2 Samuel 3:17 kjv — And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:

King James Version

"And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:"

— 2 Samuel 3:17, King James Version

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2 Samuel 3:17 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 3 — Context

14

And David sent messengers to Ish–bosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

15

And Ish–bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.

16

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

17

And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:

18

Now then do it: for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.

19

And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.

20

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

2 Samuel 3:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 3:17 say?
2 Samuel 3:17 in the King James Version reads: “And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:”
Where is 2 Samuel 3:17 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 3:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 3, verse 17.
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 3:17.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 3:17 in?
2 Samuel 3:17 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 3:17?
2 Samuel 3:17 reads (KJV): “And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:” 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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