Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

2 SAMUEL 14:11KJV
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2 Samuel 14:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:11 mean?

2 Samuel 14:11 describes a woman pleading with King David to protect her son from being killed by those seeking revenge for a family death, asking the king to remember the LORD and not allow further bloodshed. David promises, swearing by the LORD, that her son will not be harmed.

In this verse, a woman (sent by Joab to speak to David) is presenting a case to the king, using a story to move David’s heart. She refers to the "revengers of blood," people who would seek to kill her son to avenge a relative’s death, and asks David to intervene. David responds with a solemn oath, assuring her that her son will be safe, which sets up the larger conversation about mercy and justice in David’s own family.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:11

  • "Revengers" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This word means "redeemer" or "avenger," often referring to a family member responsible for seeking justice or vengeance for a slain relative. Here, it highlights the ancient custom of family-based justice.
  • "Destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachath) and "destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad): Two different Hebrew words are used for "destroy" in this verse, emphasizing both the act of harming and the idea of complete elimination. This double use strengthens the woman’s plea for protection.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The woman appeals to the personal name of God, underlining the seriousness of her request and the moral weight she places on David’s decision.
  • "Hair" (שֵׂעָר, se'ar): David’s promise that not "one hair" of her son will fall is a Hebrew way of saying he will be completely safe, using a vivid image for total protection.

Why 2 Samuel 14:11 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the ancient practice of blood revenge and the role of the king as a protector and judge who can override family vengeance for the sake of mercy.
  • The woman’s appeal to the LORD and David’s oath show the importance of invoking God’s name in matters of justice, highlighting the seriousness of promises made before God.
  • Understanding this exchange is key to the wider story, as it sets up David’s later decision about his own son Absalom, showing how personal stories can influence a ruler’s choices.

Where else these words appear

“hair” Hebrew H8185 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
  • 1 Kings 1:52 And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.
  • Psalms 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

“revengers” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
  • Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

“destroy” Hebrew H8045 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
  • Esther 7:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

“destroy” Hebrew H7843 · used in 136 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • 2 Samuel 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
  • Jeremiah 6:5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.