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2 Samuel 12:11

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

2 Samuel 12:11 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the LORD is delivering a message of judgement to King David through the prophet Nathan. The LORD is warning David that because of his sin of committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband Uriah, there will be severe consequences. The evil that will be raised up against David will come from within his own household, leading to turmoil and betrayal. Additionally, the LORD declares that David's wives will be taken by his neighbor and that he will lie with them in public view, which will bring humiliation and shame upon David. This prophecy serves as a reminder of the serious nature of sin and the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and obedience to the LORD's commands. It also highlights the principle of reaping what one sows, as David's actions have brought about devastating consequences for himself and his family.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "raise up evil against thee out of thine own house" is a powerful statement from the LORD indicating that consequences would arise from within King David's own family as a result of his sins. The Hebrew word used for "raise up" is often translated as "stir up," implying that the LORD Himself would provoke or incite trouble to come against David. The word "evil" can also be translated as calamity or adversity, showing that the consequences would be severe. The use of the term "thine own house" highlights that the source of the trouble would be close to David, possibly even involving his immediate family. The imagery of having his wives taken and given to his neighbor to be violated in broad daylight underscores the humiliation and shame that David would experience as a result of his transgressions. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences of sin, even for a great leader like David.

2 Samuel 12:11 in other translations

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house; and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

World English Bible

“This is what Yahweh says: ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he will lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.

Douay-Rheims

Thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thy own house, and I will take thy wives before thy eyes and give them to thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Thus sayth the Lord, Behold, I will rayse vp euil against thee out of thine owne house, and will take thy wiues before thine eyes, and giue them vnto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wiues in the sight of this sunne.