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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 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing--a very beautiful woman.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/11-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/10_2Sa_11_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 11:2 - David and Bathsheba" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. 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From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/11.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/11.htm">New King James Version</a> Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now at evening time David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king&#8217s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> One evening David got up from his couch and was walking on the [flat] roof of the king’s palace, and from there he saw a woman bathing; and she was very beautiful in appearance. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass at eventide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass at eventide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, when evening came, David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the royal palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, and she was very pretty. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> One day, late in the afternoon, David got up from his nap and went to the palace roof. As he walked around up there, he saw a woman taking a bath in her house. She was very beautiful. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Late one afternoon about dusk, David got up from his couch and was walking around on the roof of the royal palace. From there he watched a woman taking a bath, and she was very beautiful to look at. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing?a very beautiful woman. <a href="/net/2_samuel/11.htm">NET Bible</a> One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of his palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. Now this woman was very attractive. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now it happened one evening that David got up from his bed and walked on the roof of the king?s palace; and he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/web/2_samuel/11.htm">World English Bible</a> At evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to look at. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, at evening-time, that David rises from off his bed, and walks up and down on the roof of the king’s house, and sees a woman bathing from the roof, and the woman [is] of very good appearance, <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it cometh to pass, at evening-time, that David riseth from off his couch, and walketh up and down on the roof of the king's house, and seeth from the roof a woman bathing, and the woman is of very good appearance, <a href="/slt/2_samuel/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be at the time of the evening, and David will rise from off his bed, and will go upon the roof of the king's house: and he will see from the roof a woman washing herself; and the woman good of aspect exceedingly.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In the mean time it happened that David arose from his bed after noon, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and he saw from the roof of his house a woman washing herself, over against him: and the woman was very beautiful. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> While these things were taking place, David happened to arise from his bed after midday, and he walked upon the terrace of the king’s house. And he saw, across from his terrace, a woman washing herself. And the woman was very beautiful. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/11.htm">New American Bible</a> One evening David rose from his bed and strolled about on the roof of the king’s house. From the roof he saw a woman bathing; she was very beautiful. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass in the evening that David arose from his bed and walked upon the roof of the king's house; and he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And at the time of evening, David arose from his bed and he walked on the roof of the house of his kingdom, and he saw one woman when she bathed, and the appearance of the woman was very beautiful<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass at eventide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house; and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass toward evening, that David arose off his couch, and walked on the roof of the king's house, and saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/11-2.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=2559" 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/11.htm">David and Bathsheba</a> 1In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. 2<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/6256.htm" title="6256: lə·‘êṯ (Prep-l:: N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: hā·‘e·reḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">One evening</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·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.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">got up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/4904.htm" title="4904: miš·kā·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Place of lying, a couch, act of lying. From shakab; a bed; abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse.">his bed</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yiṯ·hal·lêḵ (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and strolled around</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: gaḡ (N-msc) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ- (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of the palace.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">And from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: hag·gāḡ (Art:: N-ms) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">he saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">a woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/7364.htm" title="7364: rō·ḥe·ṣeṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To wash, wash off or away, bathe. A primitive root; to lave.">bathing—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">a very</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇaṯ (Adj-fsc) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">beautiful</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’eh (N-ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision."></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·hā·’iš·šāh (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman.</a> 3So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”…<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="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a> When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a> But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. <a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a> But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. <a href="/proverbs/6-25.htm">Proverbs 6:25</a> Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16</a> For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Genesis 39:7-12</a> and after some time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” / But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. / No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” ... <a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job 31:1</a> “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin? <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a> So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Judges 16:1</a> One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. <a href="/proverbs/7-6.htm">Proverbs 7:6-27</a> For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice. / I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment, / crossing the street near her corner, strolling down the road to her house, ... <a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a> “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Romans 13:14</a> Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a> For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-4</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. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on.arose from<a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">2 Samuel 4:5,7</a> And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon… <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a> Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.<a href="/proverbs/24-33.htm">Proverbs 24:33,34</a> Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: … the roof of<a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Deuteronomy 22:8</a> When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.<a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm">Jeremiah 19:13</a> And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.<a href="/matthew/10-27.htm">Matthew 10:27</a> What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.he saw<a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a> And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.<a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2</a> That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.<a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Genesis 34:2</a> And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.very beautiful<a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Genesis 39:6</a> And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.<a href="/proverbs/6-25.htm">Proverbs 6:25</a> Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.<a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a> Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/19-8.htm">Afternoon</a> <a href="/numbers/19-7.htm">Bathing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/exodus/8-3.htm">Couch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-14.htm">Eveningtide</a> <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">Eventide</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-13.htm">King's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-17.htm">Late</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-2.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-26.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-7.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-6.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-6.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/27-45.htm">Afternoon</a> <a href="/job/36-30.htm">Bathing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-1.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-4.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-13.htm">Couch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-3.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-13.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-14.htm">Eveningtide</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-14.htm">Eventide</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-4.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-4.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-8.htm">King's</a> <a href="/job/24-6.htm">Late</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-8.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-3.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 11</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/11-6.htm">Uriah, sent for by David to cover the adultery, would not go home.</a> 14. <a href="/2_samuel/11-14.htm">He carries to Joab the letter of his death</a> 18. <a href="/2_samuel/11-18.htm">Joab sends the news thereof to David</a> 26. <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">David takes Bathsheba as his wife</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/11.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/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>One evening David got up from his bed This phrase sets the scene during the evening, a time often associated with rest and reflection. David, as king, had the luxury of rising from his bed at this time, indicating a period of leisure. The context here is significant because it was during the spring, a time when kings typically went to war (<a href="/2_samuel/11.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a>), yet David remained in Jerusalem. This decision marks the beginning of a series of events leading to his moral failure. The evening can symbolize a time of vulnerability, as darkness often represents temptation and sin in biblical literature (<a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a>).and strolled around on the roof of the palace. The roof of the palace was a place of privacy and vantage, common in ancient Near Eastern architecture. It provided a view over the city, symbolizing David's elevated status and authority. However, this physical elevation also foreshadows his moral descent. The act of strolling suggests idleness, which can lead to temptation, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Proverbs 16:27</a>, where idle hands are described as the devil's workshop. The palace roof, a place of potential reflection and prayer, becomes instead a place of temptation.And from the roof he saw a woman bathing The act of seeing here is pivotal. In biblical narratives, seeing often precedes desire and sin, as with Eve in <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a>. The woman bathing indicates a private act, suggesting David's intrusion into a personal space. Bathing was a ritual act of purification, possibly linked to Levitical laws (<a href="/leviticus/15-19.htm">Leviticus 15:19-24</a>), highlighting the woman's innocence and the gravity of David's gaze. This moment marks the beginning of David's moral failure, as he allows his gaze to linger, leading to covetousness.a very beautiful woman. The description of the woman as "very beautiful" emphasizes the temptation David faced. Beauty in the Bible is often noted, as with Sarah (<a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11</a>) and Rachel (<a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Genesis 29:17</a>), and can be both a blessing and a source of temptation. This beauty becomes a test of David's character, revealing his susceptibility to lust. The narrative does not name Bathsheba here, focusing instead on David's perspective and the objectification inherent in his gaze. This sets the stage for the ensuing sin, contrasting with the biblical ideal of inner beauty and godly character (<a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is at a pivotal moment in his life where he faces temptation and moral failure. 2. <a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a> The woman whom David sees bathing. She is described as very beautiful and is the wife of Uriah the Hittite. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_roof_of_the_palace.htm">The Roof of the Palace</a> The location where David observes Bathsheba. This setting is significant as it represents a place of power and vulnerability. 4. <a href="/topical/e/evening.htm">Evening</a> The time of day when this event occurs, symbolizing a period of rest and reflection, yet it becomes a moment of temptation for David. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, the capital of Israel and the center of David's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_eyes_and_heart.htm">Guarding the Eyes and Heart</a> David's sin began with a look. We must be vigilant about what we allow our eyes to see and our hearts to desire. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idleness.htm">The Danger of Idleness</a> David was not where he was supposed to be—leading his army. Idleness can lead to vulnerability to temptation. <a href="/topical/t/the_ripple_effect_of_sin.htm">The Ripple Effect of Sin</a> This moment of temptation led to a series of sins (adultery, deceit, murder). Sin often has far-reaching consequences. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> While this passage focuses on David's failure, it sets the stage for his later repentance. God’s grace is available even after grave sin. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_and_community.htm">Accountability and Community</a> David was alone when he fell into temptation. Having accountability partners can help us stay strong in moments of weakness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11</a> <a href="/q/is_bathsheba's_bath_historical_or_narrative.htm">In 2 Samuel 11:2–5, is Bathsheba’s rooftop bathing a plausible historical scenario or a narrative device? </a> <a href="/q/how_is_david_still_'a_man_after_god's_heart'.htm">How can the events of 2 Samuel 11 be reconciled with the traditional portrayal of David as a man after God's own heart?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_david_want_married_bathsheba.htm">Why did David desire Bathsheba despite her being married?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_david_called_upright_despite_sins.htm">How can 1 Kings 15:5 declare David upright aside from Uriah’s case when there are other recorded sins in Scripture? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) In an eveningtide.--Late in the afternoon, when David had taken the siesta customary in Oriental countries, he rose from his couch and walked on the roof of his palace, which in the cool of the day was the pleasantest part of an eastern house. This palace was on the height of Mount Zion, and looked down upon the open courts of the houses in the lower city. In one of these he saw a beautiful woman bathing. In the courts of the houses it was common to have a basin of water, and the place was probably entirely concealed from every other point of observation than the roof of the palace, from which no harm was suspected.David's grievous fall was consequent upon his long course of uninterrupted prosperity and power, which had somewhat intoxicated him and thrown him off his guard. It is no part of the plan of Scripture to cover up or excuse the sins of even its greatest heroes and saints. This sin was followed by the deepest repentance and by the Divine forgiveness; nevertheless its punishment overclouded all the remaining years of David's life. His fall, as St. Augustine has said, should put upon their guard those who have not fallen, and save from despair those who have.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - David arose from off his bed. It was usual in Palestine, and remains so in all hot countries, to take a siesta in the heat of the day (<a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">2 Samuel 4:5</a>); and, on awaking, David walked backward and forward on the fiat roof of his house (<a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">1 Samuel 9:25</a>), to enjoy the cool breezes of the evening. In so doing he was probably following his usual habits; but temptation came upon him, as so often is the case, unexpectedly. We are told that it is regarded in the East as improper for one neighbour to look over the battlement of his house into the inner court of the next dwelling (Philippson). Considering the jealousy with which Orientals guard the female members of their family from intrusion, it was a wrong act on the king's part to spy into what was going on in the recesses of the adjoining house. But he did so, and suffered for it years of disgrace and misery. For he saw a beautiful woman, the wife of one of his high officers, bathing, probably to purify herself from some legal uncleanness, such as those mentioned in <a href="/leviticus/15.htm">Leviticus 15</a>. No blame, so far, must be attached to her. The place was regarded as perfectly secluded, and probably neither she nor Uriah had ever suspected that what went on there could be observed from the roof of the king's palace. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/11-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>One evening הָעֶ֗רֶב (hā·‘e·reḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> Evening David דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse got up וַיָּ֨קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand from מֵעַ֤ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against his bed מִשְׁכָּבוֹ֙ (miš·kā·ḇōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4904.htm">Strong's 4904: </a> Place of lying, a couch, act of lying and strolled around וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙ (way·yiṯ·hal·lêḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the roof גַּ֣ג (gaḡ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> A roof, the top of an altar of the palace. בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house And from מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the roof הַגָּ֑ג (hag·gāḡ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> A roof, the top of an altar he saw וַיַּ֥רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see a woman אִשָּׁ֛ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female bathing— רֹחֶ֖צֶת (rō·ḥe·ṣeṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7364.htm">Strong's 7364: </a> To wash, wash off or away, bathe a very מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily beautiful טוֹבַ֥ת (ṭō·w·ḇaṯ) Adjective - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good woman. וְהָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה (wə·hā·’iš·šāh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 11:2 It happened at evening that David arose (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 11:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 11:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/11-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 11:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 11:3" /></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>