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2 Samuel 3:37

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2 Samuel 3:39

2 Samuel 3:38 net — Then the king said to his servants,“Do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in Israel?

NET Bible

"Then the king said to his servants,“Do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in Israel?"

— 2 Samuel 3:38, NET Bible

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2 Samuel 3:38 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 3 — Context

35

Then all the people came and encouraged David to eat food while it was still day. But David took an oath saying,“God will punish me severely if I taste bread or anything whatsoever before the sun sets!”

36

All the people noticed this and it pleased them. In fact, everything the king did pleased all the people.

37

All the people and all Israel realized on that day that the killing of Abner son of Ner was not done at the king’s instigation.

38

Then the king said to his servants,“Do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in Israel?

39

Today I am weak, even though I am anointed as king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too much for me to bear! May the LORD punish appropriately the one who has done this evil thing!”

2 Samuel 3:38 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 3:38 say?
2 Samuel 3:38 in the NET Bible reads: “Then the king said to his servants,“Do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in Israel?”
Where is 2 Samuel 3:38 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 3:38 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 3, verse 38.
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 3:38.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 3:38 in?
2 Samuel 3:38 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 3:38?
2 Samuel 3:38 reads (NET): “Then the king said to his servants,“Do you not realize that a great leader has fallen this day in Israel?” 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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