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2 Samuel 12:23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."
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Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I am going to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead; why should I [continue to] fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him [when I die], but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I’ll go to him, but he will never return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I’ll go to him, but he will never return to me.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But why should I fast now that he's dead? Can I bring him back? [Someday] I'll go to him, but he won't come back to me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Could I bring the child back to life? I will some day go to where he is, but he can never come back to me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But now that he has died, what's the point of fasting? Can I bring him back again? I'll be going to be with him, but he won't be returning to me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Am I able to bring him back? I will go to him, but he cannot return to me!'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But now he is dead, Why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And now, he has died, why [is] this—I fast? Am I able to bring him back again? I am going to him, and he does not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and now, he hath died, why is this -- I fast? am I able to bring him back again? I am going unto him, and he doth not turn back unto me.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And now he died, wherefore thus do I fast? shall I be able to yet turn him back? I go to him, and he will not turn back to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Shall I be able to bring him back any more? I shall go to him rather: but he shall not return to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Would I be able to bring him back anymore? Instead, I will go to him. Yet truly, he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he cannot return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Therefore, because he is dead, why would I fast? Is he able to return again? I shall go to him and he cannot come to me”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But now it is dead, why should I fast thus? shall I be able to bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/12-23.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=3111" 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">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.’ <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">But now</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">that he is dead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">should I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: ṣām (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">fast?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ha·’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">Can</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: la·hă·šî·ḇōw (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">I bring him back</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">again?</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I will</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">but he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: yā·šūḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me.”</a> </span><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="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13-14</a></span><br />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. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-8.htm">Job 7:8-10</a></span><br />The eye that beholds me will no longer see me. You will look for me, but I will be no more. / As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. / He never returns to his house; his place remembers him no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-31.htm">Matthew 22:31-32</a></span><br />But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you: / ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a></span><br />Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">1 Corinthians 15:51-54</a></span><br />Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— / in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. / For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Isaiah 26:19</a></span><br />Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a></span><br />‘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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a></span><br />before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Luke 16:22-23</a></span><br />One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. / In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Philippians 1:21-23</a></span><br />For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Genesis 37:35</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a></span><br />Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-1.htm">John 14:1-3</a></span><br />“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. / In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20-22</a></span><br />But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. / For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10-11</a></span><br />For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. / You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.</p><p class="hdg">I shall go</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Genesis 37:35</a></b></br> And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-23.htm">Job 30:23</a></b></br> For I know <i>that</i> thou wilt bring me <i>to</i> death, and <i>to</i> the house appointed for all living.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Luke 23:43</a></b></br> And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.</p><p class="hdg">he shall not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-8.htm">Job 7:8-10</a></b></br> The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no <i>more</i>: thine eyes <i>are</i> upon me, and I <i>am</i> not… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-21.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-9.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-22.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">Child</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-32.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-33.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-2.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-7.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-26.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-4.htm">Wherefore</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>But now that he is dead</b><br>This phrase refers to the death of David's child, born from his union with Bathsheba. The context is the consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Nathan the prophet had foretold the child's death as a divine judgment (<a href="/2_samuel/12-14.htm">2 Samuel 12:14</a>). The death signifies the finality of God's judgment in this instance, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and its consequences.<p><b>why should I fast?</b><br>Fasting in the Old Testament was often associated with mourning, repentance, or seeking God's favor (e.g., <a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">1 Samuel 7:6</a>, <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5</a>). David had fasted and prayed while the child was ill, hoping for God's mercy (<a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16</a>). This rhetorical question indicates David's acceptance of God's will and the futility of fasting now that the child has died. It reflects a shift from seeking intervention to accepting God's sovereign decision.<p><b>Can I bring him back again?</b><br>This question underscores the irreversible nature of death. In the ancient Near Eastern context, death was seen as a one-way journey, with no return to earthly life. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that life and death are in God's hands (<a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2</a>). The question highlights human limitations and the acceptance of divine sovereignty over life and death.<p><b>I will go to him</b><br>David expresses a belief in an afterlife, suggesting that he will one day join his child in death. This reflects an early understanding of life beyond the grave, which is more fully developed in later biblical texts (e.g., <a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Daniel 12:2</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20-22</a>). It also conveys a sense of hope and reunion, indicating that death is not the end of existence.<p><b>but he will not return to me.</b><br>This final phrase reiterates the permanence of death and the separation it causes in this life. It acknowledges the reality that the child cannot return to the living, emphasizing the finality of earthly life. This acceptance is a crucial part of David's grieving process and reflects a trust in God's ultimate plan, even amidst personal loss. The phrase also subtly points to the future hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that are central to Christian eschatology.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a></b><br>The wife of Uriah, who became pregnant by David, leading to the events surrounding the death of their child.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/nathan_the_prophet.htm">Nathan the Prophet</a></b><br>God's messenger who confronted David about his sin, leading to David's repentance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_child.htm">The Child</a></b><br>The son born to David and Bathsheba, who became ill and died as a consequence of David's sin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events took place, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/acceptance_of_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acceptance of God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>David's response to his child's death demonstrates a profound acceptance of God's will. We are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of loss and suffering.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_of_reunion.htm">Hope of Reunion</a></b><br>The phrase "I will go to him" suggests a belief in an afterlife and the hope of reunion with loved ones. This can comfort believers who mourn, knowing that death is not the end.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_forgiveness.htm">Repentance and Forgiveness</a></b><br>David's account highlights the importance of genuine repentance. Despite his grave sins, David sought God's forgiveness, which is a model for us to seek reconciliation with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/life's_temporal_nature.htm">Life's Temporal Nature</a></b><br>The passage underscores the transient nature of life. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters in light of eternity.<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 before the child's death show the importance of seeking God earnestly in times of crisis, while also accepting His ultimate decision.<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_happens_to_babies_who_die.htm">What happens to babies who die?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_david_dance_nude_before_the_lord.htm">Do infants enter heaven after death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_child_salvation.htm">What does the Bible say about salvation for children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_stress_over_tomorrow_today.htm">What happens to young children after they die?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">I shall go to him.</span>--As far as the mere words themselves are concerned, this might be taken as the expression of a Stoic's comfort, "I shall go to the dead, but the dead will not come to me;" but David, in his whole nature and belief, was as far as possible from being a Stoic, and these words in his mouth can scarcely be anything else than an expression of confidence in a life of consciousness beyond the grave, and of the future recognition of those loved on earth.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I shall go to him, but he shall</span> <span class="cmt_word">not return to me.</span> These words indicate, first of all, much personal feeling for the child. Hence some have supposed that, as Solomon is placed last of Bathsheba's four sons in <a href="/2_samuel/5-14.htm">2 Samuel 5:14</a> and <a href="/1_chronicles/3-5.htm">1 Chronicles 3:5</a>, three other sons had already been borne by her, and that consequently this child, the fruit of their adultery, would now have been seven or eight years of age. It is certainly remarkable that in ver. 16 David calls him "the lad" (so the Hebrew), though in every other place he is styled "the child." On the other hand, we gather from ver. 14 that probably he was as yet the only child, and this is the more reasonable view, even if Solomon was the youngest son (but see note on ver. 24). But secondly, the words indicate a belief in the continued existence of the child, and even that David would recognize and know him in the future world. Less than this would have given no comfort to the father for his loss. Now, it is true that we can find no clear dogmatic teaching in the early Scriptures upon the immortality of the soul. Job could give expression to no such hope in Job 7:6-10, and the belief in a world to come would have solved the difficulties of himself and his friends, which really are left unsolved. Even in the Psalms there are words that border on despair (see <a href="/psalms/6-5.htm">Psalm 6:5</a>; <a href="/psalms/30-9.htm">Psalm 30:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/88-11.htm">Psalm 88:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/115-17.htm">Psalm 115:17</a>); nor had Hezekiah any such belief in continued existence as could solace him in the expectation of an early death (<a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18, 19</a>). This hopelessness was not unnatural at a time when the doctrine had not been as yet clearly taught. On the other hand, in <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Psalm 17:15</a> and Psalm 16:9-11 We find proof that David did believe in his own immortality. For though the latter words have a second and higher meaning, yet the primary sense of <a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10</a> is that David's own soul (or self) would not always remain in Sheol, the abode of the departed, nor would he, Jehovah's anointed one, see such corruption as would end in annihilation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/12-23.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">But now</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that he is dead,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֗ת</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">why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֤מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·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">should I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fast?</span><br /><span class="heb">צָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(ṣām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - 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">Can</span><br /><span class="heb">הַאוּכַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’ū·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be able, have power</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I bring him back</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲשִׁיב֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·šî·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">again?</span><br /><span class="heb">ע֑וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלֵ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he</span><br /><span class="heb">וְה֖וּא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">return</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשׁ֥וּב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/12-23.htm">2 Samuel 12:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 12:23 But now he is dead why should (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/12-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 12:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 12:24" /></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>