Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

2 SAMUEL 2:23KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 2:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 2:23 mean?

2 Samuel 2:23 describes how Asahel, refusing to turn aside, was killed by Abner during a pursuit; Abner struck Asahel with the back end of his spear under the fifth rib, causing Asahel to die on the spot. The verse notes that everyone who came to the place where Asahel fell stopped and stood still.

This scene takes place during a conflict between the followers of David and Saul. Asahel, known for his speed, was chasing Abner, the commander of Saul’s army. Despite warnings, Asahel would not give up the chase, leading Abner to defend himself in a fatal way. The detail that people stopped at the place where Asahel died shows the shock and seriousness of his death in the midst of battle.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 2:23

  • "refused" (מָאֵן, māʾēn): This word means to be unwilling or to refuse. Asahel’s refusal to turn aside shows his determination or stubbornness, which directly led to his death.
  • "fifth" (חֹמֶשׁ, ḥōmesh): The phrase "under the fifth rib" is often used in Hebrew to refer to a vital spot near the abdomen or lower ribs, suggesting a mortal wound rather than just a random injury.
  • "smote" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This verb means to strike or hit, often with deadly force. Here, it emphasizes that Abner’s action was forceful and decisive.
  • "stood still" (עָמַד, ʿāmad): The reaction of those who arrived at the scene—standing still—shows the impact of Asahel’s death, marking it as a significant and sobering moment.

Why 2 Samuel 2:23 matters

  • This verse highlights the personal cost and tragedy that can come with civil conflict, especially among those who were once united.
  • The mention of the "fifth rib" shows the deliberate and fatal nature of the blow, not just an accidental death in battle.
  • The reaction of the people who stopped at the place of Asahel’s death underlines how his loss was deeply felt, setting the stage for further tension between the two sides.

Where else these words appear

“fifth” Hebrew H2570 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
  • 2 Samuel 4:6 And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
  • 2 Samuel 20:10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

“Asahel” Hebrew H6214 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
  • 2 Samuel 2:30 And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:16 Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

“place” Hebrew H8478 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
  • Job 34:26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;

“under” Hebrew H413 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Exodus 8:25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.
  • 1 Samuel 4:19 And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.