2 Samuel 12:19
New International Version
David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”

New Living Translation
When David saw them whispering, he realized what had happened. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”

English Standard Version
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.”

Berean Standard Bible
When 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.

King James Bible
But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

New King James Version
When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.”

New American Standard Bible
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.”

NASB 1995
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.”

NASB 1977
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And David saw that his servants were whispering together, so David discerned that the child had died; so David said to his servants, “Has the child died?” And they said, “He has died.”

Amplified Bible
But when David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he realized that the child was dead. So David said to them, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.”

Christian Standard Bible
When David saw that his servants were whispering to each other, he guessed that the baby was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the baby dead? ” “He is dead,” they replied.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When David saw that his servants were whispering to each other, he guessed that the baby was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the baby dead?"” He is dead,” they replied.

American Standard Version
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

Contemporary English Version
David noticed his servants whispering, and he knew the boy was dead. "Did my son die?" he asked his servants. "Yes, he did," they answered.

English Revised Version
But when David saw that his servants whispered together, David perceived that the child was dead: and David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when David saw that his officials were whispering to one another, he realized that the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" David asked them. "[Yes,] he is dead," they answered.

Good News Translation
When David noticed them whispering to each other, he realized that the child had died. So he asked them, "Is the child dead?" "Yes, he is," they answered.

International Standard Version
But as David observed his staff whispering together, he perceived that the child had died, so he asked his staff, "Is the child dead?" They replied, "He has died."

Majority Standard Bible
When 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.

NET Bible
When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he realized that the child was dead. So David asked his servants, "Is the child dead?" They replied, "Yes, he's dead."

New Heart English Bible
But when David noticed that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They said, "He is dead."

Webster's Bible Translation
But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said to his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

World English Bible
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David sees that his servants are whispering, and David understands that the boy is dead, and David says to his servants, “Is the boy dead?” And they say, “Dead.”

Young's Literal Translation
And David seeth that his servants are whispering, and David understandeth that the lad is dead, and David saith unto his servants, 'Is the lad dead?' and they say, 'Dead.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will see that his servants are whispering, and David will perceive that the child died: and David will say to his servants, Did the child die? and they will say, He died.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But when David saw his servants whispering, he understood that the child was dead: and he said to his servants: Is the child dead? They answered him: He is dead.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But when David had seen his servants whispering, he realized that the infant had died. And he said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they responded to him, “He is dead.”

New American Bible
But David noticed his servants whispering among themselves and realized that the child was dead. He asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “Yes.”

New Revised Standard Version
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, he perceived that the child was dead; and David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead; therefore he said to his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when David saw his Servants that they whispered, David understood that the boy was dead, and David said to his Servants: “Is the boy dead?” They said to him, “He is dead.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But when David saw that his servants whispered together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said unto his servants: 'Is the child dead?' And they said: 'He is dead.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David understood that his servants were whispering, and David perceived that the child was dead: and David said to his servants, Is the child dead? and they said, He is dead.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Loss and Repentance
18On 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. 20Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.…

Cross References
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!”

2 Samuel 14:1-2
Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. / So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.

1 Kings 1:27
Has my lord the king let this happen without informing your servant who should sit on the throne after my lord the king?”

1 Kings 2:25
So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

Genesis 37:33-35
His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / 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.

Job 1:18-20
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!” / Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

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.”

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.

Mark 5:38-39
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion and the people weeping and wailing loudly. / He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.”

Luke 7:12-13
As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. / When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”

Luke 8:52-53
Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep.” / And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead.

John 20:11-13
But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, / and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet. / “Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.”

Acts 9:39
So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

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.”

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.


Treasury of Scripture

But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said to his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

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Child David Dead Lad Noticed Perceived Quietly Realized Servants Talking Themselves Together Understandeth Whispered Whispering
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Child David Dead Lad Noticed Perceived Quietly Realized Servants Talking Themselves Together Understandeth Whispered Whispering
2 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














When David saw
The Hebrew word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which means to perceive or understand. This indicates more than just physical sight; it suggests an insight or realization. David's ability to perceive the situation reflects his deep connection with his surroundings and the people around him. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us of the importance of being attuned to the subtle cues in our environment and relationships, allowing us to respond with wisdom and discernment.

his servants were whispering
The act of whispering, "lachash" in Hebrew, often implies secrecy or the sharing of sensitive information. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, servants played a crucial role in the household, often privy to intimate family matters. Their whispering indicates the gravity of the situation and their concern for how David might react. This highlights the human tendency to avoid direct confrontation with painful truths, a theme that resonates with the need for courage and honesty in facing difficult realities.

he perceived that the child was dead
The word "perceived" is again "ra'ah," emphasizing David's intuitive understanding of the situation. The death of the child, a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba, marks a pivotal moment in his life. It underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where actions have consequences. This moment of realization is a call to self-examination and repentance, reminding believers of the importance of aligning their lives with God's will.

'Is the child dead?' he asked
David's direct question reflects his readiness to confront the truth, no matter how painful. The Hebrew word for "asked" is "sha'al," which can also mean to inquire or seek. This demonstrates David's desire for clarity and understanding, a trait that is essential for spiritual growth. It encourages believers to seek truth and wisdom from God, even in the midst of suffering and loss.

'He is dead,' they replied
The finality of the servants' response, "He is dead," confirms the reality of the situation. The Hebrew word for "dead" is "muwth," which signifies the end of physical life. This stark acknowledgment of death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the certainty of mortality. In a broader theological context, it points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, offering comfort and assurance to those who mourn.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When David
דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

his servants
עֲבָדָיו֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

were whispering to each other,
מִֽתְלַחֲשִׁ֔ים (miṯ·la·ḥă·šîm)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3907: To whisper, to mumble a, spell

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

perceived
וַיָּ֥בֶן (way·yā·ḇen)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the child
הַיָּ֑לֶד (hay·yā·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

So he
דָּוִ֧ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

asked
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

his servants,
עֲבָדָ֛יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

“Is the child
הַיֶּ֖לֶד (hay·ye·leḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring

dead?”
הֲמֵ֥ת (hă·mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

“He is dead,”
מֵֽת׃ (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

they replied.
וַיֹּ֥אמְרוּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 2 Samuel 12:19 But when David saw that his servants (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 12:18
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