2 Samuel 2:16 web — They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: t…

World English Bible

"They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon."

— 2 Samuel 2:16, World English Bible

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2 Samuel 2:16 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 2 — Context

13

Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

14

Abner said to Joab, "Please let the young men arise and play before us!" Joab said, "Let them arise!"

15

Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16

They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

17

The battle was very severe that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

18

The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.

19

Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he didn't turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

2 Samuel 2:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 2:16 say?
2 Samuel 2:16 in the World English Bible reads: “They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.”
Where is 2 Samuel 2:16 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 2:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 2, verse 16.
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 2:16.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 2:16 in?
2 Samuel 2:16 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 2:16?
2 Samuel 2:16 reads (WEB): “They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.” 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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