New International VersionThen David said to Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner.” King David himself walked behind the bier.
New Living TranslationThen David said to Joab and all those who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on burlap. Mourn for Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the procession to the grave.
English Standard VersionThen David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier.
Berean Standard BibleThen David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.
King James BibleAnd David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
New King James VersionThen David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn for Abner.” And King David followed the coffin.
New American Standard BibleThen David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
NASB 1995Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
NASB 1977Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
Legacy Standard BibleThen David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
Amplified BibleThen David said to Joab and to all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
Christian Standard BibleDavid then ordered Joab and all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner.” And King David walked behind the coffin.
Holman Christian Standard BibleDavid then ordered Joab and all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner.” And King David walked behind the funeral procession.
American Standard VersionAnd David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David followed the bier.
Contemporary English VersionDavid told Joab and everyone with him, "Show your sorrow by tearing your clothes and wearing sackcloth! Walk in front of Abner's body and cry!" David walked behind the stretcher on which Abner's body was being carried.
English Revised VersionAnd David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David followed the bier.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationDavid told Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn for Abner." King David followed the open casket.
Good News TranslationThen David ordered Joab and his men to tear their clothes, wear sackcloth, and mourn for Abner. And at the funeral King David himself walked behind the coffin.
International Standard VersionDavid ordered Joab and all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn for Abner." King David walked behind the funeral procession,
NET BibleDavid instructed Joab and all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes! Put on sackcloth! Lament before Abner!" Now King David followed behind the funeral bier.
New Heart English BibleDavid said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, "Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner." And King David followed the coffin.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.
World English BibleDavid said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says to Joab, and to all the people who [are] with him, “Tear your garments, and gird on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner”; and King David is going after the bier.
Young's Literal Translation And David saith unto Joab, and unto all the people who are with him, 'Rend your garments, and gird on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner;' and king David is going after the bier.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd David will say to Joab and to all the people which were with him, Rend your garments and gird you with sack-cloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David went after the litter. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him: Rend your garments, and gird yourselves with sackcloths, and mourn before the funeral of Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your garments, and gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before the funeral procession of Abner.” Moreover, king David himself was following the casket.
New American BibleThen David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your garments, put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner.” King David himself followed the bier.
New Revised Standard VersionThen David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourn over Abner.” And King David followed the bier. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, Rend your clothes and gird yourselves with sackcloth and mourn for Abner. And King David himself and all the people followed the bier.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd David said to Yuab and to all the people who were with him: “Rip your garments and be clothed in sackcloth and mourn before Abnir and King David!” And all the people went after the bier OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him: 'Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and wail before Abner.' And king David followed the bier.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd David said to Joab and to all the people with him, Rend your garments, and gird yourselves with sackcloth, and lament before Abenner. And king David followed the bier.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David Mourns for Abner31Then DavidorderedJoaband allthe peoplewith him,“Tearyour clothes,put onsackcloth,and mournbeforeAbner.”And KingDavid himselfwalkedbehindthe funeral bier.32When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept.…
Cross References 1 Kings 2:5-6Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.
1 Kings 2:32-33The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”
1 Kings 2:9Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”
1 Kings 2:28-34When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...
1 Kings 2:36-46Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. ...
1 Kings 1:32-40Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ...
1 Kings 1:41-53Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab. / As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.” / “Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. ...
1 Kings 1:5-10At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ...
1 Kings 1:11-31Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ...
1 Kings 1:50-53But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” ...
1 Kings 2:13-25Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. / “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. ...
1 Kings 2:26-27Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” / So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli.
1 Kings 2:35And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.
1 Kings 2:46Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.
Matthew 5:4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Treasury of Scripture And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. Rend 2 Samuel 1:2,11 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: andso it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance… Genesis 37:29,34 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Josephwas not in the pit; and he rent his clothes… Joshua 7:6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. bier [heb] bed Luke 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that barehim stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. Jump to Previous AbnerBierBodyClothesDavidDeadFollowedFrontGarmentsGirdGriefHairclothJoabJo'abLamentMournMourningRendSackclothSorrowTearWailWalkWalkedJump to Next AbnerBierBodyClothesDavidDeadFollowedFrontGarmentsGirdGriefHairclothJoabJo'abLamentMournMourningRendSackclothSorrowTearWailWalkWalked2 Samuel 3 1.During the war David becomes stronger2.Six sons are born to him in Hebron6.Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth7.revolts to David13.David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal17.Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed22.Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner28.David curses Joab31.and mourns for AbnerThen David ordered Joab and all the people with himDavid, as the anointed king, exercises his authority over Joab and the people. Joab, David's military commander, had killed Abner, Saul's former army commander, in an act of vengeance. This order reflects David's desire to publicly distance himself from Joab's actions and to honor Abner, demonstrating his commitment to justice and reconciliation. The people with Joab likely included soldiers and officials, indicating the importance of this public mourning. Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth
Tearing clothes and wearing sackcloth were traditional expressions of mourning and repentance in ancient Israel. This act signified deep sorrow and humility. By commanding this, David emphasizes the gravity of Abner's death and the need for national lamentation. It also serves as a public declaration of David's innocence in Abner's murder, aligning with cultural practices of expressing grief. and mourn before Abner
Mourning before Abner signifies respect and acknowledgment of his status. Abner was a significant figure, having been the commander of Saul's army and a key player in the power dynamics of Israel. This public mourning underscores the importance of unity and reconciliation in the kingdom, as Abner had recently pledged allegiance to David, seeking to unite the northern tribes with Judah. And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier
David's personal participation in the funeral procession highlights his sincerity and respect for Abner. Walking behind the bier was a sign of honor and mourning, showing David's genuine grief and his desire to be seen as a just and compassionate leader. This act also prefigures the humility of Christ, who, though a king, walked among His people and shared in their sorrows. David's actions here can be seen as a type of Christ's humility and servant leadership. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his heart after God, who demonstrates leadership and humility in mourning Abner. 2. JoabDavid's military commander, who had personal enmity with Abner and was responsible for his death. 3. AbnerThe commander of Saul's army, who had recently aligned himself with David before being murdered by Joab. 4. The PeopleThe Israelites present with David, who are instructed to mourn for Abner, reflecting the communal aspect of grief. 5. The BierThe platform or frame on which Abner's body was carried, symbolizing the public nature of the mourning process. Teaching Points Leadership in GriefDavid sets an example by leading the mourning process, showing that true leadership involves empathy and humility. Respect for LifeDespite Abner's past opposition, David honors him in death, teaching us to respect the dignity of all individuals. Communal MourningThe call for all people to mourn highlights the importance of shared grief and support within a community. Repentance and ForgivenessDavid's actions suggest a heart of forgiveness, encouraging us to let go of past grievances and seek reconciliation. Public Expression of GriefThe public nature of the mourning process underscores the importance of expressing grief openly and honestly. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:31?
2.How does David's mourning in 2 Samuel 3:31 demonstrate godly leadership?
3.What can we learn from David's response to Abner's death in our lives?
4.How does David's lament connect to Jesus' teachings on mourning in Matthew 5:4?
5.How can we apply David's example of public mourning to our community practices?
6.What does David's command to "tear your clothes" teach about expressing grief biblically?
7.Why did David command mourning for Abner in 2 Samuel 3:31?
8.How does 2 Samuel 3:31 reflect David's leadership qualities?
9.What cultural practices are highlighted in 2 Samuel 3:31?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3?
11.Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?
12.2 Samuel 3:27–30: Why doesn’t David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?
13.2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?
14.2 Samuel 3:12-13: Does Abner's sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era?What Does 2 Samuel 3:31 Mean Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him• David acts swiftly to set the tone for the nation after Abner’s murder, guarding Israel from further blood-feud (2 Samuel 3:28–29). • By including Joab—the very man responsible—David demonstrates righteous authority that confronts sin publicly (Romans 13:3–4;1 Kings 2:5–6). • Similar decisive leadership is seen when David mourned Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:11–12), signaling that grief and justice can—and must—walk together.
“Tear your clothes,• Tearing garments was an immediate, visible declaration of profound sorrow (Genesis 37:34;Job 1:20). • David commands the gesture so the whole nation feels the weight of the loss and the gravity of murder. • It teaches that outward symbols can undergird genuine inner contrition when directed by God’s truth (Joel 2:12–13).
put on sackcloth,• Sackcloth—rough goat hair—was worn by kings and commoners alike in times of repentance or calamity (Jonah 3:5–6;1 Kings 21:27). • David wants the people to sense not only personal grief but collective humility before the Lord who “requires an accounting for bloodshed” (Genesis 9:5). • The command exposes Joab’s act as sin before God and community, inviting national reflection rather than revenge.
and mourn before Abner.”• Abner had just pledged allegiance to David (2 Samuel 3:17–21). Honoring him in death underscores David’s commitment to reconciliation. • Public lament rebukes any triumphalism over a fallen rival (Proverbs 24:17;Matthew 5:44). • David’s sincerity opens the door for the tribes to rally under his throne, fulfilling God’s promise of a united kingdom (2 Samuel 5:1–3).
And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.• The king does not delegate the hard work of mourning; he models it. His personal participation validates the nation’s grief (Romans 12:15). • Walking behind the bier was the place of chief mourner, marking David’s humility and solidarity (Philippians 2:3–4). • This foreshadows the Greater Son of David who would identify with our sorrow and enter death’s shadow to bring life (Luke 7:12–14;John 11:35).
summary2 Samuel 3:31 shows a godly leader guiding his people through tragedy with visible repentance, public justice, and humble identification. David’s commands confront sin, honor the fallen, and foster unity, illustrating how righteous grief can heal a nation and point hearts to the King who perfectly fulfills sorrow and sovereignty. (31) Rend your clothes.--David commands a public mourning with the usual signs of rent clothes and sackcloth, and lays this command especially upon Joab, who is thus required, as it were, to do public penance for his act. David himself followed the bier as chief mourner. Verse 31. - David said to Joab. The excuse of the blood feud made it impossible for David to punish Joab further than by depriving him of his command; but he made him condemn his own deed by taking part in the public mourning for the man he had murdered. This mourning consisted in going in solemn procession, clad in sackcloth, before Abner's body, carried on a bier to the grave, while David followed as chief mourner; and the emphatic way in which he is called King David suggests the thought that he went in royal state, so as to give all possible dignity to the funeral. His tears and lamentations with uplifted voice were so genuine and hearty as to move the people to a similar outburst of grief. But while all those at Hebron had proof that David was innocent, the people generally would know only that, when Abner was escorting the king's wife back to him, and arranging for his election to rule over all Israel, he was treacherously murdered at the gate of Hebron by one who was chief over David's army and also his nephew.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Davidדָּוִ֨ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseorderedוַיֹּאמֶר֩(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayJoabיוֹאָ֜ב(yō·w·’āḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097:Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelitesand allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe peopleהָעָ֣ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockwith him,אִתּ֗וֹ(’it·tōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, among“Tearקִרְע֤וּ(qir·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7167:To rendyour clothes,בִגְדֵיכֶם֙(ḇiḡ·ḏê·ḵem)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillageput onוְחִגְר֣וּ(wə·ḥiḡ·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2296:To gird, gird on, gird oneselfsackcloth,שַׂקִּ֔ים(śaq·qîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8242:A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bagand mournוְסִפְד֖וּ(wə·sip̄·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5594:To tear the hair and beat the breasts, to lament, to wailbeforeלִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceAbner.”אַבְנֵ֑ר(’aḇ·nêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74:Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite nameAnd Kingוְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ(wə·ham·me·leḵ)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingDavid himselfדָּוִ֔ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessewalkedהֹלֵ֖ךְ(hō·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkbehindאַחֲרֵ֥י(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthe funeral bier.הַמִּטָּֽה׃(ham·miṭ·ṭāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4296:A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier
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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:31 David said to Joab and to all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
