He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

2 SAMUEL 23:10KJV
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2 Samuel 23:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:10 mean?

2 Samuel 23:10 describes how one of David’s mighty warriors fought the Philistines so fiercely and for so long that his hand became tired and stuck to his sword, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day; afterward, the rest of the people only came to collect the spoils. This verse highlights the extraordinary endurance and courage of the warrior, as well as God’s role in the victory.

The setting is a list of David’s mighty men, with this verse focusing on Eleazar, who stood his ground in battle when others retreated. The verse shows both human effort and divine intervention: Eleazar’s hand “clave unto the sword” (meaning it stuck or clung to it from exhaustion), and the LORD (Yahweh) is credited with the victory. The people returning “only to spoil” suggests they did not fight but benefited from Eleazar’s bravery.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:10

  • “clave” (דָּבַק, dāvaq): This word means to cling, stick, or hold fast. In this context, it paints a vivid picture of Eleazar’s hand so cramped or locked from fighting that he could not let go of his sword, emphasizing his total commitment and exhaustion.
  • “wrought” (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This verb means to do, make, or accomplish. Here, it underlines that the LORD was the one who actually accomplished the victory, not just the human effort.
  • “victory” (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshūʿāh): This word means deliverance or salvation. It points to the outcome being more than just a military win—it was a rescue or deliverance brought about by God.

Why 2 Samuel 23:10 matters

  • This verse clears up that the victory was not just due to human strength or skill; the text credits the LORD with accomplishing it, even though Eleazar’s effort was remarkable.
  • The detail about Eleazar’s hand “claving” to the sword highlights the cost and intensity of his stand, showing the physical toll of courage and faithfulness.
  • The verse fits into the wider passage by illustrating the character and deeds of David’s mighty men, showing the kind of loyalty and bravery that surrounded David’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“weary” Hebrew H3021 · used in 25 verses

  • Joshua 7:3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.
  • Isaiah 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
  • Isaiah 57:10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

“victory” Hebrew H8668 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 15:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
  • 2 Chronicles 6:41 Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.
  • Psalms 119:41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

“spoil” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 27:10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

“until” Hebrew H3588 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
  • Exodus 13:17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
  • Joshua 2:12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: