Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On the seventh day the child died. David’s attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, “While the child was still living, he wouldn’t listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.” New Living Translation Then on the seventh day the child died. David’s advisers were afraid to tell him. “He wouldn’t listen to reason while the child was ill,” they said. “What drastic thing will he do when we tell him the child is dead?” English Standard Version On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” Berean Standard Bible On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” King James Bible 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? New King James Version Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!” New American Standard Bible Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to us. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm?” NASB 1995 Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” NASB 1977 Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” Legacy Standard Bible Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child has died? He might do himself harm!” Amplified Bible Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “While the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he would not listen to our voices. How then can we tell him the child is dead, since he might harm himself [or us]?” Christian Standard Bible On the seventh day the baby died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him the baby was dead. They said, “Look, while the baby was alive, we spoke to him, and he wouldn’t listen to us. So how can we tell him the baby is dead? He may do something desperate.” Holman Christian Standard Bible On the seventh day the baby died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him the baby was dead. They said, “Look, while the baby was alive, we spoke to him, and he wouldn’t listen to us. So how can we tell him the baby is dead? He may do something desperate.” 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! Contemporary English Version After the child had been sick for seven days, he died, but the officials were afraid to tell David. They said to each other, "Even when the boy was alive, David wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him his son is dead? He might do something terrible!" English Revised 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? GOD'S WORD® Translation On the seventh day the child died. But David's officials were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. They thought, "While the child was alive, we talked to him, and he wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may harm [himself]." Good News Translation A week later the child died, and David's officials were afraid to tell him the news. They said, "While the child was living, David wouldn't answer us when we spoke to him. How can we tell him that his child is dead? He might do himself some harm!" International Standard Version A week later, the child died, and David's staff was afraid to tell him that the child had died. They were telling themselves, "Look, when the child was still alive, we talked to him but he wouldn't listen to what we said. Now what kind of trouble will he bring on himself if we tell him that the child has died?" Majority Standard Bible On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” NET Bible On the seventh day the child died. But the servants of David were afraid to inform him that the child had died, for they said, "While the child was still alive he would not listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He will do himself harm!" New Heart English Bible It happened on the seventh day, that the child died. The servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, "Look, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to our voice. How will he then harm himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?" Webster's Bible Translation 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 spoke to him, and he would not hearken to our voice: how will he then be grieved, if we tell him that the child is dead? World English Bible On the seventh day, the child died. David’s servants were afraid 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?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass on the seventh day, that the boy dies, and the servants of David fear to declare to him that the boy is dead, for they said, “Behold, in the boy being alive we spoke to him, and he did not listen to our voice; and how do we say to him, The boy is dead? Then he has done evil.” Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass on the seventh day, that the lad dieth, and the servants of David fear to declare to him that the lad is dead, for they said, 'Lo, in the lad being alive we spake unto him, and he did not hearken to our voice; and how do we say unto him, The lad is dead? -- then he hath done evil.' Smith's Literal Translation And it will be in the seventh day, and the child will die. And David's servants feared to announce to him that the child died: for they said, Behold, in the child being living we spake to him and he heard not to our voice, and how shall we say to him the child died, and do evil? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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? Catholic Public Domain Version Then, on the seventh day, it happened that the infant died. And the servants of David were afraid to report to him that the little one had died. For they said: “Behold, when the child was still alive, we were speaking to him, but he would not listen to our voice. How much more will he afflict himself, if we tell him that the boy is dead?” New American Bible On the seventh day, the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said: “When the child was alive, we spoke to him, but he would not listen to what we said. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do some harm!” New Revised Standard Version On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, “While the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us; how then can we tell him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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 spoke to him, and he would not listen to us; how then shall we tell him now that the child is dead? He may react violently. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And on the seventh day the boy died, and the Servants of David were afraid to tell him that the boy died, because they said: “When the boy was living, they spoke to him and he was not listening to them, how shall we say to him, ‘Behold, the boy is dead?’ He will cause harm!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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 spoke unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice; how then shall we tell him that the child is dead, so that he do himself some harm?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died: and the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive we spoke to him, and he hearkened not to our voice; and thou should we tell him that the child is dead? - so would he do himself harm. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David's Loss and Repentance…17The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” 19When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he perceived that the child was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” “He is dead,” they replied.… Cross References Psalm 51:1-19 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ... 1 Kings 14:12-13 As for you, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die. / All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. Job 1:18-19 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, / when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Genesis 37:34-35 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. John 11:33-35 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:16-18 When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. / Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: / “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Hebrews 12:5-11 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ... Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” Treasury of Scripture 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 spoke to him, and he would not listen to our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? vex [heb] do hurt to Jump to Previous Afraid Alive Child David Dead Died Feared Grieved Harm Hearken Hearkened Servants Seventh Vex VoiceJump to Next Afraid Alive Child David Dead Died Feared Grieved Harm Hearken Hearkened Servants Seventh Vex Voice2 Samuel 12 1. Nathan's parable of the ewe lamb causes David to be his own judge.7. David, reproved by Nathan, confesses his sin, and is pardoned 15. David mourns and prays for the child while it lives 24. Solomon is born, and named Jedidiah 26. David takes Rabbah, and tortures the people thereof On the seventh day The phrase "on the seventh day" is significant in biblical numerology, where the number seven often symbolizes completion or divine perfection. In the context of this verse, the seventh day marks the completion of the child's life, as ordained by God. This period also reflects the fullness of God's judgment as pronounced by Nathan the prophet. Historically, the seventh day is also the day of rest in Jewish tradition, the Sabbath, which adds a layer of irony and solemnity to the event, as it was a day meant for peace and rest, yet it brought sorrow to David. the child died But David’s servants were afraid to tell him for they said, 'Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself Hebrew On the seventhהַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י (haš·šə·ḇî·‘î) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular Strong's 7637: Seventh (an ordinal number) day בַּיּ֥וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day the child הַיָּ֑לֶד (hay·yā·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring died. וַיָּ֣מָת (way·yā·māṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill But David’s דָוִ֜ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse servants עַבְדֵ֨י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant were afraid וַיִּֽרְאוּ֩ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten to tell לְהַגִּ֥יד (lə·hag·gîḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous him ל֣וֹ ׀ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the child הַיֶּ֗לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring was dead, מֵ֣ת (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill for כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they said, אָֽמְרוּ֙ (’ā·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “Look, הִנֵּה֩ (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! while the child הַיֶּ֜לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring was וַיְהִ֛י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be alive, חַ֗י (ḥay) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life we spoke דִּבַּ֤רְנוּ (dib·bar·nū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to him, אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to and he would not וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listen to us. שָׁמַ֣ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently So how וְאֵ֨יךְ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 349: How?, how!, where can we tell נֹאמַ֥ר (nō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say him אֵלָ֛יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the child הַיֶּ֖לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring is dead? מֵ֥ת (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill He may even harm himself.” וְעָשָׂ֥ה (wə·‘ā·śāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make Links 2 Samuel 12:18 NIV2 Samuel 12:18 NLT 2 Samuel 12:18 ESV 2 Samuel 12:18 NASB 2 Samuel 12:18 KJV 2 Samuel 12:18 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 12:18 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 12:18 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 12:18 French Bible 2 Samuel 12:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 12:18 It happened on the seventh day that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |