And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.

2 SAMUEL 8:13KJV
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2 Samuel 8:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 8:13 mean?

2 Samuel 8:13 says that David became well-known and respected after he defeated eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt. This verse highlights a major military victory that added to David’s reputation as a strong and successful leader.

This verse is part of a summary of King David’s military campaigns. It describes a specific event where David, the king of Israel, returned from a battle in the Valley of Salt, having defeated a large force of Syrians. The verse emphasizes that this victory made David’s name famous among the surrounding nations.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 8:13

  • "gat" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word is often translated as "made" or "acquired." Here, it means David "made for himself" a name, stressing that his reputation was built through action.
  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a "name" often means more than just what someone is called; it refers to reputation, fame, or honor. The verse is saying David’s standing and renown grew because of this victory.
  • "Syrians" (אֲרָם, Aram): This word refers to the people or kingdom of Aram, often translated as "Syrians." The defeat of such a significant group shows the scale of David’s achievement.
  • "valley" (גַּיְא, gay) and "salt" (מֶלַח, melach): The "Valley of Salt" is a specific geographic location, likely near the Dead Sea, known for its salt deposits. Mentioning this place grounds the story in a real, recognizable setting.

Why 2 Samuel 8:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s fame was not just due to his position as king, but was earned through notable victories and leadership in battle.
  • The mention of the Valley of Salt and the Syrians connects this event to real historical and geographic details, helping readers see the Bible’s events as rooted in actual places and peoples.
  • The verse sets up the broader context of David’s reign, showing how his military success led to stability and respect for Israel among neighboring nations.

Where else these words appear

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Kings 14:7 He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

“valley” Hebrew H1516 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.
  • Jeremiah 2:23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;

“eighteen” Hebrew H8083 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 5:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:
  • 1 Kings 7:15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

“Syrians” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.