And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

2 SAMUEL 6:13KJV
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2 Samuel 6:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 6:13 mean?

2 Samuel 6:13 describes how, as soon as the people carrying the ark of the LORD had walked six steps, David offered sacrifices of oxen and fattened animals. This act showed deep respect and thankfulness to God as the ark was brought toward Jerusalem.

In this scene, King David is overseeing the transport of the ark of the LORD, a sacred chest representing God's presence, to Jerusalem. The verse highlights the careful and reverent way the ark is moved, especially after a previous attempt ended in tragedy. The specific mention of stopping after six steps to sacrifice shows the seriousness and gratitude with which David and the people approached this moment.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:13

  • "bare" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means "to carry" or "to lift." It emphasizes that the ark was being physically carried by people, not transported by cart, which is important because carrying it by hand was the proper, respectful method according to earlier instructions.
  • "ark" (אֲרוֹן, ’ārōn): This refers to the sacred chest that symbolized God's presence with Israel. Its movement was a major religious event.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underlining that the ark belonged to Him and that the sacrifices were directed to Him.
  • "sacrificed" (זָבַח, zāvaḥ): This means to offer a sacrifice, usually an animal, as an act of worship or thanksgiving. The immediate sacrifice after just six steps shows an extra measure of reverence and gratitude.

Why 2 Samuel 6:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David and the people learned from their earlier mistake (when Uzzah died for touching the ark) and now approached the ark with much greater care and reverence.
  • The detail about sacrificing after only six steps highlights the seriousness and joy of the occasion, showing that bringing the ark to Jerusalem was not just a political act but a deeply spiritual one.
  • Understanding the specific actions taken here helps explain why the rest of the chapter describes such celebration and worship; it sets the tone for the joyful arrival of the ark in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“gone” Hebrew H6805 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 49:22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
  • Job 18:14 His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.
  • Proverbs 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

“fatlings” Hebrew H4806 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:
  • 1 Kings 1:25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.
  • Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

“paces” Hebrew H6806 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
  • Job 31:37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
  • Proverbs 5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

“oxen” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.