And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

2 SAMUEL 19:33KJV
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2 Samuel 19:33 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:33 mean?

2 Samuel 19:33 describes King David inviting Barzillai to cross over with him and promising to provide for him in Jerusalem. David offers Barzillai a place of honor and care as a gesture of gratitude for Barzillai’s earlier support during David’s time of need.

In this verse, King David is speaking directly to Barzillai, an elderly man who had helped David when he was fleeing from Absalom. The situation is one of reunion and reward, as David is returning to Jerusalem after his victory. David’s invitation is both practical and relational, showing personal appreciation and a desire to repay Barzillai’s kindness with ongoing provision and fellowship in the capital city.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:33

  • king (מֶלֶךְ, melek): This word refers specifically to the reigning monarch, emphasizing David’s authority to make such an offer.
  • feed (כּוּל, kul): This word is often understood as “to provide for” or “to sustain,” not just giving food but offering full support and care. David’s promise is about ongoing provision, not just a meal.
  • Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם, Yerushalayim): Naming Jerusalem highlights the honor of being brought into the royal city, the center of Israel’s life and worship.

Why 2 Samuel 19:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s gratitude is not just verbal but practical, offering real care and a place of honor to Barzillai.
  • It shows the personal relationships behind the scenes of royal events, highlighting David’s loyalty to those who supported him.
  • The invitation to Jerusalem connects Barzillai’s story to the broader narrative of David’s restoration as king and the reestablishment of his rule in the capital.

Where else these words appear

“Barzillai” Hebrew H1271 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
  • 2 Samuel 19:34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
  • 1 Kings 2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

“feed” Hebrew H3557 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 45:11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
  • 1 Kings 8:64 The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.
  • Psalms 112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.