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
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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.