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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 3:29 May it whirl over the heads of Joab and the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/3-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/10_2Sa_03_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 3:29 - Joab Murders Abner" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="May it whirl over the heads of Joab and the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food." /><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/3-29.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/3-29.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 29</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="/ad9.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/3-28.htm" title="2 Samuel 3:28">◄</a> 2 Samuel 3:29 <a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm" title="2 Samuel 3:30">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3.htm">New International Version</a> May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab&#8217s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Joab and his family are the guilty ones. May the family of Joab be cursed in every generation with a man who has open sores or leprosy or who walks on crutches or dies by the sword or begs for food!” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Let it rest on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and let there never fail to be in the house of Joab one who has a discharge or is a leper, who leans on a staff or falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> May it turn upon the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not be eliminated from the house of Joab someone who suffers a discharge, or has leprosy, or holds the spindle, or falls by the sword, or lacks bread.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father&#8217s house; and may there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who takes hold of a distaff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who takes hold of a distaff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> May it whirl on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who takes hold of a spindle, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread not be cut off from the house of Joab.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Let the guilt fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house (family); and may there never disappear from the house of Joab one who suffers with a discharge or one who is a leper or one who walks with a crutch [being unfit for war], or one who falls by the sword, or one who lacks food.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> May it hang over Joab’s head and his father’s whole family, and may the house of Joab never be without someone who has a discharge or a skin disease, or a man who can only work a spindle, or someone who falls by the sword or starves.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> May it hang over Joab&#8217s head and his father&#8217s whole house, and may the house of Joab never be without someone who has a discharge or a skin disease, or a man who can only work a spindle, or someone who falls by the sword or starves.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> let it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth by the sword, or that lacketh bread. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Joab and his family are the guilty ones. I pray that Joab's family will always be sick with sores and other skin diseases. May they all be cowards, and may they die in war or starve to death." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> let it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth by the sword, or that lacketh bread. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> May the blame fall on the head of Joab and all of his family. May there always be members of Joab's family who have oozing sores and skin diseases, who can only work a spindle, who die in battle, and who never have any food." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> May the punishment for it fall on Joab and all his family! In every generation may there be some man in his family who has gonorrhea or a dreaded skin disease or is fit only to do a woman's work or is killed in battle or doesn't have enough to eat!" <a href="/isv/2_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> May judgment rest on Joab's head and on his father's entire household. May Joab's dynasty never be without one who has a discharge, who is a leper, who walks with a cane, who commits suicide, or who lacks food!" <a href="/msb/2_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a> May his blood whirl over the head of Joab and the entire house of his father! May the males of Joab's house never cease to have someone with a running sore or a skin disease or one who works at the spindle or one who falls by the sword or one who lacks food!" <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> May it whirl over the head of Joab, and on all his father's house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. <a href="/web/2_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Let it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> it stays on the head of Joab, and on all the house of his father, and there is not cut off from the house of Joab one who has discharging, and leprous, and laying hold on a staff, and falling by a sword, and lacking bread.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> it doth stay on the head of Joab, and on all the house of his father, and there is not cut off from the house of Joab one having an issue, and leprous, and laying hold on a staff, and falling by a sword, and lacking bread.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> It will stay upon the head of Joab and to all the house of his father; and there shall not be cut off from the house of Joab, him flowing, and the leprous, and him holding fast upon a staff, and him falling upon a sword, and him diminished in bread.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And may it come upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father's house: and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue of seed, or that is a leper, or that holdeth the distaff, or that falleth by the sword, or that wanteth bread. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And may it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon the entire house of his father. And may there not fail to be, in the house of Joab, one who suffers from a flow of seed, or one who is leprous, or one who is effeminate, or one who falls by the sword, or one who is in need of bread.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a> May the blood of Abner, son of Ner, be on the head of Joab and all his family. May Joab’s family never be without one suffering from a discharge, or one with a skin disease, or a man who holds the distaff, or one falling by the sword, or one in need of food!” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> May the guilt fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house; and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge, or who is leprous, or who holds a spindle, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks food!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Let it rest on the head of Joab and on the head of all his father's house; and let there never fail to be in the house of Joab one who has a discharge or who is a leper or who is a beggar holding a bowl or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> It shall rest on the head of Yuab and on the head of all the house of his father, and there shall not fail of the household of Yuab gonorrhea and leprosy, and he who holds a beggar’s bowl and he who falls on a sword and he who lacks bread!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> let it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth by the sword, or that lacketh bread.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Let it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon all the house of his father; and let there not be wanting of the house of Joab one that has an issue, or a leper, or that leans on a staff, or that falls by the sword, or that wants bread. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/3-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=895" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/3.htm">Joab Murders Abner</a> …28Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. 29<a href="/hebrew/2342.htm" title="2342: yā·ḥu·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- Or chiyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl, i.e. to dance, to writhe in pain or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert.">May it whirl</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">the heads</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">of Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">the entire</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of his father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·bêṯ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">and may the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">of Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">never</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: yik·kā·rêṯ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">be without</a> <a href="/hebrew/2100.htm" title="2100: zāḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To flow, gush. A primitive root; to flow freely, i.e. to have a flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow.">one having a discharge</a> <a href="/hebrew/6879.htm" title="6879: ū·mə·ṣō·rā‘ (Conj-w:: V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be struck with leprosy, to be leprous. A primitive root; to scourge, i.e. to be stricken with leprosy.">or skin disease,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ū·ma·ḥă·zîq (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">or one who leans</a> <a href="/hebrew/6418.htm" title="6418: bap·pe·leḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Whorl of a spindle, a district. From an unused root meaning to be round; a circuit; also a spindle; hence, a crutch.">on a staff</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: wə·nō·p̄êl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">or falls</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ba·ḥe·reḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">by the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: wa·ḥă·sar- (Conj-w:: Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">or lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">food.”</a> 30(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-6.htm">Deuteronomy 21:6-9</a> Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken, / and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it. / Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. ... <a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32-33</a> The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” <a href="/genesis/4-10.htm">Genesis 4:10-11</a> “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. / Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. <a href="/numbers/35-33.htm">Numbers 35:33</a> Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. <a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Exodus 20:5</a> You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, <a href="/leviticus/20-9.htm">Leviticus 20:9</a> If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him. <a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">Joshua 7:24-25</a> Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. / “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. <a href="/1_samuel/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31-33</a> Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. / You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. / And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a> Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. <a href="/1_kings/2-31.htm">1 Kings 2:31</a> And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. <a href="/2_kings/9-26.htm">2 Kings 9:26</a> ‘As surely as I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, so will I repay you on this plot of ground, declares the LORD.’ Now then, according to the word of the LORD, pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground.” <a href="/psalms/109-9.htm">Psalm 109:9-10</a> May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. / May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. <a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a> And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. <a href="/matthew/27-25.htm">Matthew 27:25</a> All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” <a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Acts 28:4</a> When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that has an issue, or that is a leper, or that leans on a staff, or that falls on the sword, or that lacks bread.rest<a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">1 Samuel 1:16</a> Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.<a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Judges 9:24,56,57</a> That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren… <a href="/1_kings/2-31.htm">1 Kings 2:31-34</a> And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father… let there<a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">1 Samuel 2:32-36</a> And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever… <a href="/2_kings/5-27.htm">2 Kings 5:27</a> The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.<a href="/psalms/109-8.htm">Psalm 109:8-19</a> Let his days be few; and let another take his office… fail [heb] be cut off <a href="/leviticus/13-44.htm">Leviticus 13:44-46</a> He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is in his head… <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">2 Kings 5:1</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/30-12.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/numbers/5-2.htm">Discharge</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Distaff</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">Issue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/numbers/5-2.htm">Leper</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/psalms/78-49.htm">Discharge</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Distaff</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-4.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-7.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/11-11.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-8.htm">Issue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">Leper</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-32.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-19.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-5.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 3</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">During the war David becomes stronger</a> 2. <a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">Six sons are born to him in Hebron</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/3-6.htm">Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth</a> 7. <a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">revolts to David</a> 13. <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal</a> 17. <a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed</a> 22. <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner</a> 28. <a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">David curses Joab</a> 31. <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">and mourns for Abner</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father This phrase is part of a curse pronounced by King David against Joab, the commander of his army, after Joab killed Abner, the commander of Saul's army. The "it" refers to the bloodguilt of Abner's murder. In ancient Israel, bloodguilt was a serious matter, often requiring retribution or divine justice. The "head" symbolizes leadership and responsibility, indicating that Joab, as the head of his family, bears the primary guilt. The mention of "the entire house of his father" extends the curse to Joab's family lineage, reflecting the biblical principle of generational consequences for sin (<a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Exodus 20:5</a>).and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease This part of the curse involves physical afflictions that would render a person ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law (<a href="/leviticus/15-2.htm">Leviticus 15:2</a>, <a href="/leviticus/13-2.htm">Leviticus 13:2</a>). Such conditions would exclude individuals from participating in temple worship and community life, symbolizing a state of perpetual impurity and separation from God. This reflects the severity of Joab's crime in David's eyes, as it not only brought physical consequences but also spiritual and communal alienation.or one who leans on a staff Leaning on a staff suggests physical weakness or disability, possibly due to age or injury. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, physical strength was highly valued, especially for men who were expected to work and fight. This part of the curse implies a loss of vitality and capability within Joab's family, a perpetual reminder of the consequences of his violent actions.or falls by the sword This phrase indicates a violent death, often seen as a consequence of living by the sword (<a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a>). It suggests that Joab's family would be marked by violence and bloodshed, a fitting retribution for Joab's own violent act against Abner. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where one's actions bring about corresponding consequences (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>).or lacks food Lacking food signifies poverty and deprivation, a stark contrast to the prosperity and provision expected in a blessed household. In the historical context, famine and hunger were often seen as signs of divine displeasure or judgment (<a href="/deuteronomy/28-48.htm">Deuteronomy 28:48</a>). This part of the curse underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment against Joab's house, affecting their physical, social, and economic well-being.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and political influence. He is a central figure in the power struggles during David's reign. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, anointed by God, who is dealing with the aftermath of Abner's murder by Joab. David seeks to distance himself from the act and its consequences. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a> The commander of Saul's army who had defected to David's side. His murder by Joab was a significant political and personal event, leading to David's curse. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_joab.htm">The House of Joab</a> Refers to Joab's family lineage, which David curses due to Joab's actions against Abner. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron</a> The city where Abner was killed, a place of refuge and significance in David's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> Joab's murder of Abner brings a curse upon his family, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice rather than personal vengeance. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> David's response to Joab's actions shows the importance of leaders taking responsibility for the actions of those under their command, even when they are not directly involved. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> David's curse demonstrates the power of words and the seriousness of invoking God's judgment. Believers should be mindful of their speech and the impact it can have. <a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a> While David seeks justice for Abner's murder, he also shows mercy by not taking immediate revenge on Joab, reflecting the balance between justice and mercy in God's character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3</a> <a href="/q/why_did_joab_kill_abner.htm">Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_david_punish_joab.htm">2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_david_lament_abner's_death.htm">2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_evidence_of_2_sam_2_25-31_conflict.htm">In 2 Samuel 2:25-31, why is there no external evidence or record of this large-scale conflict among the tribes if it truly happened?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) Let it rest on the head of Joab.--The strong curse here pronounced by David shows that Joab's act could not be justified as that of the "Goel," or lawful avenger of his brother's blood, for Abner had slain Asahel in battle, unwillingly and in self-defence. It is also to be remembered that Hebron was a city of refuge (<a href="/joshua/21-13.htm" title="Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,">Joshua 21:13</a>), and that here not even the "Goel" might slay the murderer without a trial (<a href="/context/numbers/35-22.htm" title="But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast on him any thing without laying of wait,">Numbers 35:22-25</a>). The curse falls "on his father's house," since Abishai also (<a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm" title="So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.">2Samuel 3:30</a>) had been concerned with him in the murder.The phrase, "that leaneth on a staff," has been understood by many as "holding a distaff," i.e., a person unfit for war. The word has the sense of "distaff" in <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm" title="She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.">Proverbs 31:19</a>, and is so rendered here by the Vulgate; but the sense given by the English--which is also that of the LXX. and Targum--is better, and more in accordance with the other particulars.For "on the sword" read "by the sword," there being no reference to the idea of suicide. On the violent end of Joab see <a href="/context/1_kings/2-31.htm" title="And the king said to him, Do as he has said, and fall on him, and bury him; that you may take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.">1Kings 2:31-34</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 29. - Let it rest on the head of Joab. The Hebrew word is very strong, "Let it roll itself," or throw itself upon Joab's head. The force of the expression thus indicates the great excitement under which David was labouring; yet even so it was no slight matter to utter so bitter a curse upon a man so powerful, and whose military skill was so essential to the maintenance of his throne. To a man of David's strong sense of justice, it was a small matter that by Abner's murder the kingdom of the ten tribes was lost perhaps forever; what he hated was the wickedness of this mean act of personal revenge. And thus his imprecations are all such as would be humiliating to a family so distinguished for great physical as well as mental gifts, as the house of Zeruiah. Nor was David content with this; for we gather from <a href="/1_chronicles/11-6.htm">1 Chronicles 11:6</a> that during the intervening years Joab was deprived of his office, and that he regained it only by an act of daring bravery. (For the miserable condition of one suffering with an issue, see <a href="/leviticus/15-2.htm">Leviticus 15:2</a>, etc.; and for that of a leper, <a href="/leviticus/13.htm">Leviticus 13, 14</a>.) Instead of one that leaneth on a staff, some translate "a distaff holder," that is, a poor effeminate creature, fit only for woman's work. The true sense is probably a cripple - one who needs a crutch. That falleth on the sword; more correctly the Revised Version, that falleth by the sword. The two last imprecations mean that if any of the race of Joab and Abishai escape these personal blemishes, yet that his fate shall be, in war an inglorious death, and in peace a life of poverty. This curse of David is regarded in the Talmud ('Sanhedr.,' 48.2) as very sinful. Undeniably it was uttered in violent anger, and while Joab's act was utterly base and perfidious, yet he had the excuse for it of Asahel's death and David's double-dealing. The latter made him conclude that the man who had killed his brother was also to usurp his place. Possibly this suspicion was not without reason. As David was strong enough to deprive Joab of his command, it is plain that he had nothing to fear from telling him his plans. Joab would have assented, the blood feud have been appeased by a money payment, and all gone well. But David, it seems, wished to hold Joab in check by giving at least a share in the command to the veteran Abner. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/3-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>May it whirl יָחֻ֙לוּ֙ (yā·ḥu·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the heads רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head of Joab יוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites and וְאֶ֖ל (wə·’el) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the entire כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of his father, אָבִ֑יו (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father and may the house מִבֵּ֣ית (mib·bêṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Joab יוֹאָ֡ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites never וְֽאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be without יִכָּרֵ֣ת (yik·kā·rêṯ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant one having a discharge זָ֠ב (zāḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2100.htm">Strong's 2100: </a> To flow freely, to have a, flux, to waste away, to overflow or skin disease וּמְצֹרָ֞ע (ū·mə·ṣō·rā‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6879.htm">Strong's 6879: </a> To be struck with leprosy, to be leprous or who leans וּמַחֲזִ֥יק (ū·ma·ḥă·zîq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer on a staff בַּפֶּ֛לֶךְ (bap·pe·leḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6418.htm">Strong's 6418: </a> A circuit, a spindle, a crutch or falls וְנֹפֵ֥ל (wə·nō·p̄êl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie by the sword בַּחֶ֖רֶב (ba·ḥe·reḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword or starves.” וַחֲסַר־ (wa·ḥă·sar-) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> Needy, lacking, in want of <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/3-29.htm">2 Samuel 3:29 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-29.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 3:29 Let it fall on the head (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:30" /></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>