2 Samuel 14:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:12 mean?

2 Samuel 14:12 shows a woman respectfully asking King David for permission to say something further, and David giving her the go-ahead to speak. The verse highlights a moment of careful dialogue, where the woman seeks the king’s attention for an important request.

In this scene, the woman is actually from Tekoa, sent by Joab to present a case before David as part of a plan to influence the king’s decision about his son Absalom. The woman addresses herself as the king’s "handmaid," a humble way to refer to herself, and asks to speak "one word," meaning she has something specific and significant to say. David’s reply, "Say on," signals his willingness to listen.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:12

• The word for "woman" is אִשָּׁה (ishah), which simply means a female or woman, emphasizing her identity as a non-royal, ordinary person approaching the king.
• "Handmaid" is שִׁפְחָה (shifchah), a term for a female servant or maid, showing her humility and lower social standing as she addresses David.
• "Word" is דָּבָר (davar), which often means a matter, thing, or message, not just a single word. Here, it signals that what she wants to say is important and worth the king’s attention.
• "Lord" is אֲדֹנִי (adoni), a respectful title for someone in authority, showing her deference to David as king.

Why 2 Samuel 14:12 matters

• This verse highlights the careful and respectful way people approached ancient kings, especially when making a sensitive request.
• The woman’s humility and David’s willingness to listen set the tone for the conversation that follows, which is key to understanding the unfolding story about Absalom.
• The language used shows the social gap between the king and his subjects, but also the possibility for dialogue and appeal, even from someone of low status.