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David&#8217s attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, &#8220While the child was still living, he wouldn&#8217t listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then on the seventh day the child died. David’s advisers were afraid to tell him. “He wouldn’t listen to reason while the child was ill,” they said. “What drastic thing will he do when we tell him the child is dead?” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to us. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm?” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, &#8220Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child has died? He might do himself harm!” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “While the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he would not listen to our voices. How then can we tell him the child is dead, since he might harm himself [or us]?” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> On the seventh day the baby died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him the baby was dead. They said, “Look, while the baby was alive, we spoke to him, and he wouldn’t listen to us. So how can we tell him the baby is dead? He may do something desperate.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> On the seventh day the baby died. But David&#8217s servants were afraid to tell him the baby was dead. They said, &#8220Look, while the baby was alive, we spoke to him, and he wouldn&#8217t listen to us. So how can we tell him the baby is dead? He may do something desperate.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead! <a href="/cev/2_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After the child had been sick for seven days, he died, but the officials were afraid to tell David. They said to each other, "Even when the boy was alive, David wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him his son is dead? He might do something terrible!" <a href="/erv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> On the seventh day the child died. But David's officials were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. They thought, "While the child was alive, we talked to him, and he wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may harm [himself]." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> A week later the child died, and David's officials were afraid to tell him the news. They said, "While the child was living, David wouldn't answer us when we spoke to him. How can we tell him that his child is dead? He might do himself some harm!" <a href="/isv/2_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> A week later, the child died, and David's staff was afraid to tell him that the child had died. They were telling themselves, "Look, when the child was still alive, we talked to him but he wouldn't listen to what we said. Now what kind of trouble will he bring on himself if we tell him that the child has died?" <a href="/msb/2_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> On the seventh day the child died. But David?s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, ?Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a> On the seventh day the child died. But the servants of David were afraid to inform him that the child had died, for they said, "While the child was still alive he would not listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He will do himself harm!" <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened on the seventh day, that the child died. The servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, "Look, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to our voice. How will he then harm himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?" <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not hearken to our voice: how will he then be grieved, if we tell him that the child is dead? <a href="/web/2_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a> On the seventh day, the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him and he didn’t listen to our voice. How will he then harm himself if we tell him that the child is dead?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and it comes to pass on the seventh day, that the boy dies, and the servants of David fear to declare to him that the boy is dead, for they said, “Behold, in the boy being alive we spoke to him, and he did not listen to our voice; and how do we say to him, The boy is dead? Then he has done evil.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it cometh to pass on the seventh day, that the lad dieth, and the servants of David fear to declare to him that the lad is dead, for they said, 'Lo, in the lad being alive we spake unto him, and he did not hearken to our voice; and how do we say unto him, The lad is dead? -- then he hath done evil.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be in the seventh day, and the child will die. And David's servants feared to announce to him that the child died: for they said, Behold, in the child being living we spake to him and he heard not to our voice, and how shall we say to him the child died, and do evil?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died: and the servants of David feared to tell him, that the child was dead. For they said: Behold when the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not hearken to our voice: how much more will he afflict himself if we tell him that the child is dead? <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, on the seventh day, it happened that the infant died. And the servants of David were afraid to report to him that the little one had died. For they said: “Behold, when the child was still alive, we were speaking to him, but he would not listen to our voice. How much more will he afflict himself, if we tell him that the boy is dead?” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a> On the seventh day, the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said: “When the child was alive, we spoke to him, but he would not listen to what we said. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do some harm!” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, “While the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us; how then can we tell him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us; how then shall we tell him now that the child is dead? He may react violently. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And on the seventh day the boy died, and the Servants of David were afraid to tell him that the boy died, because they said: “When the boy was living, they spoke to him and he was not listening to them, how shall we say to him, ‘Behold, the boy is dead?’ He will cause harm!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said: 'Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice; how then shall we tell him that the child is dead, so that he do himself some harm?' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died: and the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive we spoke to him, and he hearkened not to our voice; and thou should we tell him that the child is dead? - so would he do himself harm. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/12-18.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=3035" 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/12.htm">David's Loss and Repentance</a> …17The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. 18<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7637.htm" title="7637: haš·šə·ḇî·‘î (Art:: Number-oms) -- Seventh (an ord. number). Or shbi iy; ordinal from shib'iym. seventh.">On the seventh</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</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.">the child</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·māṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">died.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">But David’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">were afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: lə·hag·gîḏ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be conspicuous. ">to tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</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/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">was dead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mə·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ḇih·yō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></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.">while 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/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bar·nū (V-Piel-Perf-1cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">we spoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and he would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen to us.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: bə·qō·w·lê·nū (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound."></a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: wə·’êḵ (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">So how</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: nō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">can we tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">him</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/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">is dead?</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·‘ā·śāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">He may even harm himself.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil."></a> 19When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he perceived that the child was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” “He is dead,” they replied.…<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="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-19</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ... <a href="/1_kings/14-12.htm">1 Kings 14:12-13</a> As for you, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die. / All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. <a href="/job/1-18.htm">Job 1:18-19</a> While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, / when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">2 Samuel 18:33</a> The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34-35</a> Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a> Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. <a href="/john/11-33.htm">John 11:33-35</a> When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13</a> Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-3.htm">2 Corinthians 1:3-4</a> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2</a> The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a> This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16-18</a> When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. / Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: / “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-11</a> And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ... <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a> ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?vex [heb] do hurt to <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-24.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/judges/14-18.htm">Seventh</a> <a href="/numbers/33-55.htm">Vex</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-15.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-2.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-14.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-30.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-2.htm">Seventh</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-6.htm">Vex</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-14.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 12</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">Nathan's parable of the ewe lamb causes David to be his own judge.</a> 7. <a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">David, reproved by Nathan, confesses his sin, and is pardoned</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/12-15.htm">David mourns and prays for the child while it lives</a> 24. <a href="/2_samuel/12-24.htm">Solomon is born, and named Jedidiah</a> 26. <a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">David takes Rabbah, and tortures the people thereof</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/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>On the seventh day the child died. The death of the child on the seventh day is significant, as the number seven often symbolizes completion or divine perfection in the Bible. This event marks the completion of the judgment pronounced by Nathan the prophet in <a href="/2_samuel/12-14.htm">2 Samuel 12:14</a>. The child’s death is a direct consequence of David’s sin with Bathsheba, illustrating the seriousness of sin and its repercussions. The seventh day also holds cultural significance, as it was the day of circumcision for Hebrew male infants, a covenantal sign between God and His people (<a href="/genesis/17-12.htm">Genesis 17:12</a>).But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, The fear of David’s servants reflects the gravity of the situation and their understanding of David’s emotional state. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were often seen as powerful and potentially volatile figures. The servants’ fear indicates their concern for David’s reaction, knowing his deep grief and previous behavior during the child’s illness. This also highlights the hierarchical nature of ancient societies, where servants had to carefully navigate their interactions with their superiors.for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. This phrase underscores David’s intense mourning and his refusal to be comforted or distracted from his vigil for the child. It reflects a common human response to impending loss, where individuals may become withdrawn or unresponsive. The servants’ observation also points to David’s deep remorse and repentance, as he fasted and prayed for the child’s life, hoping for God’s mercy despite the prophetic word of judgment.So how can we tell him the child is dead? The servants’ question reveals their dilemma and the potential consequences of delivering bad news to a grieving king. In the context of ancient Israel, messengers of bad news often faced danger, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">2 Samuel 1:15-16</a>). This reflects the broader cultural understanding of the messenger’s role and the weight of their message.He may even harm himself.” The concern that David might harm himself indicates the depth of his despair and the servants’ awareness of his fragile emotional state. This phrase highlights the potential for self-destructive behavior in the face of overwhelming grief and guilt. It also serves as a reminder of the human tendency to react intensely to personal tragedy, especially when compounded by feelings of responsibility and remorse. The servants’ fear for David’s well-being underscores the communal aspect of grief and the importance of support during times of crisis.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel who committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah. He is confronted by the prophet Nathan and faces the consequences of his sin. 2. <a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a> The wife of Uriah, who becomes pregnant by David. Her child with David becomes ill and eventually dies as a result of David's sin. 3. <a href="/topical/n/nathan.htm">Nathan</a> The prophet who confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba, delivering God's message of judgment and mercy. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_child.htm">The Child</a> The son born to David and Bathsheba, who becomes ill and dies as a consequence of David's sin. 5. <a href="/topical/s/servants_of_david.htm">Servants of David</a> They are concerned about David's reaction to the child's death, fearing his response due to his intense mourning while the child was ill.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> Sin has real and painful consequences, not only for the sinner but also for those around them. David's sin led to the death of his child, illustrating the seriousness of disobedience to God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_repentance.htm">The Role of Repentance</a> True repentance involves acknowledging one's sin and turning away from it. David's response to Nathan's confrontation shows a heart willing to repent, as seen in <a href="/bsb/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51</a>. <a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_and_justice.htm">God's Mercy and Justice</a> While God is just and there are consequences for sin, He is also merciful. David's life is spared, and he continues to be used by God despite his failures. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_accountability.htm">The Importance of Accountability</a> Nathan's role in confronting David highlights the importance of having godly accountability in our lives to help us stay on the right path. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a> Even in the face of tragedy and loss, we are called to trust in God's sovereign plan, as David did when he worshiped after his child's death.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 12</a> <a href="/q/who_was_bathsheba_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Bathsheba in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_many_famine_years_for_david.htm">God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12)</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a> <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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/12-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>On the seventh הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י (haš·šə·ḇî·‘î) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7637.htm">Strong's 7637: </a> Seventh (an ordinal number) day בַּיּ֥וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day the child הַיָּ֑לֶד (hay·yā·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> Something born, a lad, offspring died. וַיָּ֣מָת (way·yā·māṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill But David’s דָוִ֜ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse servants עַבְדֵ֨י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant were afraid וַיִּֽרְאוּ֩ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten to tell לְהַגִּ֥יד (lə·hag·gîḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous him ל֣וֹ ׀ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the child הַיֶּ֗לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> Something born, a lad, offspring was dead, מֵ֣ת (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill for כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they said, אָֽמְרוּ֙ (’ā·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Look, הִנֵּה֩ (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! while the child הַיֶּ֜לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> Something born, a lad, offspring was וַיְהִ֛י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be alive, חַ֗י (ḥay) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life we spoke דִּבַּ֤רְנוּ (dib·bar·nū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to him, אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to and he would not וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no listen to us. שָׁמַ֣ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently So how וְאֵ֨יךְ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> How?, how!, where can we tell נֹאמַ֥ר (nō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say him אֵלָ֛יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the child הַיֶּ֖לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> Something born, a lad, offspring is dead? מֵ֥ת (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill He may even harm himself.? וְעָשָׂ֥ה (wə·‘ā·śāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/12-18.htm">2 Samuel 12:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-18.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 12:18 It happened on the seventh day that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:19" /></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>