2 Samuel 12:23 asv — 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 m…

American Standard Version

"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. "

— 2 Samuel 12:23, American Standard Version

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2 Samuel 12:23 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 12 — Context

20

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel; and he came into the house of Jehovah, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

21

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.

22

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether Jehovah will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?

23

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.

24

And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon. And Jehovah loved him;

25

and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, for Jehovah’s sake.

26

Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

2 Samuel 12:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 12:23 say?
2 Samuel 12:23 in the American Standard Version reads: “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. ”
Where is 2 Samuel 12:23 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 12:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 12, verse 23.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 12:23.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 12:23 in?
2 Samuel 12:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 12:23?
2 Samuel 12:23 reads (ASV): “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. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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