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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 12:22 David answered, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/12-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/10_2Sa_12_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 12:22 - David's Loss and Repentance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="David answered, While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/12-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/12-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm" title="2 Samuel 12:21">◄</a> 2 Samuel 12:22 <a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm" title="2 Samuel 12:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He answered, &#8220While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, &#8216Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />David replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />David answered, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell <i>whether</i> GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell <i>whether</i> the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, and the child may live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He said, &#8220While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, &#8216Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he said, “While the child was <i>still</i> alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he said, “While the child was <i>still</i> alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, Yahweh may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />David said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I thought, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me and the child may live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He answered, “While the baby was alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He answered, &#8220While the baby was alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, &#8216Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether Jehovah will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David answered: While he was still alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, "Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether the LORD will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />David answered, "As long as the child was alive, I fasted and cried. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Yes," David answered, "I did fast and weep while he was still alive. I thought that the LORD might be merciful to me and not let the child die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He answered, "When the child was alive, I fasted and cried. I asked myself, 'Who knows? Maybe the LORD will show grace to me and the child will live.' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />David answered, ?While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ?Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He replied, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, 'Perhaps the LORD will show pity and the child will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows whether the LORD will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted, and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says, “While the boy is alive I have fasted and I weep, for I said, Who knows [if] YHWH pities me and the boy has lived?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith, 'While the lad is alive I have fasted, and weep, for I said, Who knoweth? -- Jehovah doth pity me, and the lad hath lived;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, The child yet living, and I fasted and wept; for I said, Who will know Jehovah will compassionate me, and the child live?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said: While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept for him: for I said: Who knoweth whether the Lord may not give him to me, and the child may live? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said: “While he was yet alive, I fasted and wept on behalf of the infant. For I said: Who knows if the Lord may perhaps give him to me, and let the infant live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He replied: “While the child was living, I fasted and wept, thinking, ‘Who knows? The LORD may grant me the child’s life.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me, and the child may live.’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />David said to them, While the child was still alive, I fasted and prayed; for I said, Who knows whether God will be gracious to me, and let the child live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />David said to them: “When the boy lived, I was fasting and praying because I was saying, ‘Who knows if God has compassion for him and the boy lives?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: 'While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said: Who knoweth whether the LORD will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David said, While the child yet lived, I fasted and wept; for I said, Who knows if the Lord will pity me, and the child live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=3100" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/12.htm">David's Loss and Repentance</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>“What is this you have done?” his servants asked. “While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate.” <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">David answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: bə·‘ō·wḏ (Prep-b:: Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">“While</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·ye·leḏ (Art:: N-ms) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">the child</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay (Adj-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">was alive,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: ṣam·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">I fasted</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: wā·’eḇ·keh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">and wept,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">‘Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2603.htm" title="2603: yə·ḥå̄n·na·nī (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 1cs2) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore.">may be gracious</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·yā·leḏ (Art:: N-ms) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wə·ḥay (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">and let him live.’</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-9.htm">Jonah 3:9</a></span><br />Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-14.htm">Joel 2:14</a></span><br />Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Psalm 30:5</a></span><br />For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Psalm 39:12-13</a></span><br />Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. / Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may again be cheered before I depart and am no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-9.htm">Psalm 103:9</a></span><br />He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-1.htm">Isaiah 38:1-5</a></span><br />In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, / saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-7.htm">Jeremiah 18:7-8</a></span><br />At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. / But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Ezekiel 18:21-23</a></span><br />But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. / Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-33</a></span><br />Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? / What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? / Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a></span><br />But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? / Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. / Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a></span><br />If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-24.htm">Mark 11:24</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a></span><br />So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1-8</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?</p><p class="hdg">I fasted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-1.htm">Isaiah 38:1-3,5</a></b></br> In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joel/1-14.htm">Joel 1:14</a></b></br> Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders <i>and</i> all the inhabitants of the land <i>into</i> the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joel/2-14.htm">Joel 2:14</a></b></br> Who knoweth <i>if</i> he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; <i>even</i> a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-15.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-6.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-19.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-8.htm">Who</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-26.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-20.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-2.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-20.htm">Who</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">Nathan's parable of the ewe lamb causes David to be his own judge.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">David, reproved by Nathan, confesses his sin, and is pardoned</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/12-15.htm">David mourns and prays for the child while it lives</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/12-24.htm">Solomon is born, and named Jedidiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">David takes Rabbah, and tortures the people thereof</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>David answered</b><br>David, the second king of Israel, is responding to his servants. This moment follows the death of his child, born from his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. David's response is significant as it reflects his understanding of God's sovereignty and his own repentance. His answer is a window into his heart, showing a man who, despite his failures, seeks after God.<p><b>While the child was alive</b><br>This phrase indicates the period of intense intercession by David. The child, a result of David's sin with Bathsheba, was struck with illness as a consequence of David's actions. The life of the child represents a time of hope and potential divine intervention. David's actions during this time reflect the Jewish practice of seeking God's mercy through prayer and fasting.<p><b>I fasted and wept</b><br>Fasting and weeping are traditional expressions of mourning and repentance in Jewish culture. David's fasting is an act of humility and supplication, seeking God's favor. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the story of Esther (<a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a>) and the repentance of Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5</a>). It demonstrates a deep reliance on God and a desire for His intervention.<p><b>for I said, ‘Who knows?</b><br>This phrase captures David's hope and uncertainty. It reflects a common biblical theme where humans, limited in understanding, appeal to God's mercy. Similar sentiments are expressed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/joel/2-14.htm">Joel 2:14</a>, where the prophet calls for repentance with the hope that God may relent and leave a blessing.<p><b>The LORD may be gracious to me</b><br>David appeals to the character of God, who is known for His grace and mercy. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is often described as compassionate and gracious (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>). David's hope is rooted in the possibility of divine grace, a theme that runs throughout the Bible and is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.<p><b>and let him live.’</b><br>David's plea is for the life of his child, hoping for a reversal of the judgment pronounced by the prophet Nathan. This reflects the biblical principle that God holds the power over life and death. While the child does not survive, this moment foreshadows the ultimate hope of resurrection and eternal life found in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who conquers death and offers life to all who believe.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a></b><br>The wife of Uriah, who became pregnant by David, leading to a series of tragic events.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/nathan_the_prophet.htm">Nathan the Prophet</a></b><br>God's messenger who confronted David about his sin, leading to David's repentance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_child.htm">The Child</a></b><br>The son born to David and Bathsheba, who became ill and died as a consequence of David's sin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events took place, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_consequences.htm">The Reality of Consequences</a></b><br>Sin has real and often painful consequences, even for those who are forgiven. David's experience reminds us that while God forgives, the earthly repercussions of our actions may still unfold.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_repentance.htm">The Power of Repentance</a></b><br>David's response to his sin was genuine repentance, as seen in his fasting and weeping. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and seeking God's mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_mercy.htm">Hope in God's Mercy</a></b><br>David's statement, "Who knows? The LORD may be gracious," reflects a deep hope in God's character. We are encouraged to trust in God's grace and mercy, even in dire situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_and_fasting.htm">The Role of Prayer and Fasting</a></b><br>David's actions demonstrate the importance of prayer and fasting as expressions of humility and dependence on God, especially in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acceptance_of_god's_will.htm">Acceptance of God's Will</a></b><br>Ultimately, David accepted God's decision regarding his child. This teaches us to submit to God's sovereign will, trusting that His plans are higher than ours.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_child's_death_with_god's_love.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:15–23, how can the moral or spiritual purpose of the child’s death be reconciled with the idea of a loving and merciful God? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_is_one_accountable_for_actions.htm">At what age is one accountable for actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_child_death.htm">What does the Bible say about a child's death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happens_to_kids_after_death.htm">What happens to young children after they die?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">God</span>; Hebrew, <span class="accented">Jehovah</span>, usually rendered "Lord." Similarly in <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a> in the Authorized Version we find <span class="accented">God</span> in capital letters, as here, for the Hebrew <span class="accented">Jehovah.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">[David] answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“While</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעוֹד֙</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the child</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיֶּ֣לֶד</span> <span class="translit">(hay·ye·leḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was alive,</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I fasted</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֖מְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ṣam·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> </span><span class="str2">To abstain from food, fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wept,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָֽאֶבְכֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’eḇ·keh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I said,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knows?</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹדֵ֔עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·ḏê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may be gracious</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחַנַּ֥נִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥan·na·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2603.htm">Strong's 2603: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיָּֽלֶד׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yā·leḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and let him live.’</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחַ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/12-22.htm">2 Samuel 12:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 12:22 He said While the child was yet (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>