Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death.” “What do you want me to do for you?” David asked. New Living Translation “Well, money can’t settle this matter between us and the family of Saul,” the Gibeonites replied. “Neither can we demand the life of anyone in Israel.” “What can I do then?” David asked. “Just tell me and I will do it for you.” English Standard Version The Gibeonites said to him, “It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “What do you say that I shall do for you?” Berean Standard Bible The Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. Berean Literal Bible And the Gibeonites said to him, “We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, and no man to put to death in Israel.” And he said, “What are you⁺ saying I can do for you⁺.” King James Bible And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. New King James Version And the Gibeonites said to him, “We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, nor shall you kill any man in Israel for us.” So he said, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” New American Standard Bible Then the Gibeonites said to him, “For us it is not a matter of silver or gold with Saul or his house, nor is it for us to put anyone to death in Israel.” Nevertheless David said, “I will do for you whatever you say.” NASB 1995 Then the Gibeonites said to him, “We have no concern of silver or gold with Saul or his house, nor is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “I will do for you whatever you say.” NASB 1977 Then the Gibeonites said to him, “We have no concern of silver or gold with Saul or his house, nor is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “I will do for you whatever you say.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the Gibeonites said to him, “We have no concern of silver or gold with Saul or his house, nor is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “I will do for you whatever you say.” Amplified Bible The Gibeonites said to him, “We will not accept silver or gold belonging to Saul or his household (descendants); nor is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” David said, “I will do for you whatever you say.” Berean Annotated Bible The Gibeonites (little hill) said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul (desired) or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel (he wrestles with God) for us. “Whatever you⁺ ask, I will do for you⁺, he replied. Christian Standard Bible The Gibeonites said to him, “We are not asking for silver and gold from Saul or his family, and we cannot put anyone to death in Israel.” “Whatever you say, I will do for you,” he said. Holman Christian Standard Bible The Gibeonites said to him, “We are not asking for money from Saul or his family, and we cannot put anyone to death in Israel."” Whatever you say, I will do for you,” he said. American Standard Version And the Gibeonites said unto him, It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul, or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. Contemporary English Version The Gibeonites answered, "Silver and gold from Saul and his family are not enough. On the other hand, we don't have the right to put any Israelite to death." David said, "I'll do whatever you ask." English Revised Version And the Gibeonites said unto him, It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul, or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. GOD'S WORD® Translation "We do not want silver or gold from Saul's family," the Gibeonites answered him. "And none of us wants to kill [anyone] in Israel." The king asked, "What are you saying that I should do for you?" Good News Translation They answered, "Our quarrel with Saul and his family can't be settled with silver or gold, nor do we want to kill any Israelite." "What, then, do you think I should do for you?" David asked. International Standard Version "We're not looking for mere silver or gold to be paid by Saul or his household to us," the Gibeonites responded to him. "And it's not for us to execute anyone in Israel." In reply, David asked, "So what are you asking me to do for you?" NET Bible The Gibeonites said to him, "We have no claim to silver or gold from Saul or from his family, nor would we be justified in putting to death anyone in Israel." David asked, "What then are you asking me to do for you?" New Heart English Bible The Gibeonites said to him, "It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house, nor is it our place to put anyone to death in Israel." Then he said, "What do you want? For I will do it for you." Webster's Bible Translation And the Gibeonites said to him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. World English Bible The Gibeonites said to him, “It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” He said, “I will do for you whatever you say.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Gibeonites say to him, “We have no silver and gold by Saul and by his house, and we have no man to put to death in Israel”; and he says, “What you are saying I do to you.” Berean Literal Bible And the Gibeonites said to him, “We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, and no man to put to death in Israel.” And he said, “What are you⁺ saying I can do for you⁺.” Young's Literal Translation And the Gibeonites say to him, 'We have no silver and gold by Saul and by his house, and we have no man to put to death in Israel;' and he saith, 'What ye are saying I do to you.' Smith's Literal Translation And the Gibeonites will say to him, Not to me silver and gold with Saul and with his house; and not for us to put a man to death in Israel. And he will say, What ye say, I will do for you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Gabaonites said to him: We have no contest about silver and gold, but against Saul and against his house: neither do we desire that any man be slain of Israel. And the king said to them: What will you then that I should do for you? Catholic Public Domain Version And the Gibeonites said to him: “There is no quarrel for us over silver or gold, but against Saul and against his house. And we do not desire that any man of Israel be put to death.” The king said to them, “Then what do you wish that I should do for you?” New American Bible The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no claim against Saul and his house for silver or gold, nor is it our place to put anyone to death in Israel.” Then he said, “I will do for you whatever you propose.” New Revised Standard Version The Gibeonites said to him, “It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put anyone to death in Israel.” He said, “What do you say that I should do for you?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the Gibeonites said to him, It is not silver and gold that Saul and his house owe us; neither do we wish to kill any one in Israel. And he said to them, Whatever you shall say, that will I do for you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The Gebunites said to him: “It is not money and gold that Shaul and his house owed to us, and there is no man for us to kill in Israel.” He said to them: “And what do you say I shall do for you?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the Gibeonites said unto him: 'It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul, or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.' And he said: 'What say ye that I should do for you?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Gabaonites said to him, We have no question about silver or gold with Saul and with his house; and there is no man for us to put to death in Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Avenges the Gibeonites…3So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” 4The Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. 5And they answered the king, “As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel,… Cross References The Gibeonites said to him, Joshua 10:6 Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us! Help us, because all the kings of the Amorites from the hill country have joined forces against us.” Joshua 9:25 Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, Psalm 49:7-8 No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. / For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, Numbers 35:31 You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” Deuteronomy 24:16 Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. 2 Kings 14:6 Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, but acted according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.” Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. John 14:14 If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. 1 Kings 3:5 One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” Esther 5:6 And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Joshua 9:15-21 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. / Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. / So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. … Deuteronomy 19:10-13 Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed. / If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. … Exodus 21:30 If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Leviticus 24:17-21 And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. / Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. / If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: … Deuteronomy 21:1-9 If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, / your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities. / Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work, … Treasury of Scripture And the Gibeonites said to him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shall you kill any man in Israel. And he said, What you shall say, that will I do for you. We will, etc. no silver Psalm 49:6-8 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; … 1 Peter 1:18,19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; … Jump to Previous Concern David Death Demand Family Gibeonites Gold House Israel Kill Matter Question Receiving Right Saul Silver Want WhateverJump to Next Concern David Death Demand Family Gibeonites Gold House Israel Kill Matter Question Receiving Right Saul Silver Want Whatever2 Samuel 21 1. The three year Gibeonite famine ceases, by hanging seven of Saul's sons.10. Rizpah's kindness unto the dead 12. David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father's tomb 15. Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four men of David slay four giants. The Gibeonites said to him The Gibeonites were a group of people descended from the Hivites, who lived in the region of Canaan. They had made a treaty with Israel during the time of Joshua by deceiving the Israelites into believing they were from a distant land (Joshua 9). This treaty was sworn in the name of the Lord, making it binding. The context of this passage is a famine during King David's reign, which was revealed to be a result of Saul's breach of this treaty by attempting to annihilate the Gibeonites. This highlights the importance of covenant faithfulness in the biblical narrative. “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house” nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. The GibeonitesA group of people who lived in the land of Canaan. They had made a treaty with Israel during the time of Joshua, which Saul later violated, leading to a famine as divine retribution. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, whose actions against the Gibeonites led to a breach of the covenant and subsequent famine in the land. 3. David The king of Israel at the time of this event, who sought to make amends with the Gibeonites to lift the famine from the land. 4. Famine A severe shortage of food that struck Israel, believed to be a result of Saul's breach of the covenant with the Gibeonites. 5. Israel The nation chosen by God, experiencing the consequences of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites. Teaching Points The Importance of Keeping CovenantsGod's people are called to honor their commitments, as breaking them can lead to severe consequences, both spiritually and physically. Seeking Reconciliation David's willingness to make amends with the Gibeonites demonstrates the importance of reconciliation and peacemaking in resolving conflicts. Understanding Divine Justice The famine serves as a reminder of God's justice and the importance of addressing wrongs to restore His favor. The Role of Leadership in Addressing Wrongs Leaders have a responsibility to address past injustices and seek solutions that align with God's will. The Power of Humility and Service David's response, "Whatever you ask, I will do for you," shows a heart of service and humility, essential traits for godly leadership. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 21:4?2. How does 2 Samuel 21:4 emphasize the importance of justice over monetary compensation? 3. What does 2 Samuel 21:4 teach about resolving conflicts according to God's principles? 4. How can we apply the lesson of justice from 2 Samuel 21:4 today? 5. What other biblical passages support the principle found in 2 Samuel 21:4? 6. How does 2 Samuel 21:4 challenge us to prioritize righteousness in our dealings? 7. Why did David agree to the Gibeonites' request in 2 Samuel 21:4? 8. How does 2 Samuel 21:4 align with God's justice and mercy? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Samuel 21:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 21? 11. What is the significance of Ramah in the Bible? 12. In 2 Samuel 21:9, how is the extended exposure of the corpses justified when Deuteronomy 21:22–23 calls for prompt burial? 13. In 2 Samuel 21:5–6, why does David permit the execution of Saul’s descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent’s wrongdoing? 14. How can 1 Chronicles 10's account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him? What Does 2 Samuel 21:4 Mean The Gibeonites said to him“The Gibeonites said to him…” • David has come to them because the LORD revealed that Saul’s slaughter of the Gibeonites caused the three-year famine (2 Samuel 21:1–2). • Joshua’s covenant had promised the Gibeonites protection for all generations (Joshua 9:15–20). They now speak as the injured party, yet under that ancient oath. • Their willingness to dialogue honors the binding nature of oaths before God (Psalm 15:4; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house “…‘We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house…’” • Monetary compensation is rejected. Blood guilt cannot be paid off with cash (Numbers 35:31-33). • This echoes God’s justice, which values life over material wealth (Exodus 21:23-30 distinguishes between ransomable and non-ransomable offenses). • Saul’s household is singled out as responsible; the guilt rests with the offender, not the nation’s treasury (cf. 2 Samuel 21:1 “It is on account of Saul and his bloody house”). nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us “…‘nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.’” • They refuse a broad, indiscriminate execution. Justice must be precise (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20). • The statement guards innocent Israelites while focusing on Saul’s descendants who shared in the offense (2 Samuel 21:6). • The Gibeonites’ restraint underscores that vengeance is not theirs but must align with divine justice (Romans 12:19; Proverbs 20:22). Whatever you ask, I will do for you “‘Whatever you ask, I will do for you,’” • David, as covenant-keeper and king, pledges full compliance (2 Samuel 21:3; 1 Samuel 20:4). • His readiness shows humility before God’s revealed judgment and respect for Israel’s oath to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:19). • The king’s promise anticipates the later handing over of seven descendants of Saul, an act he believes will lift the covenant curse (2 Samuel 21:6, 14). • David’s response models leadership that seeks atonement, paralleling his earlier actions with the ark (2 Samuel 6:12) and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1). he replied “…he replied.” • The brief note signals David’s personal accountability as Israel’s representative. • His reply finalizes the negotiation phase; from this point the narrative moves toward action and eventual divine relief (2 Samuel 21:14). • It demonstrates that true leadership listens, acknowledges guilt, and acts to restore God’s favor (1 Kings 18:37-39; Psalm 34:15). summary 2 Samuel 21:4 shows a careful exchange between David and the Gibeonites that clarifies true, covenant-based justice. The Gibeonites reject money and indiscriminate vengeance; David pledges to satisfy their specific, lawful demand. Together they honor the ancient oath, address blood guilt, and prepare the way for God to lift the famine from the land. (4) No silver nor gold.--Money compensations for sins of blood were extremely common among all ancient nations, but were expressly forbidden in the Law of Moses (Numbers 35:31), and in this respect the Gibeonites appear to have accepted the teaching of the law of Israel.Kill any man in Israel.--Notwithstanding that the guilt of Saul's sin, until it should be expiated, rested upon all Israel, the Gibeonites recognise that it had been committed by him, and do not seek that, apart from their connection with him, any Israelite should suffer on their account. David appreciates the fairness of their view of the matter, and promises beforehand to do whatever they shall require. Verse 4. - No silver nor gold. It is a common practice in most semi-civilized nations for a fine to be accepted as compensation for the shedding of blood. As no distinction was drawn between murder and homicide, and as the nearest relative was bound in every case to revenge the blood shed, the custom of receiving a money compensation gradually grew up to prevent the tribe or nation being torn to pieces by interminable revenge. The Arabs still retain this usage, but it was forbidden by the Levitical Law (Numbers 35:31), and rightly so, because a distinction was there made between murder and accidental bloodshed, and precautions taken for the rescue of one who had not acted with malice. Neither for us shalt thou kill any turn in Israel. The singular is used at the beginning of their answer, in the same way as in 2 Samuel 19:42, 43. Literally their words are, It is not to me a matter of silver and gold with Saul and his house, nor is it for us to put to death any one in Israel; that is, "We refuse a money compensation, and it is beyond our power to exact the blood penalty which would gratify our anger." They make it quite plain that they do want blood, while the Authorized Version makes them say that they do not. The Revised Version more correctly translates, "Neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The Gibeonitesהַגִּבְעֹנִ֗ים (hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 1393: Gibeonites -- inhabitants of Gibeon said to him, וַיֹּ֧אמְרוּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “We need no אֵֽין־ (’ên-) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle silver כֶּ֤סֶף (ke·sep̄) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3701: Silver, money or gold וְזָהָב֙ (wə·zā·hāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky from עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Saul שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites or וְעִם־ (wə·‘im-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with his house, בֵּית֔וֹ (bê·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house nor וְאֵֽין־ (wə·’ên-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle should you אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person put to death לְהָמִ֣ית (lə·hā·mîṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 4191: To die, to kill anyone in Israel בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc for us.” לָ֥נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's Hebrew “Whatever מָֽה־ (māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what you אַתֶּ֥ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you ask, וַיֹּ֛אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say I will do for you,” אֶעֱשֶׂ֥ה (’e·‘ĕ·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make he replied. אֹמְרִ֖ים (’ō·mə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say Links 2 Samuel 21:4 NIV2 Samuel 21:4 NLT 2 Samuel 21:4 ESV 2 Samuel 21:4 NASB 2 Samuel 21:4 KJV 2 Samuel 21:4 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 21:4 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 21:4 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 21:4 French Bible 2 Samuel 21:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 21:4 The Gibeonites said to him It (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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