Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.

2 SAMUEL 22:46KJV
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2 Samuel 22:46 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 22:46 mean?

2 Samuel 22:46 says that foreign enemies, called "strangers," will lose their strength and courage, shrinking away in fear from their hiding places. The verse paints a picture of these outsiders being so overwhelmed that they come out of their strongholds, afraid and defeated.

David is singing a song of thanks to God after being delivered from his enemies. In this line, he describes how those who opposed him—people not part of Israel—are so intimidated by God's power that they abandon their secure places. The verse uses strong language to show just how complete and obvious their defeat is.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 22:46

  • "Strangers" (נֵכָר nekar): This word refers to foreigners or outsiders, not just people from another country but those with no ties or loyalty to Israel. It highlights that these are not just any enemies, but those who have no claim or connection to God's people.
  • "Fade away" (נָבֵל navel): This word often means to wither, waste away, or become weak. The idea is that the enemies lose their strength and presence, not just physically but also in spirit.
  • "Afraid" (חָגַר chagar): This word can mean to tremble or be seized with fear. It emphasizes the deep level of fear that causes the enemies to leave their hiding spots.
  • "Close places" (מִסְגָּרוֹת misgerot): This refers to fortified or hidden places, like strongholds or shelters. The verse suggests even these secure spots cannot protect the enemies from fear.

Why 2 Samuel 22:46 matters

  • This verse clears up that David is not just talking about military victory, but about the total collapse of his enemies’ confidence and security, even in their safest places.
  • The verse emphasizes God's power to bring fear and defeat to those who seem untouchable, showing that no defense is strong enough against Him.
  • It connects to the larger song in 2 Samuel 22, where David repeatedly credits God for his deliverance and victory, making it clear that the triumph is not just his own strength but God's intervention.

Where else these words appear

“places” Hebrew H4526 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
  • 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:
  • 1 Kings 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

“away” Hebrew H5034 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
  • Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
  • Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

“Strangers” Hebrew H5236 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
  • 1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

“afraid” Hebrew H2296 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • 2 Samuel 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
  • Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.