Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 SAMUEL 5:1KJV
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2 Samuel 5:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 5:1 mean?

2 Samuel 5:1 describes how all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and told him, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.” This means the people of Israel were declaring their close relationship to David and recognizing him as one of their own, ready to accept him as their king.

This verse takes place after the death of Saul, when the tribes of Israel needed a new leader. The representatives of all the tribes approached David, who was at Hebron, and spoke directly to him. By saying “we are your bone and your flesh,” they were using a common Hebrew way of expressing family ties and unity, showing that they saw David as truly belonging to their people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 5:1

  • The word for “tribes” is שֵׁבֶט (shevet), which refers to the distinct family groups within Israel. This highlights that the entire nation, not just a single group, came together to approach David.
  • The phrase “bone” (עֶצֶם, etsem) and “flesh” (בָּשָׂר, basar) together form a Hebrew idiom meaning close kinship or family. This emphasizes the people’s claim that David is not an outsider but shares their ancestry and identity.

Why 2 Samuel 5:1 matters

  • This verse shows a turning point in Israel’s history, as all the tribes unite under David after years of division and conflict.
  • The use of family language (“bone and flesh”) makes clear that the people’s acceptance of David is not just political but also personal and relational.
  • Understanding this moment helps explain why David’s kingship is seen as legitimate and widely accepted in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Hebron” Hebrew H2275 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
  • Joshua 21:11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.
  • 2 Samuel 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

“bone” Hebrew H6106 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • 2 Kings 13:21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
  • Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.