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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 12:21 "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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/12-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/10_2Sa_12_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 12:21 - David's Loss and Repentance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What is this you have done? his servants asked. 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While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />His advisers were amazed. “We don’t understand you,” they told him. “While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said his servants unto him, What thing <i>is</i> this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, <i>while it was</i> alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What <i>is</i> this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child <i>while he was</i> alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child <i>while he was</i> alive; but when the child died, you got up and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, &#8220What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive you fasted and wept, but when the child died, you got up and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His servants asked him, “Why have you done this? While the baby was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His servants asked him, &#8220What did you just do? While the baby was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate food.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />His officials said, "What are you doing? You went without eating and cried for your son while he was alive! But now that he's dead, you're up and eating." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />His officials asked him, "Why are you acting this way? You fasted and cried over the child when he was alive. But as soon as the child died, you got up and ate."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"We don't understand this," his officials said to him. "While the child was alive, you wept for him and would not eat; but as soon as he died, you got up and ate!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />His staff asked him, "What's this about? When the child was alive, you fasted and cried. Now that the child has died, you get up and eat!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />His servants said to him, "What is this that you have done? While the child was still alive, you fasted and wept. Once the child was dead you got up and ate food!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, "What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept and kept vigil for the child while he was alive; but when the child was dead, you rose up and ate bread."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said his servants to him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but after the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child was dead, you rose up and ate bread.” <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 his servants say to him, “What [is] this thing you have done? Because of the living boy you have fasted and you weep, and when the boy is dead you have risen and eat bread.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And his servants say unto him, 'What is this thing thou hast done? because of the living lad thou hast fasted and dost weep, and when the lad is dead thou hast risen and dost eat bread.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his servants will say to him, What this word which thou didst? for sake of the child living thou didst fast and weep, and when the child died thou didst rise and thou wilt eat bread.<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 his servants said to him: What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive, but when the child was dead, thou didst rise up, and eat bread. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But his servants said to him: “What is this word that you have done? You fasted and were weeping, on behalf of the infant, while he was still alive. But when the boy was dead, you arose and ate bread.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His servants said to him: “What is this you are doing? While the child was living, you fasted and wept and kept vigil; now that the child is dead, you rise and take food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while it was alive; but when the child died, you rose and ate food.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then his servants said to him, What is this that you have done? While the child was still alive, you were fasting and praying, but when he was dead, you did rise up and eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />His Servants said to him: “What is this you have done? When the boy was alive, you were fasting and praying, and when he died you arose to eat bread!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then said his servants unto him: 'What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his servants said to him, What <i>is</i> this thing that thou hast done concerning the child? while it was yet living thou didst fast, and weep, and watch: and when the child was dead thou didst rise up, and didst eat bread, and drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/12-21.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=3088" 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">20</span>Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What is</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you have done?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: ba·‘ă·ḇūr (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">“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 (N-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·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">you fasted</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: wat·tê·ḇək (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">and wept,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wə·ḵa·’ă·šer (Conj-w, Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">but when</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.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">died,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qam·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">you got up</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: wat·tō·ḵal (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">and ate.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain."></a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>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.’…<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="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16-20</a></span><br />David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The 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. / 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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11-12</a></span><br />Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">2 Samuel 3:31-35</a></span><br />Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. / When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept. / And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10-11</a></span><br />In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. / And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">1 Samuel 7:6</a></span><br />When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a></span><br />And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a></span><br />In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13-14</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. / I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Psalm 69:10</a></span><br />I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a></span><br />When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-15</a></span><br />Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-17.htm">Matthew 11:17</a></span><br />‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18-20</a></span><br />Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast. / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said his servants to him, What thing is this that you have done? you did fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, you did rise and eat bread.</p><p class="hdg">What thing</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/2-15.htm">1 Corinthians 2:15</a></b></br> But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-18.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-18.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-18.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-32.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-27.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/17-32.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-28.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-18.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-15.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-11.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Wept</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>“What is this you have done?”</b><br>This question is posed by David's servants, reflecting their confusion and surprise at David's actions. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, mourning customs were well-established, and David's behavior seemed to contradict these norms. Typically, fasting and weeping would follow a death, not precede it. This question highlights the servants' lack of understanding of David's spiritual insight and his relationship with God. It also echoes the broader biblical theme of questioning God's ways, as seen in <a href="/job/38-2.htm">Job 38:2-3</a>, where God questions Job, challenging human understanding of divine actions.<p><b>“his servants asked.”</b><br>The servants represent the common perspective of the people around David, who are observing his actions closely. In the historical context, servants often had intimate knowledge of the household's affairs and were privy to the personal lives of their masters. Their role here is significant as it provides a narrative device to explore David's internal transformation and understanding of God's will. This interaction also reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where servants could question but not challenge their master's decisions.<p><b>“While the child was alive, you fasted and wept,”</b><br>David's fasting and weeping while the child was alive demonstrate his deep repentance and plea for God's mercy. This behavior aligns with the biblical tradition of fasting as a form of supplication and humility before God, as seen in <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a>, where the people of Nineveh fasted to avert God's judgment. David's actions also reflect his understanding of the gravity of his sin with Bathsheba and the resulting consequences, as Nathan the prophet had pronounced in <a href="/2_samuel/12-14.htm">2 Samuel 12:14</a>. The fasting and weeping signify David's hope that God might relent and spare the child, illustrating the biblical principle of seeking God's compassion.<p><b>“but when he died, you got up and ate.”</b><br>David's decision to rise and eat after the child's death signifies acceptance of God's judgment and a return to normalcy. This action is counterintuitive to the expected mourning practices, which would typically involve continued fasting and lamentation. David's behavior demonstrates his faith and submission to God's will, acknowledging that the child's death was part of God's divine plan. This acceptance is reminiscent of Job's response to suffering in <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20-21</a>, where he worships God despite his losses. David's actions also foreshadow the New Testament teaching of hope and resurrection, as seen in <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13-14</a>, where believers are encouraged not to grieve as those without hope.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, who is mourning the death of his child. His actions and reactions are central to this passage.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david's_servants.htm">David's Servants</a></b><br>They are puzzled by David's behavior and question him about his change in demeanor after the child's death.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_child.htm">The Child</a></b><br>The son born to David and Bathsheba, who becomes ill and dies as a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a></b><br>The mother of the child and wife of David, involved in the events leading up to this moment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/nathan_the_prophet.htm">Nathan the Prophet</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Nathan plays a crucial role in the preceding events by confronting David about his sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>David's acceptance of his child's death demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereignty and justice. We are reminded to trust God's plan, even when it is difficult to understand.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_forgiveness.htm">Repentance and Forgiveness</a></b><br>David's actions before and after the child's death highlight the importance of genuine repentance. True repentance involves a change of heart and acceptance of God's discipline.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fasting_and_prayer.htm">The Role of Fasting and Prayer</a></b><br>David's fasting and prayer show the importance of seeking God earnestly in times of crisis. However, his return to normal life after the child's death teaches us about accepting God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dealing_with_grief.htm">Dealing with Grief</a></b><br>David's behavior provides a model for dealing with grief. While mourning is natural, there is a time to move forward and continue living in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The role of David's servants in questioning him highlights the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual journey.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fasting.htm">What does the Bible say about fasting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_aborted_babies_enter_heaven.htm">Do aborted babies enter heaven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/12-21.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">“What [is]</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(māh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have done?”</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֑יתָה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śî·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<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">בַּעֲב֞וּר</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·ḇūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the child</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיֶּ֤לֶד</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">חַי֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - 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">you fasted</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֣מְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣam·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine 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">וַתֵּ֔בְךְּ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·ḇək)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine 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">but when</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיֶּ֔לֶד</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">died,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you got up</span><br /><span class="heb">קַ֖מְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(qam·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ate.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֥אכַל</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/12-21.htm">2 Samuel 12:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 12:21 Then said his servants to him What (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:22" /></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>