New International VersionYour hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. You fell as one falls before the wicked.” And all the people wept over him again.
New Living TranslationYour hands were not bound; your feet were not chained. No, you were murdered— the victim of a wicked plot.” All the people wept again for Abner.
English Standard VersionYour hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.
Berean Standard BibleYour hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. As a man falls before the wicked, so also you fell.” And all the people wept over him even more.
King James BibleThy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
New King James VersionYour hands were not bound Nor your feet put into fetters; As a man falls before wicked men, so you fell.” Then all the people wept over him again.
New American Standard Bible“Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in bronze shackles; As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen.” And all the people wept over him again.
NASB 1995“Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.
NASB 1977“Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.
Legacy Standard Bible
Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As one falls before the unrighteous, you have fallen.” And all the people continued to weep over him.
Amplified Bible
“Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As a man falls before the wicked, so you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.
Christian Standard Bible
Your hands were not bound, your feet not placed in bronze shackles. You fell like one who falls victim to criminals. And all the people wept over him even more.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your hands were not bound, your feet not placed in bronze shackles. You fell like one who falls victim to criminals. And all the people wept over him even more.
American Standard Version
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: As a man falleth before the children of iniquity, so didst thou fall. And all the people wept again over him.
Contemporary English Version
No one tied your hands or chained your feet, yet you died as a victim of murderers. Everyone started crying again.
English Revised Version
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before the children of iniquity, so didst thou fall. And all the people wept again over him.
GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your hands were not tied. Your feet were not chained. You fell as one falls in front of wicked men. And all the people continued to cry for him.
Good News Translation
His hands were not tied, And his feet were not bound; He died like someone killed by criminals!" And the people wept for him again.
International Standard Version
Your hands were not bound, nor were your feet in irons. As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." Then all the people cried again because of him.
NET Bible
Your hands were not bound, and your feet were not put into irons. You fell the way one falls before criminals." All the people wept over him again.
New Heart English Bible
Your hands were not bound in chains, your feet were not put into fetters. As a man falls before the ruthless, so you fell." All the people wept again over him.
Webster's Bible Translation
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible
Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. As a man falls before the wicked, so also you fell.” And all the people wept over him even more.
World English Bible
Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.” All the people wept again over him.Literal Translations Literal Standard Version
Your hands not bound, "" And your feet not brought near to chains! You have fallen as one falling before sons of evil!” And all the people add to weep over him.
Young's Literal Translation
Thy hands not bound, And thy feet to fetters not brought nigh! As one falling before sons of evil -- Thou hast fallen!' and all the people add to weep over him.
Smith's Literal Translation
Thy hands not bound, and thy feet were not joined to fetters as falling before the sons of iniquity thou fellest. And all the people will add to weep over him.Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet laden with fetters: but as men fall before the children of iniquity, so didst thou fall. And all the people repeating it wept over him.
Catholic Public Domain Version
Your hands are not bound, and your feet are not weighed down with fetters. But just as men often fall before the sons of iniquity, so you have fallen.” And while repeating this, all the people wept over him.
New American Bible
Your hands were not bound with chains, nor your feet placed in fetters; As one falls before the wicked, you fell. And all the people continued to weep for him.
New Revised Standard Version
Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” And all the people wept over him again.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Your hands were not bound nor were your feet put into fetters; as one falls before the wicked men, so have you fallen. And all the people wept again over him.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Your hands were not bound and your feet were not in chains. You have come near as one fallen; in front of the sons of evil you have fallen!” And all the people increased weeping over himOT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters; As a man falleth before the children of iniquity, so didst thou fall. And all the people wept again over him.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thy hands were not bound, and thy feetwere notput in fetters:one broughtthee not near as Nabal; thou didst fall before children of iniquity.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David Mourns for Abner… 33And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool? 34Your handswere notbound,your feetwere notfettered.As a man fallsbeforethe wicked,so also you fell.”And allthe peopleweptover himeven more.35Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!”…
Cross References Psalm 35:7For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.
Psalm 109:16-18For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. / The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. / The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.
Psalm 55:12-14For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
Psalm 69:4Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.
Psalm 109:4-5In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. / They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Psalm 41:9Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Psalm 55:20-21My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. / His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
Psalm 109:2-3For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. / They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.
Psalm 7:15-16He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.
Psalm 35:20-21For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. / They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!”
Matthew 26:14-16Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Matthew 26:47-50While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...
John 13:18I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
John 18:2-5Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. / Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” ...
Acts 1:16-20“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. / He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” / (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. ...
Treasury of Scripture Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters: as a man falls before wicked men, so fell you. And all the people wept again over him. Judges 16:21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. Psalm 107:10,11 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,being bound in affliction and iron; … wicked men [heb] children of iniquity Job 24:14 The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief. Hosea 6:9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man,so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. wept 2 Samuel 1:12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. Jump to Previous AddBoundChainedChildrenDownfallEvilFallFallenFallethFallingFallsFeetFellFetteredFettersFreeHandsIniquityNighWeepingWeptWickedJump to Next AddBoundChainedChildrenDownfallEvilFallFallenFallethFallingFallsFeetFellFetteredFettersFreeHandsIniquityNighWeepingWeptWicked2 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 AbnerYour hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered.This phrase highlights the injustice of Abner's death. In ancient Near Eastern culture, binding the hands and feet was a common practice for captives or criminals. Abner, however, was neither a captive nor a criminal; he was a respected military leader and a key figure in the unification of Israel under David. His unbound state signifies that he was not subdued by force or legal means, but rather treacherously murdered. This reflects the broader biblical theme of unjust suffering, reminiscent of Jesus Christ, who was also innocent yet suffered at the hands of the wicked. As a man falls before the wicked, so also you fell.
This part of the verse underscores the treachery and betrayal involved in Abner's death. Joab, who killed Abner, acted out of personal vendetta rather than justice. The phrase "falls before the wicked" suggests a sense of helplessness and victimization, drawing a parallel to other biblical figures who suffered unjustly, such as Abel at the hands of Cain. It also foreshadows the ultimate betrayal and fall of Jesus Christ, who was delivered into the hands of sinners despite His innocence. And all the people wept over him even more.
The communal mourning for Abner indicates his importance and the respect he commanded among the people. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, public mourning was a significant expression of grief and solidarity. This collective lamentation reflects the nation's recognition of the loss of a great leader and the injustice of his death. It also mirrors the mourning seen in other parts of Scripture, such as the weeping over Lazarus inJohn 11, and anticipates the sorrow of the disciples at the crucifixion of Christ. The people's response underscores the gravity of the situation and the impact of Abner's death on the nation. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbnerA prominent military leader in Israel, Abner was the commander of Saul's army and later aligned himself with David. His death is the focus of this verse. 2. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, David mourns Abner's death and recognizes the injustice of his murder. 3. JoabDavid's military commander who deceitfully killed Abner, motivated by revenge for the death of his brother Asahel. 4. HebronThe city where Abner was killed, a city of refuge, which adds to the gravity of the murder. 5. The PeopleThe Israelites who mourned Abner's death, reflecting the communal grief and recognition of the injustice. Teaching Points The Injustice of Unlawful DeathAbner's death was unjust, as he was not bound or shackled, symbolizing innocence. This reminds us of the importance of justice and the sanctity of life. The Consequences of RevengeJoab's act of revenge led to further grief and division. We are called to leave vengeance to God and seek reconciliation. The Role of Leadership in MourningDavid's public mourning for Abner demonstrates the importance of leaders showing empathy and guiding their people through grief. The Power of Communal GriefThe collective mourning of the people underscores the power of community in times of loss, encouraging us to support one another. The Importance of ForgivenessWhile justice is necessary, forgiveness is a crucial aspect of healing and moving forward, as taught by Jesus. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:34?
2.How does 2 Samuel 3:34 reflect on the consequences of betrayal and injustice?
3.What lessons can we learn about leadership from Abner's death in 2 Samuel 3:34?
4.How does David's lament in 2 Samuel 3:34 connect to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?
5.How can we apply the themes of justice in 2 Samuel 3:34 today?
6.What does "your hands were not bound" signify about Abner's character and fate?
7.Why was Abner's death significant in 2 Samuel 3:34?
8.How does 2 Samuel 3:34 reflect on justice and leadership?
9.What does "Your hands were not bound" imply about Abner's character?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3?
11.Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?
12.2 Samuel 3:33–34: Why does David publicly lament Abner’s death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?
13.How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)
14.In Ezekiel 8:3-4, what evidence supports or contradicts the claim Ezekiel was physically transported to Jerusalem by a divine hand?What Does 2 Samuel 3:34 Mean Your hands were not bound- David laments that Abner died without ever being restrained or charged. - The wording underscores innocence; Abner was not captured as an enemy combatant (cf.1 Samuel 26:9–11, where David refuses to bind or kill Saul). - It highlights that no legal process took place—Abner’s death was not due to guilt proven in court but to treachery (2 Samuel 3:27).
Your feet were not fettered- Fetters signify the shame of criminals (Judges 16:21). Abner bore no such shame. - David stresses that Abner never even began a journey toward punishment; he walked freely until ambushed. -Psalm 105:18 describes Joseph’s unjust chains; here Abner has none, emphasizing a different kind of injustice—death without arrest.
As a man falls before the wicked- “The wicked” points directly to Joab’s murderous act (2 Samuel 3:30). - Scripture consistently condemns bloodshed born of personal vengeance (Numbers 35:30–34). -Proverbs 29:10 warns, “Bloodthirsty men hate the blameless,” mirroring Abner’s fate.
So also you fell- David personalizes the tragedy: Abner’s fall was like countless innocent victims of evil men. - The phrase carries judicial weight—Abner’s death resembled an execution carried out by criminals, not by lawful authority (Romans 13:4 shows the contrast of proper authority). - It implicitly calls for future accountability, later fulfilled when Solomon brings judgment on Joab (1 Kings 2:5–6, 31–34).
And all the people wept over him even more- The nation recognizes the injustice, uniting in grief with their king (2 Samuel 3:31–32). - Public mourning validates David’s innocence in Abner’s death, maintaining unity as he rises to rule all Israel (cf.2 Samuel 5:1). -Ecclesiastes 4:1 observes the tears of the oppressed with no comforter; here, David offers that comfort through lament.
summaryDavid’s poem over Abner exposes an utterly unjust killing: no chains, no fetters, no trial—just murder by wicked hands. By highlighting Abner’s freedom at death, David clears himself, indicts Joab, and rallies the people in shared sorrow. The passage challenges believers to uphold justice, resist personal vengeance, and mourn all innocent bloodshed, knowing God will ultimately right every wrong. (34) Thy hands were not bound.--The people were moved greatly by the sight of David's sorrow, but still more by this brief elegy over Abner. The whole circumstances are summed up in a few pregnant words: Abner, so valiant in war, with his hands free for defence, with his feet unfettered, unsuspicious of evil, fell by the treacherous act of a wicked man. Verse 34. - Thy hands were not bound. Abner had been put to death by Joab for killing Asahel. But there had been no legal process. He had not been brought in fetters before a judge to be tried for the crime alleged, but murdered for private ends. And thus, "As a man falleth before the children of iniquity, so had he fallen," that is, by crime, and not by law. These words s re probably the refrain of the dirge, like those in 2 Samuel 1:19, 25, 27, and were followed by the celebration of Abner's bravery, but they alone are recorded, because they contain the main point. Abner's death was not, like the sentence upon Baanah and Rechab, an act of justice, but one of lawless revenge; and by this poem David proclaimed, not only his innocence, but also his abhorrence of the crime.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Your handsיָדֶ֣ךָ(yā·ḏe·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A handwere notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobound,אֲסֻר֗וֹת(’ă·su·rō·wṯ)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural
Strong's 631:To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battleyour feetוְרַגְלֶ֙יךָ֙(wə·raḡ·le·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendawere notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nofettered.לִנְחֻשְׁתַּ֣יִם(lin·ḥuš·ta·yim)Preposition-l | Noun - fd
Strong's 5178:Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, baseAs a man fallsכִּנְפ֛וֹל(kin·p̄ō·wl)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5307:To fall, liebeforeלִפְנֵ֥י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe wicked,עַוְלָ֖ה(‘aw·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5766:Injustice, unrighteousness[so also] you fell.”נָפָ֑לְתָּ(nā·p̄ā·lə·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, lieAnd allכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe peopleהָעָ֖ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockweptלִבְכּ֥וֹת(liḇ·kō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1058:To weep, to bemoanover himעָלָֽיו׃(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsteven more.וַיֹּסִ֥פוּ(way·yō·si·p̄ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3254:To add, augment
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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:34 Your hands were not bound nor your (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
