Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

2 SAMUEL 2:26KJV
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2 Samuel 2:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 2:26 mean?

2 Samuel 2:26 describes how Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, calls out to Joab, David’s commander, during a fierce battle and questions how long the fighting will continue, warning that endless violence will only lead to bitterness in the end. Abner urges Joab to stop the pursuit and let their men stop fighting against their fellow Israelites.

In this scene, Abner is speaking directly to Joab as their two armies are locked in a deadly conflict. The verse shows Abner appealing to reason and compassion, pointing out the futility and cost of continued bloodshed among “brethren”—fellow Israelites. Abner’s words highlight the tragic reality of civil war and the need to end the cycle of violence before it brings even more sorrow.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 2:26

  • "Sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible to represent not just the physical weapon but also warfare and violence in general. Abner’s use of it here emphasizes the destructive power of ongoing conflict.
  • "Devour" (אָכַל, akhal): Literally meaning “to eat” or “consume,” this word paints a vivid picture of war as something that consumes lives and brings ruin, not just a simple clash of arms.
  • "Bitterness" (מָרוֹרָה, marorah): This term refers to deep sorrow or grief. Abner warns that the end result of this fighting will be lasting pain and regret, not victory or glory.
  • "Brethren" (אָח, ach): By calling the opposing soldiers “brethren,” Abner reminds Joab that both sides are Israelites, underscoring the tragedy of fighting against one’s own people.

Why 2 Samuel 2:26 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the conflict was just a simple battle between enemies; it shows both leaders recognized the shared identity and kinship of their men.
  • Abner’s plea reveals the emotional and moral toll of civil war, emphasizing that continued violence among “brethren” leads only to bitterness and regret.
  • The verse sets the stage for the temporary halt in fighting that follows, showing that even in times of war, appeals to shared humanity and reason can make a difference.

Where else these words appear

“bitterness” Hebrew H4751 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
  • 2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
  • Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

“ever” Hebrew H5331 · used in 42 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
  • Psalms 44:23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.
  • Isaiah 13:20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

“end” Hebrew H314 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:27 For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
  • Psalms 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

“Abner” Hebrew H74 · used in 53 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 2:23 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 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.