2 Samuel 3:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 3:4 mean?

2 Samuel 3:4 lists two of King David’s sons: Adonijah, the fourth son born to him by Haggith, and Shephatiah, the fifth son born to him by Abital. This verse is part of a record detailing David’s children and their mothers during his time in Hebron.

This verse appears in a section where the biblical writer is listing David’s family as he establishes his rule. The names and order of the sons are significant for understanding later events in David’s life, especially since some of these sons, like Adonijah, become important figures in future narratives about royal succession and conflict.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 3:4

• רְבִיעִי (revi‘i, "fourth") and חֲמִישִׁי (chamishi, "fifth") are ordinal numbers marking the birth order of David’s sons, emphasizing the sequence and possibly their standing in matters of inheritance.
• אֲדֹנִיָּה (Adoniyyah, "Adonijah") means "my Lord is Yahweh," which is a theophoric name reflecting faith in God; this son later attempts to claim the throne.
• שְׁפַטְיָה (Shephatyah, "Shephatiah") means "Yahweh has judged," another name with a meaning tied to God’s character.
• בֶּן (ben, "son") is used to show direct descent, clarifying the relationship between each son and his mother, which mattered for lineage and potential claims to the throne.

Why 2 Samuel 3:4 matters

• This verse helps clarify the family structure of David, which becomes crucial in later chapters when issues of succession and rivalry among his sons arise.
• The mention of the mothers’ names highlights the different family lines within David’s household, which sometimes led to tension and political intrigue.
• Recognizing Adonijah here prepares the reader for his later attempt to become king, showing that these genealogical details are not just background information but set the stage for future events.