And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

2 SAMUEL 6:19KJV
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2 Samuel 6:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 6:19 mean?

2 Samuel 6:19 describes how David distributed food and drink to all the people of Israel, giving each person—both men and women—a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a serving of wine before they returned to their homes. This act marked a joyful celebration after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

David, as king, is leading a national celebration after a significant religious event: the Ark’s arrival in Jerusalem. The verse highlights that everyone present, regardless of gender, received the same generous gifts, showing a sense of unity and shared blessing among the people. The distribution of food and drink was a way to mark the occasion with hospitality and joy for the whole community.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 6:19

  • "cake" (חַלָּה, challah): This word refers to a type of bread, often a round or flat loaf. Its use here emphasizes that each person received a substantial, recognizable portion, not just a token piece.
  • "piece" (אֶשְׁפָּר, eshpar): This word is less common and points to a “good piece” or a generous cut of meat, suggesting abundance rather than mere sufficiency.
  • "flagon" (אֲשִׁישָׁה, ashishah): This word is often understood as a cake of pressed raisins or a serving of wine, showing that the celebration included more than just basic food—it was festive and special.

Why 2 Samuel 6:19 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David’s generosity was extended to everyone present, not just the leaders or men, which highlights the inclusive nature of the celebration.
  • The specific mention of bread, meat, and wine (or raisin cake) shows the abundance and festivity of the event, underlining the significance of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing David’s role not only as a political leader but as someone who cared for the spiritual and physical well-being of his people, uniting them in a shared moment of joy.

Where else these words appear

“piece” Hebrew H829 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

“flagon” Hebrew H809 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Song of Solomon 2:5 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.
  • Hosea 3:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.

“cake” Hebrew H2471 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 29:2 And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.
  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Leviticus 24:5 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

“dealt” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.