BibleWord.ai› Bible› 2 Samuel› Chapter 14› Verse 6

2 Samuel 14:6

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 14:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and killed him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and killed him.
2 Samuel 14:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3and go in to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.
4And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.
5And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, Of a truth I am a widow, and my husband is dead.
6And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and killed him.
7And, behold, the whole family is risen against thy handmaid, and they say, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he slew, and so destroy the heir also. Thus will they quench my coal which is left, and will leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the face of the earth.
8And the king said unto the woman, Go to thy house, and I will give charge concerning thee.
9And the woman of Tekoa said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father`s house; and the king and his throne be guiltless.
← 2 Samuel 14:52 Samuel 14:7 →
← Full Chapter 14 2 Samuel 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 thy handmaid had two sons, etc.] Two are observed, that her case might suit with Amnon and Absalom: and they two strove together in the field; they quarrelled, and fought in the field, where there were no witnesses of what they did to each other; whereby she would suggest that Ammon was killed in the field, of which there were no witnesses, and therefore Absalom ought not to die; whereas it was in Absalom’s house, at his table, and where the rest of the king’s sons were present, and witnesses of it: and [there was] none to part them; which, had there been, might have prevented the sad disaster; this, as Abarbinel thinks, is pointed at David, who when Amnon forced Tamar, did not correct…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and they two: Gen 4:8; Exo 2:13; Deu 22:26, Deu 22:27 none to part: Heb. no deliverer between 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 14:7”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 14 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification