Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

2 Samuel 12:15

And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

2 Samuel 12:15 · King James Version

Meaning

After delivering the message from the LORD to David regarding the consequences of his sins, Nathan the prophet returned to his house. In fulfillment of the prophesied punishment, the child born to David and Bathsheba fell ill. This event serves as a direct consequence of David's actions in taking Bathsheba as his wife after arranging for her husband Uriah's death. The child's sickness was a physical manifestation of the divine judgment upon David's house. This verse underscores the serious nature of sin and its resulting consequences. It also highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. The LORD's actions in striking the child serve as a reminder of His justice and righteousness, even in the face of a powerful and influential king like David.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Samuel 12:15 focuses on the consequences of David's sin. Nathan, the prophet, had pronounced judgment on David for his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. The verse shows that God's punishment was swift and severe, as the child born to David and Bathsheba fell gravely ill as a result of David's sin. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commandments and the serious repercussions that can come from straying from His will. The word "struck" in this verse can also be seen as symbolic of the spiritual and emotional pain that David endured from his wrongdoing, demonstrating that sin not only affects individuals physically but also spiritually. Through this story, we are reminded of the significance of repentance and the mercy of God, as David later seeks forgiveness and redemption for his actions.

2 Samuel 12:15 in other translations

American Standard Version

And Nathan departed unto his house. And Jehovah struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

World English Bible

Nathan departed to his house. Yahweh struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and it was very sick.

Douay-Rheims

And Nathan returned to his house. The Lord also struck the child which the wife of Urias had borne to David, and his life was despaired of.

Geneva Bible (1599)

So Nathan departed vnto his house: and the Lord stroke the childe that Vriahs wife bare vnto Dauid, and it was sicke.