2 Samuel 11:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 11:3 mean?

2 Samuel 11:3 describes how King David, after seeing a woman from his rooftop, sends someone to find out who she is. The answer he receives identifies her as Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.

In this verse, David is not speaking directly but sends a messenger to ask about the woman he has seen. The reply gives specific details about Bathsheba’s family and marital status, making it clear to David—and to the reader—that she is married. This sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting the significance of David’s interest in a woman who is already another man’s wife.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 11:3

• בָּת־שֶׁבַע (Bathsheba): This name means “daughter of an oath” or “daughter of abundance.” The verse’s use of her full name and lineage underlines her identity and her connection to respected families in Israel.
• אֵלִיעָם (Eliam): Naming Bathsheba’s father gives her a place in the community and signals her family’s standing, which would have been important in ancient Israel.
• אִשָּׁה (ishah): This word means “wife” or “woman.” Here, it makes clear that Bathsheba is not just any woman but specifically the wife of Uriah, emphasizing the seriousness of what David is about to do.
• אוּרִיָּה (Uriah): Naming Uriah the Hittite as Bathsheba’s husband identifies him as a foreigner serving in David’s army, which adds complexity to the story.

Why 2 Samuel 11:3 matters

• The verse makes it unmistakable that David knows Bathsheba is married, which highlights the gravity of his later actions.
• By providing Bathsheba’s family background, the verse shows she is not an anonymous figure but someone with roots and relationships in the community.
• The details set up the moral and relational conflict that drives the rest of the chapter, helping readers understand the weight of David’s choices.