Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.

2 SAMUEL 11:25KJV
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2 Samuel 11:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 11:25 mean?

2 Samuel 11:25 records King David telling a messenger to reassure Joab, his army commander, not to be upset about the death of a soldier in battle, saying that death by the sword happens to anyone in war and urging Joab to press the attack on the city. David’s words are meant to encourage Joab to stay focused and determined in the siege.

In this verse, David is responding after hearing that Uriah has died in battle—a death David secretly arranged. David instructs the messenger to tell Joab not to let this event trouble him, using the idea that war brings random death (“the sword devoureth one as well as another”) to justify the loss. David’s message is practical and emotionally distant, urging Joab to continue the fight and not lose heart.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 11:25

  • “Displease” (רַע, ra‘, from H3415, H5869): The Hebrew phrase here combines the idea of “evil” or “bad” with “eyes,” often understood as “let it not be evil in your eyes.” David is telling Joab not to view the death as a personal failure or misfortune.
  • “Sword” (חֶרֶב, cherev, H2719): This word for “sword” is often used as a symbol for violent death in battle. David’s use of it generalizes the loss, making it seem like an ordinary risk of war.
  • “Devoureth” (אָכַל, akhal, H398): The verb literally means “to eat” or “consume.” Here, it paints a vivid picture of the sword as something that indiscriminately consumes lives in battle.
  • “Encourage” and “make strong” (חָזַק, chazaq, H2388): This verb appears twice, once as “make thy battle more strong” and again as “encourage.” It means to strengthen or give courage, showing David’s focus on urging Joab to press on with determination.

Why 2 Samuel 11:25 matters

  • This verse shows David’s attempt to manage the morale of his commander after orchestrating Uriah’s death, revealing the calculated and detached side of David’s leadership at this moment.
  • The language David uses (“the sword devoureth one as well as another”) tries to normalize a tragic loss, which can help readers see how leaders sometimes rationalize difficult decisions in war.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew phrases highlights how David is not just offering comfort, but also directing Joab to suppress any guilt or hesitation and continue with the siege, connecting to the larger story of David’s actions regarding Bathsheba and Uriah.

Where else these words appear

“another” Hebrew H2090 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 18:4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.
  • Psalms 132:12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

“displease” Hebrew H3415 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
  • 1 Samuel 1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
  • Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

“overthrow” Hebrew H2040 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Psalms 58:6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.
  • Jeremiah 50:15 Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.