2 Samuel 23:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:2 mean?

2 Samuel 23:2 presents David’s words as a message given through him by the LORD’s Spirit. David describes himself as the speaker, but he traces the message’s source to the LORD rather than presenting it as his own thought.

The phrase “in my tongue” pictures the message as words David actually speaks. Coming just after the introduction to David’s “last words” in verse 1, the statement prepares readers to hear what follows as a message with a source beyond David himself.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:2

• “Spirit” — רוּחַ (ruaḥ): This word can mean “breath,” “wind,” or “spirit,” depending on the setting. Here, the KJV understands it as the LORD’s Spirit, who speaks through David.
• “word” — מִלָּה (millah): This means a word or something spoken. Here, it points to the message David attributes to the LORD.

Why 2 Samuel 23:2 matters

• David presents himself as the channel for a message, not merely as its subject. The phrase “spake by me” places David in the role of the one through whom the speech comes.
• The verse introduces a shift in the speech that follows. In verse 3, David continues by saying that “the God of Israel said” and “the Rock of Israel spake to me,” before describing a ruler who is just and fears God.