But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

2 SAMUEL 23:6KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 23:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:6 mean?

2 Samuel 23:6 describes people called "sons of Belial" as being like thorns that are thrown away, because they are too dangerous or troublesome to handle directly. The verse uses this image to show that such people cannot be dealt with gently or easily.

In this passage, King David is speaking his final words to his people, reflecting on the difference between the righteous and the wicked. The "sons of Belial" refers to those who are lawless or worthless, and David compares them to thorns that must be removed forcefully, not gathered by hand. This highlights the idea that some people, because of their harmful nature, must be kept at a distance.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:6

  • Belial (בְּלִיַּעַל, beliyya‘al): This word means "worthlessness" or "lawlessness." In this verse, it is used to describe people who are corrupt or wicked, emphasizing their destructive influence.
  • thorns (קוֹץ, qots): The word for "thorns" points to something sharp, painful, and troublesome. The comparison suggests that the wicked are not only useless but also dangerous to approach.
  • away (נָדַח, nadach): This word means "to drive away" or "to thrust away." It shows that the wicked are not just avoided but are actively removed or cast out.
  • taken (לָקַח, laqach): This word means "to take" or "to grasp." The verse says these people cannot be "taken with hands," stressing that they are too harmful to handle directly.
  • hands (יָד, yad): The word for "hands" underlines the idea of personal contact. The warning is that the wicked are so dangerous, you cannot deal with them by ordinary means.

Why 2 Samuel 23:6 matters

  • This verse clears up that "sons of Belial" is not just a casual insult but a strong term for people who are truly harmful and disruptive, not just mildly bad.
  • The image of thorns shows that the wicked are not only unhelpful but can actually injure those who try to deal with them carelessly.
  • In the context of David's final words, this verse helps set up a contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the need for wisdom and caution in dealing with evil.

Where else these words appear

“thorns” Hebrew H6975 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
  • Judges 8:16 And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.
  • Jeremiah 4:3 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

“Belial” Hebrew H1100 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;
  • 1 Samuel 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.
  • Job 34:18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

“away” Hebrew H5074 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
  • Psalms 68:12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
  • Isaiah 22:3 All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.