2 Samuel 11:9
New International Version
But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house.

New Living Translation
But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.

English Standard Version
But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

Berean Standard Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house.

Berean Literal Bible
And Uriah slept at the door of the house of the king with all the servants of his lord, and he did not go down to his house.

King James Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

New King James Version
But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

New American Standard Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

NASB 1995
But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

NASB 1977
But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Uriah lay down at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

Amplified Bible
But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king’s palace with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

Berean Annotated Bible
But Uriah (YHWH is my light) slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house.

Christian Standard Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house.

American Standard Version
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

Contemporary English Version
But Uriah didn't go home. Instead, he slept outside the entrance to the royal palace, where the king's guards slept.

English Revised Version
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace among his superior's mercenaries. He didn't go home.

Good News Translation
But Uriah did not go home; instead he slept at the palace gate with the king's guards.

International Standard Version
But Uriah spent the night sleeping in the alcove of the king's palace in the company of all his master's staff members. He refused to go down to his own home.

NET Bible
But Uriah stayed at the door of the palace with all the servants of his lord. He did not go down to his house.

New Heart English Bible
But Uriah slept at the king’s door with his master’s servants, and did not go down to his house.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house.

World English Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and didn’t go down to his house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Uriah lies down at the opening of the king’s house, with all the servants of his lord, and has not gone down to his house.

Berean Literal Bible
And Uriah slept at the door of the house of the king with all the servants of his lord, and he did not go down to his house.

Young's Literal Translation
and Uriah lieth down at the opening of the king's house, with all the servants of his lord, and hath not gone down unto his house.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Uriah will lie at the door of the house of the king with all the servants of his lord, and will not go down to his house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Urias slept before the gate of the king's house, with the other servants of his lord, and went not down to his own house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Uriah slept before the gate of the king’s house, with the other servants of his lord, and he did not go down to his own house.

New American Bible
But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king’s house with the other officers of his lord, and did not go down to his own house.

New Revised Standard Version
But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house beside all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Uriah lay at the gate of the King at the side of all the Servants of his Lord, and he did not go down to his house
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Urias slept at the door of the king with the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David and Bathsheba
8Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him. 9But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house. 10And David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” “Haven’t you just arrived from a journey?” David asked Uriah. “Why didn’t you go home?”…

Cross References
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace

1 Kings 14:27-28
Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace. / And whenever the king entered the house of the LORD, the guards would bear the shields, and later they would return them to the guardroom.

2 Kings 11:5-7
and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, / a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.

Esther 2:21-23
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. / When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf. / After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.
with all his master’s servants;

2 Samuel 15:18
and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.

1 Samuel 26:5-8
Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him. / And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. / That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. …

1 Kings 1:47
The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king has bowed in worship on his bed,
he did not go down to his house.

Deuteronomy 23:9-10
When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every wicked thing. / If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must leave the camp and stay outside.

1 Samuel 21:4-5
“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” / David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the bodies of the young men are holy even on common missions. How much more so today!”

2 Timothy 2:4
A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
1 Kings 15:5
For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

1 Chronicles 19:13
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

1 Samuel 21:5
David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the bodies of the young men are holy even on common missions. How much more so today!”

1 Samuel 26:16
This thing you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, all of you deserve to die, since you did not protect your lord, the LORD’s anointed. Now look around. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head?”

2 Samuel 23:39
and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.

1 Kings 2:5
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet.

1 Kings 2:32
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.


Treasury of Scripture

But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

Job 5:12-14
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise…

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

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2 Samuel 11
1. While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba
6. Uriah, sent for by David to cover the adultery, would not go home.
14. He carries to Joab the letter of his death
18. Joab sends the news thereof to David
26. David takes Bathsheba as his wife












But Uriah slept at the door of the palace
Uriah's decision to sleep at the door of the palace demonstrates his loyalty and sense of duty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, soldiers on duty often refrained from personal comforts, reflecting their commitment to their roles. Uriah's actions contrast sharply with King David's, who was indulging in personal desires. This phrase highlights Uriah's integrity and dedication, which is a stark reminder of the moral expectations for those in service, both then and now.

with all his master’s servants;
The mention of "all his master’s servants" indicates that Uriah was not alone in his actions. This communal aspect underscores the camaraderie and shared sense of responsibility among David's servants. It also reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where servants and soldiers were expected to remain loyal to their master, in this case, King David. This loyalty is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to one's commitments and duties.

he did not go down to his house.
Uriah's refusal to go to his house, despite being given the opportunity, is significant. It reflects his adherence to the wartime code of conduct, which discouraged soldiers from enjoying personal pleasures while their comrades were in battle. This decision is a testament to Uriah's character and contrasts with David's actions, who sought to cover his own sin by manipulating Uriah. This phrase also foreshadows the tragic events that follow, as Uriah's integrity ultimately leads to his downfall. The narrative serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Uriah the Hittite
A loyal soldier in King David's army, known for his integrity and dedication. He is the husband of Bathsheba and plays a crucial role in the account of David's sin.

2. King David
The second king of Israel, anointed by God, who falls into sin by committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating Uriah's death.

3. The King’s House
The royal palace in Jerusalem where King David resides and where Uriah chooses to sleep instead of going to his own home.

4. Bathsheba
The wife of Uriah, with whom King David commits adultery, leading to a series of tragic events.

5. The Servants of the King
They are mentioned as those with whom Uriah chooses to stay, highlighting his solidarity and sense of duty.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Duty
Uriah's decision to sleep at the king's house rather than go home demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his responsibilities. As Christians, we are called to uphold our duties with integrity, even when it is inconvenient.

The Consequences of Sin
David's actions set off a chain of events that lead to personal and national turmoil. This reminds us that sin often has far-reaching consequences beyond our immediate perception.

The Importance of Accountability
Uriah's presence serves as a silent rebuke to David's actions. We need accountability in our lives to help us stay true to our values and commitments.

Faithfulness in Relationships
Uriah's loyalty to his fellow soldiers and to his king highlights the importance of faithfulness in all our relationships, whether personal or professional.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 11:9?

2. Why did Uriah choose to sleep at the entrance with his master's servants?

3. How does Uriah's loyalty contrast with David's actions in 2 Samuel 11?

4. What does Uriah's behavior teach about integrity and faithfulness to God?

5. How can we apply Uriah's example of loyalty in our daily lives?

6. What other biblical figures demonstrated similar loyalty and integrity as Uriah?

7. Why did Uriah refuse to go home in 2 Samuel 11:9?

8. How does Uriah's loyalty contrast with David's actions in 2 Samuel 11?

9. What does Uriah's behavior in 2 Samuel 11:9 reveal about his character?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11?

11. Why did David desire Bathsheba despite her being married?

12. Who was Bathsheba in the Bible?

13. Who was Uriah the Hittite in the Bible?

14. Did David commit rape against Bathsheba?
What Does 2 Samuel 11:9 Mean
But Uriah

Uriah the Hittite is more than a name on a roster; he is a living testimony to steadfast loyalty. While David was plotting (2 Samuel 11:6–8), Uriah’s very presence reminds us of those “faithful men who served with him in the wilderness” (1 Samuel 22:1–2). Like Caleb, another Gentile grafted into Israel’s story (Numbers 14:24), Uriah demonstrates that covenant faithfulness is measured by heart, not heritage.


slept at the door of the palace

Instead of seizing a brief reprieve, Uriah stations himself at the doorway—literally the threshold where royal authority meets public access. This echoes the watchful posture of the gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 9:17–27 and the vigilance Nehemiah required on Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 4:22–23). By choosing the palace entrance, he symbolically guards his king’s honor, unaware that his king is the one who needs guarding.


with all his master’s servants

Uriah identifies with fellow servants rather than asserting rank. His camaraderie parallels Jonathan’s armor-bearer who declared, “Do all that is in your heart; I am with you heart and soul” (1 Samuel 14:7). It also anticipates the servant-hearted Messiah who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). In a moment designed to isolate him, Uriah embraces fellowship and accountability.


he did not go down to his house

The choice is deliberate; he refuses comfort while the ark, Israel, and his comrades remain in tents (2 Samuel 11:11). This mirrors the Nazirite-like self-denial of soldiers in 1 Samuel 21:4–5 and underscores the wartime ethic of Deuteronomy 23:9–14. By foregoing legitimate marital rights (cf. Exodus 21:10), Uriah’s self-discipline exposes David’s self-indulgence.


summary

Every phrase of 2 Samuel 11:9 contrasts a righteous soldier with a compromised king. Uriah’s loyalty, vigilance, servant spirit, and self-denial spotlight God’s unwavering standard: covenant faithfulness is lived out in daily choices, not mere words.

(9) At the door of the king's house.--Probably in the guard chamber at the entrance of the palace. (Comp. 1Kings 14:27-28.) It is quite unnecessary to suppose that Uriah had any suspicion of what had been done. His conduct and language is simply that of a brave, frank, generous-hearted soldier.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Uriah
אוּרִיָּ֗ה (’ū·rî·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 223: Uriah -- 'flame of Yah', the name of a Hittite and of two Israelites

slept
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב (way·yiš·kaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

at the door
פֶּ֚תַח (pe·ṯaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

of the palace
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

with
אֵ֖ת (’êṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his master’s
אֲדֹנָ֑יו (’ă·ḏō·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

servants;
עַבְדֵ֣י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

he did not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go down
יָרַ֖ד (yā·raḏ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his house.
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: 2 Samuel 11:9 But Uriah slept at the door (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 11:8
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