1 Kings 2:32
New International Version
The LORD will repay him for the blood he shed, because without my father David knowing it he attacked two men and killed them with the sword. Both of them—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army—were better men and more upright than he.

New Living Translation
The LORD will repay him for the murders of two men who were more righteous and better than he. For my father knew nothing about the deaths of Abner son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and of Amasa son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

English Standard Version
The LORD will bring back his bloody deeds on his own head, because, without the knowledge of my father David, he attacked and killed with the sword two men more righteous and better than himself, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

Berean Standard Bible
The 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And YHWH will return his blood on his head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and he killed them with the sword—and my father David knew it not—Abner son of Ner, the commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, the commander of the army of Judah.

King James Bible
And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

New King James Version
So the LORD will return his blood on his head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword—Abner the son of Ner, the commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, the commander of the army of Judah—though my father David did not know it.

New American Standard Bible
The LORD will return his blood on his own head, because he struck two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword, while my father David did not know about it: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

NASB 1995
“The LORD will return his blood on his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he and killed them with the sword, while my father David did not know it: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

NASB 1977
“And the LORD will return his blood on his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he and killed them with the sword, while my father David did not know it: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh will return his blood on his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he and killed them with the sword, but my father David did not know it: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

Amplified Bible
The LORD will return his bloody deeds upon his own head, because he struck down two men more righteous and honorable than he and killed them with the sword, without my father David knowing: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

Berean Annotated Bible
The LORD {YHWH} will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David (beloved) he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner (my father is a lamp) son of Ner (lamp), commander of Israel’s (he wrestles with God) army, and Amasa (burden) son of Jether (abundance), commander of Judah’s (praised) army.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will bring back his own blood on his head because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, without my father David’s knowledge. With his sword, Joab murdered Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will bring back his own blood on his head because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, without my father David’s knowledge. With his sword, Joab murdered Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

American Standard Version
And Jehovah will return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew it not, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

English Revised Version
And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew it not, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD will repay him for the slaughter he caused. Joab killed two honorable men who were better than he was. He used his sword to kill Abner (who was the son of Ner and the commander of Israel's army) and Amasa (who was the son of Jether and the commander of Judah's army). Joab did this without my father's knowledge.

Good News Translation
The LORD will punish Joab for those murders, which he committed without my father David's knowledge. Joab killed two innocent men who were better men than he: Abner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa, commander of the army of Judah.

International Standard Version
The LORD will repay him for his bloodshed because, without my father David's consent he attacked and murdered two men more righteous and better than he, Ner's son Abner, the commander of Israel's army and Jether's son Amasa, commander of Judah's army.

NET Bible
May the LORD punish him for the blood he shed; behind my father David's back he struck down and murdered with the sword two men who were more innocent and morally upright than he--Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel's army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah's army.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD will return his blood on his own head, because he fell on two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword, and my father David did not know it: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing of it, to wit, Abner the son of Ner captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The 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.

World English Bible
Yahweh will return his blood on his own head, because he fell on two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword, and my father David didn’t know it: Abner the son of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and YHWH has turned back his blood on his own head, [on him] who has fallen on two men more righteous and better than he, and slays them with the sword—and my father David did not know—Abner son of Ner, head of the host of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, head of the host of Judah;

Berean Literal Bible
And YHWH will return his blood on his head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and he killed them with the sword—and my father David knew it not—Abner son of Ner, the commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, the commander of the army of Judah.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jehovah hath turned back his blood on his own head, who hath fallen on two men more righteous and better than he, and slayeth them with the sword, -- and my father David knew not -- Abner son of Ner, head of the host of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, head of the host of Judah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah turned back his blood upon his head, who struck upon two just men and good above him, and he will kill them with the sword, and my father David knew not, Abner son of Ner, chief of the army of Israel, and Amasa, son of Jether, chief of the army of Judah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord shall return his blood upon his own head, because he murdered two men, just and better than himself: and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing it, Abner the son of Ner, general of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, general of the army of Juda.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord shall repay his blood upon his own head. For he killed two men, just and better than himself, and he killed them with the sword, while my father, David, did not know it: Abner, the son of Ner, leader of the military of Israel, and Amasa, the son of Jether, leader of the army of Judah.

New American Bible
The LORD will bring blood upon his own head, because he struck down two men better and more just than himself, and slew them with the sword without my father David’s knowledge: Abner, son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa, son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD will bring back his bloody deeds on his own head, because, without the knowledge of my father David, he attacked and killed with the sword two men more righteous and better than himself, Abner son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, because he attacked two men more righteous and better than he and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing of it; namely, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel; and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH shall turn away his blood on his head, because he attacked two men who were righteous and better than he, and he killed them by the sword, and my father David did not know it Abnir, son of Nir, the General of the army of Israel, and Amasa, son of Yathar, the General of the army of Yehuda.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD will return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew it not: Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord has returned upon his own head the blood of his unrighteousness, inasmuch as he attacked two men more righteous and better than himself, and slew them with the sword, and my father David knew not of their blood, even Abenner the son of Ner the commander-in-chief of Israel, and Amessa the son of Jether the commander-in-chief of Juda.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Execution of Joab
31And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. 32The 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. 33Their 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.”…

Cross References
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head,

Psalm 7:15-16
He 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.

Obadiah 1:15
For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head.

Psalm 9:15-16
The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. / The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah
for without the knowledge of my father David

2 Samuel 3:28-29
Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.”

2 Samuel 3:37-39
So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner. / Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel? / And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!”

Deuteronomy 21:1-9
If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, / your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities. / Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work, …
he struck down two men more righteous and better than he

Psalm 94:21-23
They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. / But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge. / He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.

Psalm 37:32-33
Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, / the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.

2 Samuel 4:11
How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!”
when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army,

2 Samuel 3:26-27
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it. / When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Samuel 3:33-34
And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool? / 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.

2 Samuel 2:8-9
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.
and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

2 Samuel 17:25
Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.

2 Samuel 19:13
And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”

2 Samuel 20:9-10
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.
Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD shall return his blood on his own head, who fell on two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

return

1 Kings 2:44
The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;

Genesis 4:11
And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

Judges 9:24,57
That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren…

two men

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2 Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

more righteous

1 Samuel 15:28
And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

2 Samuel 4:11
How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

2 Chronicles 21:13
But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself:

my father

2 Samuel 3:26,37
And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not…

Abner

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Amasa

2 Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Jether

1 Kings 2:5
Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.

2 Samuel 17:25
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

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1 Kings 2
1. David, having given a charge to Solomon
3. of Reverence
5. of Joab
7. of Barzillai
8. of Shimei
10. Solomon succeeds
12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag,
13. is put to death
26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood
28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain
35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's
36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death.












The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head
This phrase reflects the principle of divine justice, where God ensures that wrongdoing is ultimately repaid. The concept of retributive justice is prevalent throughout the Bible, as seen in Genesis 9:6, where God establishes that whoever sheds human blood will have their blood shed by humans. This principle is also echoed in the New Testament, such as in Galatians 6:7, which states that a person reaps what they sow. The phrase underscores the belief that God is sovereign and just, holding individuals accountable for their actions.

for without the knowledge of my father David
This highlights the deceitful nature of the actions taken by Joab, who acted independently and without the consent of King David. David's ignorance of Joab's actions is significant because it absolves David of direct responsibility for the murders. This situation is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where leaders are unaware of the actions of their subordinates, such as King Saul's ignorance of Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 14. It also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.

he struck down two men more righteous and better than he
The comparison of Joab to Abner and Amasa suggests that these men were unjustly killed and were of noble character. The Bible often contrasts the righteous with the wicked, as seen in Psalm 1, which describes the blessings of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked. This phrase serves to highlight the injustice of Joab's actions and the moral superiority of his victims, aligning with the biblical theme of God defending the righteous.

when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army
Abner was a significant military leader in Israel, initially serving under King Saul and later supporting Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. His murder by Joab is recorded in 2 Samuel 3:27, where Joab kills Abner in Hebron, a city of refuge, violating the sanctity of the place. Abner's death was politically motivated, as Joab saw him as a rival. This act of treachery is condemned in the biblical narrative, illustrating the destructive nature of jealousy and ambition.

and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army
Amasa was appointed by David as commander of the army in place of Joab, as recorded in 2 Samuel 17:25 and 2 Samuel 19:13. His murder by Joab is detailed in 2 Samuel 20:10, where Joab deceitfully kills Amasa during a time of peace. This act of betrayal further demonstrates Joab's ruthless ambition and disregard for loyalty and justice. Amasa's death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power struggles and the importance of integrity in leadership.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel, son of David, who is speaking in this verse. He is executing justice as part of his consolidation of power.

2. Joab
The nephew of King David and the commander of his army, who is being held accountable for the murders of Abner and Amasa.

3. Abner son of Ner
The commander of Israel’s army under King Saul, who was murdered by Joab despite seeking peace with David.

4. Amasa son of Jether
The commander of Judah’s army, appointed by David, who was also killed by Joab.

5. David
The former king of Israel, father of Solomon, who was unaware of Joab's treacherous actions.
Teaching Points
Justice and Accountability
Solomon's actions demonstrate the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they have abused power.

The Consequences of Sin
Joab's actions remind us that sin has consequences, and God's justice will ultimately prevail.

Leadership and Integrity
Leaders must act with integrity and ensure justice is served, even when it involves difficult decisions.

God's Sovereignty in Justice
The verse highlights that God is the ultimate judge, and His justice will be fulfilled in His timing.

The Importance of Righteousness
The reference to Abner and Amasa as "more righteous and better" underscores the value God places on righteousness and integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:32?

2. How does 1 Kings 2:32 demonstrate God's justice through Solomon's actions?

3. What lessons about divine retribution can we learn from 1 Kings 2:32?

4. How does 1 Kings 2:32 connect with the concept of justice in Deuteronomy 32:35?

5. How can we apply the principle of justice from 1 Kings 2:32 today?

6. What role does accountability play in the events described in 1 Kings 2:32?

7. Why did God allow Joab's bloodshed to be avenged in 1 Kings 2:32?

8. How does 1 Kings 2:32 reflect on divine justice and retribution?

9. What is the significance of David's command in 1 Kings 2:32?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2?

11. Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?

12. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17?

13. Why wasn't Joab held accountable earlier for his murders in 1 Kings 2:5-6, and is there archaeological evidence confirming the timeline of these events?

14. How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22-25 and 2:29-34 with David's emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions?
What Does 1 Kings 2:32 Mean
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head

• Solomon names the LORD as the One who will exact retribution, underlining that divine justice—not mere royal vengeance—is at work (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:33).

• “Bloodshed” refers to Joab’s murders; the phrase echoes the principle that what a man sows he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).

• Because the LORD Himself will “bring it back,” Joab’s punishment is certain and proportionate (Psalm 7:15–16).


for without the knowledge of my father David

• David had been Israel’s anointed king and commander-in-chief; acting “without his knowledge” meant acting against legitimate authority (Romans 13:1-2).

• This clause clears David of complicity (2 Samuel 3:26-28; 2 Samuel 20:8-10) and highlights Joab’s treachery.

• It reminds us that hidden sin is still seen by God (Hebrews 4:13).


he struck down two men

• Joab’s violence was personal and premeditated, not the result of battlefield confusion (2 Samuel 3:27; 20:10).

• Taking innocent life violates the clear command “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).

• Scripture counts deliberate murder as polluting the land (Numbers 35:31-34).


more righteous and better than he

• Abner and Amasa had accepted David’s overtures of peace and were “righteous” in that political context (Proverbs 17:15).

• Joab’s jealousy and self-interest drove him to eliminate rivals—sin rooted in pride (James 3:16).

• God’s verdict is that Joab’s victims surpassed him in integrity, reversing any excuse he might claim (1 Samuel 24:17).


Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army

• Abner had just negotiated to unite the northern tribes under David (2 Samuel 3:17-21).

• Joab killed him in Hebron, a city of refuge, abusing its sanctuary (Joshua 20:1-7).

• His death prolonged civil strife, illustrating how personal sin can injure an entire nation (2 Samuel 3:6-39).


Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army

• David appointed Amasa to replace Joab after Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 19:13).

• Joab feigned friendship, then stabbed Amasa “in the belly” (2 Samuel 20:9-10), repeating the same deceitful pattern.

• Amasa’s murder obstructed David’s efforts to heal the kingdom, showing that Joab’s ambition opposed God’s purposes of peace (Psalm 55:20-21).


summary

1 Kings 2:32 records Solomon’s divinely authorized verdict against Joab. Because Joab murdered Abner and Amasa without David’s knowledge, the LORD Himself would return the guilt of bloodshed on Joab’s head. The verse affirms God’s unchanging justice, exposes hidden sin, and warns that violence motivated by pride will inevitably reap God’s retribution.

Verse 32. - And the Lord shall return [LXX. ἐπέστρεψε, returns, or returned] his blood [LXX. τὸ αῖμα τῆς ἀδικίας αὐτοῦ, i.e., the blood he had shed. Cf. vers. 33, 44] upon his own head, who fell upon [same word as in vers. 29, 31. So that it was strictly a retaliation. The lex talionis was carried out to the letter] two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing. [Heb. "and my father David knew not," i.e., was not privy thereto. Solomon thinks of the unjust suspicions which these crimes cast upon his father.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The LORD
יְהוָ֨ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will bring
וְהֵשִׁיב֩ (wə·hê·šîḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

his bloodshed
דָּמ֜וֹ (dā·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

back upon
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his own head,
רֹאשׁ֗וֹ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

for
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

without
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

the knowledge
יָדָ֑ע (yā·ḏā‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

of my father
וְאָבִ֥י (wə·’ā·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

David
דָוִ֖ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

he struck down
פָּגַ֣ע (pā·ḡa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity

two
בִּשְׁנֵֽי־ (biš·nê-)
Preposition-b | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

men
אֲ֠נָשִׁים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

more righteous
צַדִּקִ֨ים (ṣad·di·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

and better
וְטֹבִ֤ים (wə·ṭō·ḇîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

than he
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

when he killed
וַיַּהַרְגֵ֣ם (way·ya·har·ḡêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

with the sword
בַּחֶ֔רֶב (ba·ḥe·reḇ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

Abner
אַבְנֵ֤ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ner,
נֵר֙ (nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5369: Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kish

commander
שַׂר־ (śar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of Israel’s
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

army,
צְבָ֣א (ṣə·ḇā)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

and Amasa
עֲמָשָׂ֥א (‘ă·mā·śā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6021: Amasa -- two Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Jether,
יֶ֖תֶר (ye·ṯer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3500: Jether -- Moses' father-in-law, also the name of several Israelites

commander
שַׂר־ (śar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of Judah’s
יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

army.
צְבָ֥א (ṣə·ḇā)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT History: 1 Kings 2:32 Yahweh will return his blood on his (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 2:31
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