And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

2 SAMUEL 14:5KJV
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2 Samuel 14:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:5 mean?

2 Samuel 14:5 shows the king (David) asking a woman what is troubling her, and she replies that she is a widow whose husband has died. The verse sets up a conversation where the woman presents herself as someone in distress, seeking the king’s attention and help.

The scene takes place when a woman from Tekoa, following Joab’s instructions, approaches King David with a story. Her status as a widow (someone without a husband or protector) is important because it highlights her vulnerability and need for justice or assistance. The king’s question and her answer begin a dialogue that is part of a larger plan to influence David’s decisions about his own family.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:5

  • "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word refers specifically to King David, emphasizing his authority and responsibility to hear the concerns of his people.
  • "widow" (אַלְמָנָה, almanah): This term means a woman whose husband has died, often highlighting her social and economic vulnerability in ancient Israel.
  • "woman" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): Used here to identify the speaker as female, which, combined with her widowhood, underscores her need for the king’s help.
  • "husband" (אִישׁ, ish): This word means “man” or “husband,” making it clear that her loss is not just personal but also affects her social standing and security.

Why 2 Samuel 14:5 matters

  • The verse introduces the woman’s situation in a way that appeals to the king’s sense of justice and compassion, setting the stage for the persuasive story she is about to tell.
  • By identifying herself as a widow, the woman signals her lack of protection and resources, which would have been a strong reason for the king to listen and respond.
  • This interaction is part of a larger narrative device used by Joab to prompt David to reconsider his stance toward his estranged son Absalom, showing how personal stories were used to influence royal decisions.

Where else these words appear

“indeed” Hebrew H61 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • 2 Kings 4:14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only.

“widow” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.