has a purpose for every young person's life. He uses the example of David from the Bible to illustrate this point. The speaker encou
	Capital City Church - Part 1 by David Ravenhill	In the video, the speaker shares a personal story about being asked to teach in Malaysia. During their stay, they were shown a video by a Chinese doctor featuring Suzette Hadding,
	(The Book of Acts) Session 10 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading the vision of the word of God and becoming mission mobilizers. He encourages the audience to take free cassettes
	David - a Man After My Own Heart by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the life of David and how he was chosen by God to be a man after His own heart. The speaker highlights how David's life was filled with both