2 Samuel 12:18
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
2 Samuel 12:18 · King James Version
Meaning
Upon the seventh day after his child fell ill, King David's servants were in turmoil, as the child ultimately passed away. They feared telling David of the child's death, as they remembered how he had ignored their previous warnings about the child's condition when he was alive. They worried about the reaction he would have when he learned of the child's passing. The servants were concerned that David would be devastated and blame himself for not listening to their earlier caution. This fear and hesitation to reveal the tragic news show the compassion and understanding the servants had for David's emotional state. This verse highlights the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties people face when dealing with grief and loss.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse could be that it reflects the complexity of human emotions and relationships in the face of death. The servants' fear of telling David about the child's death shows their concern for his well-being and their understanding of his potential reaction to the news. This can be seen as a demonstration of the servants' loyalty to David and their desire to protect him from further grief. Additionally, this verse highlights the theme of the consequences of one's actions, as the child's death may be interpreted as a result of David's sin. In terms of word studies, the use of the word "vex" here could be significant. In Hebrew, the word used can also mean "trouble" or "disturb," further emphasizing the servants' apprehension about delivering the news to David. This verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the impact of sin on one's life.
2 Samuel 12:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead!
World English Bible
On the seventh day, the child died. The servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he didn’t listen to our voice. How will he then harm himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?”
Douay-Rheims
And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died: and the servants of David feared to tell him, that the child was dead. For they said: Behold when the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not hearken to our voice: how much more will he afflict himself if we tell him that the child is dead?
Geneva Bible (1599)
So on the seuenth day the child dyed: and the seruants of Dauid feared to tell him that the childe was dead: for they sayde, Beholde, while the childe was aliue, we spake vnto him, and he woulde not hearken vnto our voyce: how then shall we say vnto him, The childe is dead, to vexe him more?