BibleWord.ai› Bible› 1 Kings› Chapter 2› Verse 32

1 Kings 2:32

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 2:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehovah will return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew it not, [to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehovah will return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew it not, [to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
1 Kings 2:32 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29And it was told king Solomon, Joab is fled unto the Tent of Jehovah, and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.
30And Benaiah came to the Tent of Jehovah, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.
31And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the blood, which Joab shed without cause, from me and from my father`s house.
32And Jehovah will return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew it not, [to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
33So shall their blood return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but unto David, and unto his seed, and unto his house, and unto his throne, shall there be peace for ever from Jehovah.
34Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
35And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host; and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
← 1 Kings 2:311 Kings 2:33 →
← Full Chapter 2 1 Kings Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the Lord shall return his blood upon his own head, etc.] By way of retaliation, blood for blood: who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he; later named; for though they had been in open rebellion against David, yet had submitted, and were reconciled and received into favour; and even their open crimes were not so bad, Solomon judged, as his secret treacherous murders of innocent persons in cool blood; they were men of more honour and integrity than he was, not so cruel and barbarous, though guilty in other respects: and slew them with the sword, my father not knowing [thereof]; this is observed to remove all suspicion, and which doubtless had been entertained by some, that…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Shalt return his blood - i. e. “his shedding of blood.” return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“return: Kg1 2:44; Gen 4:11; Jdg 9:24, Jdg 9:57; Psa 7:16 two men: Sa2 3:27, Sa2 20:10 more righteous: Sa1 15:28; Sa2 4:11; Ch2 21:13; Est 1:19 my father: Sa2 3:26, Sa2 3:37 Abner: Sa2 3:27 Amasa: Sa2 20:10 Jether: Kg1 2:5; Sa2 17:25, Ithra 3 Kings (1 Kings) 2:33”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 2 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification