2 Samuel 2:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 2:31 mean?

2 Samuel 2:31 reports that David’s men killed 360 men from the tribe of Benjamin and those following Abner during a battle. This verse highlights the heavy losses suffered by Abner’s side in the conflict between the forces loyal to David and those loyal to Saul’s house.

The verse is part of a historical account describing the violent struggle for leadership in Israel after King Saul’s death. The “servants of David” refers to David’s soldiers, while “Abner’s men” were supporters of Saul’s family, specifically from the tribe of Benjamin. The verse gives a specific casualty count, emphasizing the scale of defeat for Abner’s group in this confrontation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 2:31

• "Servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word often means “servant” or “official,” but here it refers to David’s loyal soldiers, showing their allegiance and role as his followers.
• "Smitten" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This verb means “to strike” or “to defeat,” indicating that David’s men decisively overcame their opponents, not just in a minor skirmish but with significant force.
• "Three hundred and threescore" (שָׁלוֹשׁ מֵאוֹת וְשִׁשִּׁים, shalosh me’ot v’shishim): This phrase literally means 360, giving a precise number that underlines the seriousness of the loss for Abner’s side.
• "Men" (אִישׁ, ish): The word used here for “men” emphasizes individual warriors, making the loss feel more personal and direct.

Why 2 Samuel 2:31 matters

• This verse clarifies the scale of the conflict between David’s and Saul’s supporters, showing that the struggle for Israel’s leadership was costly and violent.
• The specific mention of Benjamin and Abner’s men connects the event to the broader story of rivalry between David and Saul’s house, helping readers track the shifting power dynamics.
• By recording the exact number of casualties, the verse underscores the seriousness of the civil strife and the decisive nature of David’s victory in this particular battle.