Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

2 SAMUEL 21:3KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 21:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 21:3 mean?

2 Samuel 21:3 shows King David asking the Gibeonites what he can do to make things right after Saul’s wrongdoing against them, specifically how he can make atonement so that the Gibeonites will bless Israel, God’s people. David is seeking a way to repair a broken relationship and restore peace between the Israelites and the Gibeonites.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to the Gibeonites during a time of famine, which the Bible connects to Saul’s past violence against them. David’s question is practical and sincere—he wants to know what action or restitution would satisfy the Gibeonites and remove the offense, so that the nation can once again receive blessing from God. The focus is on making amends for a past injustice to restore harmony in the land.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 21:3

  • "Atonement" (כָּפַר, kaphar): This word often means to cover over or make reconciliation for wrongdoing. Here, David is asking what can be done to cover or remove the guilt caused by Saul’s actions, highlighting the seriousness of making things right after a wrong.
  • "Bless" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to speak well of or invoke favor upon. David’s goal is not just to settle a debt but to restore goodwill, so that the Gibeonites can genuinely wish good for Israel.
  • "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This refers to the land or people given by God. David’s concern is for the whole nation of Israel, described as God’s inheritance, showing the communal impact of unresolved wrongs.

Why 2 Samuel 21:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David is not acting on his own ideas but is seeking input from those who were wronged, emphasizing justice and reconciliation over unilateral decisions.
  • The focus on "atonement" and "blessing" shows that true restoration involves both making amends and rebuilding relationships, not just paying a penalty.
  • By connecting the blessing of "the inheritance of the LORD" to righting past wrongs, the verse highlights how the well-being of the whole community depends on justice and reconciliation.

Where else these words appear

“Gibeonites” Hebrew H1393 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:1 Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
  • 2 Samuel 21:4 And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,

“atonement” Hebrew H3722 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Leviticus 14:21 And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;
  • Numbers 25:13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.