2 Samuel 21:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Gibeonites refuse money and refuse to take vengeance on Israel at large; David pledges to do whatever they rightly ask.
What Does 2 Samuel 21:4 Mean?
The Gibeonites make clear that this is not about wealth, and that they have no wish to shed Israelite blood indiscriminately. The wrong was personal and grievous, and they will not be bought off, nor will they widen the harm. David again pledges himself to honor their answer.
Some wounds cannot be settled with silver. The Gibeonites refuse to let the guilt of one house spill over into wholesale revenge, restraining their grief within bounds. David's repeated willingness to listen shows a leader who will not impose a solution but seeks one the injured can accept, a posture that honors both justice and the dignity of the wronged.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 21:4
What does 2 Samuel 21:4 mean?
The Gibeonites refuse money and refuse to take vengeance on Israel at large; David pledges to do whatever they rightly ask.