2 Samuel 3:29
Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
2 Samuel 3:29 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you have selected from the Bible is a curse pronounced upon Joab and his family. It is a powerful statement of divine judgment, calling upon God to bring various afflictions upon Joab's descendants. The curse includes specific conditions such as issues, leprosy, physical disabilities, death by the sword, and poverty. Each of these conditions was seen as a punishment from God for sin or disobedience. By invoking this curse, the speaker is expressing a strong desire for God to bring justice upon Joab and his family for their wrongdoing. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sinful actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
Theological Overview
This verse from 2 Samuel 3:29 contains a curse pronounced by David upon the house of Joab, the famous military commander. Through this curse, David is seeking justice for the blood shed by Joab in the past, specifically the killing of Abner. The curse is a powerful expression of David's wrath against Joab and his family, calling for various afflictions to come upon them. The mention of various physical ailments such as issues, leprosy, and the need for a staff, as well as those who fall by the sword or lack bread, serves as a poetic way of expressing the severity of the punishment. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of justice and the consequences of bloodshed. It also demonstrates the power of words to curse or bless in the biblical context. Word studies focusing on the specific afflictions mentioned can provide further insight into the cultural and historical context of the verse.
2 Samuel 3:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
let it fall upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth by the sword, or that lacketh bread.
World English Bible
Let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”
Douay-Rheims
And may it come upon the head of Joab, and upon all his father's house: and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue of seed, or that is a leper, or that holdeth the distaff, or that falleth by the sword, or that wanteth bread.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let the blood fall on the head of Ioab, and on all his fathers house, that the house of Ioab be neuer without some that haue running issues, or leper, or that leaneth on a staffe, or that doeth fall on the sworde, or that lacketh bread.