2 Samuel 6:9
2 Samuel 6:9 in Multiple Translations
That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?”
And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
And David was afraid of Jehovah that day; and he said, How shall the ark of Jehovah come unto me?
And such was David's fear of the Lord that day, that he said, How may I let the ark of God come to me?
David became afraid of the Lord that day. “How can I ever bring back the Ark of God home to me?” he asked.
Therefore Dauid that day feared the Lord, and sayd, How shall the Arke of the Lord come to mee?
and David feareth Jehovah on that day, and saith, 'How doth the ark of Jehovah come in unto me?'
David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How could the LORD’s ark come to me?”
And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
And David was afraid of the Lord that day, saying: How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?
David was also afraid of what else Yahweh would do to punish them, so he said, “◄How can I take the sacred chest with me to Jerusalem?/I am afraid to take the sacred chest with me to Jerusalem.►” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 6:9
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 6:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרָ֥א
דָוִ֛ד
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֑וּא
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
אֵ֛יךְ
יָב֥וֹא
אֵלַ֖/י
אֲר֥וֹן
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יִּרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָוִ֛ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵ֛יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
יָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 6:9
וַ/יִּרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
דָוִ֛ד
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.
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.
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.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
אֵ֛יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
יָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
אֲר֥וֹן
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.
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 6:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 6:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:9
Context — Uzzah Touches the Ark
7And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.
8Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. So he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.
9That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?”
10So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:120 | My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 13:11–12 | Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” |
| 3 | Numbers 17:12–13 | Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost! Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 6:20 | The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 5:10–11 | So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!” Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 8:27 | But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. |
| 7 | Isaiah 6:5 | Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 8 | Luke 5:8–9 | When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, |
| 9 | Job 25:5–6 | If even the moon does not shine, and the stars are not pure in His sight, how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!” |
| 10 | 1 Peter 3:6 | just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. |
2 Samuel 6:9 Summary
This verse shows that David had a deep respect for God's power and holiness after seeing what happened to Uzzah. He wondered if he was worthy to have the ark, which represented God's presence, in his city. David's fear of the LORD was a good thing, as it led him to think carefully about his actions and seek God's will, much like the Psalmist in Psalm 119:120, who trembles at God's word. This verse reminds us that we should also have a healthy fear of the LORD, recognizing His power and holiness, as described in Isaiah 6:1-5, and seek to align ourselves with His will and purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David fear the LORD in this verse?
David feared the LORD because he had just witnessed God's judgment on Uzzah, which demonstrated God's holy and righteous character, as seen in verses like Leviticus 10:1-3 and Numbers 4:15, where God's instructions for handling the ark were clear and Uzzah's actions were in direct disobedience to these commands.
What was David's concern about the ark coming to him?
David's concern was likely rooted in his recognition of his own sinfulness and the ark's representation of God's presence, as seen in Exodus 25:22 and 1 Samuel 4:4, and he may have been wondering if he was worthy or prepared to have the ark, which symbolized God's glory and presence, in his city.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the fear of the LORD?
This verse illustrates the fear of the LORD as a healthy reverence and awe for God's power and holiness, as described in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10, which is the beginning of wisdom and a crucial aspect of a believer's relationship with God.
What can we learn from David's response to God's judgment?
We can learn from David's example that a proper response to God's judgment involves humility, recognition of our sinfulness, and a willingness to seek God's will and guidance, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Isaiah 66:2, which emphasize the importance of a humble and contrite heart before God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate a healthy fear of the LORD, recognizing His power and holiness?
- How can I, like David, cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in my life, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson from this verse to my own life, seeking to align myself with God's will and purposes, even when faced with challenges or setbacks?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I deepen my understanding of His holiness and righteousness in my personal devotions?
- How can I, in my daily walk with God, balance the fear of the LORD with the love and grace that He extends to me, as seen in 1 John 4:18?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 6:9
And David was afraid of the Lord that day,.... Lest he should be smitten for his error also, and especially as he had discovered some resentment at the Lord's dealing with Uzzah; when he ought to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 6:9
And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
Afraid of the Lord; either that God was displeased with him for removing the ark, and bringing it to his city; or lest God should proceed further in the way of his judgments upon him and his people; or lest the ark being brought to his house, might be the occasion of inconveniencics and great calamities, for some neglects or errors which they might easily and frequently commit. How shall the ark of the Lord come unto me? how may I presume, or how shall I dare do it, when God hath showed his displeasure for my attempting it? I will therefore wait further upon God for his direction in the case, and at present forbear. But why did not David consult God presently by the Urim, as he used to do? This therefore seems to have been his infirmity and neglect.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
2 Samuel 6:9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?Ver. 9. And David was afraid of the Lord that day.] Poena ad paucos, rectus ad omnes. David, considering how ill the Philistines had sped first, for their miscarriage toward the ark, and then the Bethshemites, and now Uzzah, was himself at a great stand, and forbore to deal further in a matter so dangerous; but this was his infirmity; though some will have it to be his humility. How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?] He looketh at himself through Uzzah, as good cause he had: but why should he fear to take home the ark to him? Do not God’ s ordinances "do good to him that walketh uprightly?"
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
(9) David was afraid.—The immediate effect of the judgment was to produce in David, and doubtless in all the people, that awe of the majesty of God in which they had shown themselves deficient. If this was at first excessive, it was soon moderated.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:9
9. Afraid — Thrilled with fear and trembling lest the judgments of the Lord were not yet at an end, and all attempts to remove the ark into the city would now prove abortive.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 6:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jerusalem Capital of Israel by Hedley G Murphy | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God the glory in both times of victory and times of struggle. He uses the story of David as an example, highlightin |
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Sola Scriptura 2 by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding that God operates by order and structure. He uses the example of the law of gravity to illustrate that just |
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Sensitive to Warning by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights tha |
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That They Have Great Effects on the Body, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connectio |
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Fear and Awe by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anx |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 1-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Jesus Christ. He references the apostle Paul's statement that the love of Christ constrains |