2 Samuel 3:38 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 3:38 mean?

2 Samuel 3:38 records King David’s response to the death of Abner, a powerful military leader. Speaking to his servants, David treats Abner’s death as a major loss for Israel, even though Abner had previously led forces against David.

David’s question, “Know ye not,” presses his servants to recognize the importance of the death. The words “fallen this day” describe Abner’s violent death. David speaks after mourning at Abner’s burial in the preceding verses.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 3:38

• “prince” — שַׂר (sar): This word can mean a leader or commander. Here it describes Abner’s standing as a prominent leader, not necessarily as a king’s son.
• “fallen” — נָפַל (naphal): This word means to fall and can also describe someone dying violently. David uses it of Abner, who had been killed by Joab.

Why 2 Samuel 3:38 matters

• David honors someone who had been on the opposing side. Earlier in the chapter, Abner had supported Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, but had then made an agreement with David (2 Samuel 3:6–21).
• David’s words also help explain the public mourning around Abner’s death. After Joab killed Abner, David declared that he and his kingdom were innocent of the killing (2 Samuel 3:27–28).
• David calls Abner a loss “in Israel,” placing his death in the setting of the whole people. Abner had commanded Saul’s army and had influence among the tribes that had not yet accepted David as king (2 Samuel 2:8–9; 3:17–19).