2 Samuel 2:17
New International Version
The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David’s men.

New Living Translation
A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.

English Standard Version
And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

Berean Standard Bible
The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.

King James Bible
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

New King James Version
So there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

New American Standard Bible
That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.

NASB 1995
That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

NASB 1977
And that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

Legacy Standard Bible
And that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated before the servants of David.

Amplified Bible
There was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

Christian Standard Bible
The battle that day was extremely fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The battle that day was extremely fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers.

American Standard Version
And the battle was very sore that day: and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Contemporary English Version
Then everyone started fighting. Both sides fought very hard, but David's soldiers defeated Abner and the soldiers of Israel.

English Revised Version
And the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Fierce fighting broke out that day, and David's men defeated Abner and the men of Israel.

Good News Translation
Then a furious battle broke out, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David's men.

International Standard Version
The battle was very violent that day, with Abner and the men of Israel being defeated in the presence of David's servants.

Majority Standard Bible
The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.

NET Bible
Now the battle was very severe that day; Abner and the men of Israel were overcome by David's soldiers.

New Heart English Bible
The battle was very severe that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated before the servants of David.

Webster's Bible Translation
And there was a very severe battle that day; and Abner was defeated, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

World English Bible
The battle was very severe that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before David’s servants.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is struck, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Young's Literal Translation
and the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is smitten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the war will be hard even exceedingly, in that day; and Abner will be smitten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there was a very fierce battle that day: and Abner was put to flight, with the men of Israel, by the servants of David.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And a very harsh war rose up on that day. And Abner, with the men of Israel, was put to flight by the youths of David.

New American Bible
The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s servants.

New Revised Standard Version
The battle was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten by the servants of David.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there was a very fierce battle that day; and Abner was defeated, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there was a very severe battle on that day, and Abnir was defeated and the men of Israel before the Servants of David
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the battle was very severe on that day; and Abenner and the men of Israel were worsted before the servants of David.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
War Between the Houses of David and Saul
16Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim. 17The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David. 18The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,…

Cross References
1 Samuel 14:20
Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.

1 Samuel 31:1
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.

1 Kings 2:32
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.

Judges 20:20-21
And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah. / And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day.

1 Chronicles 10:1
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.

1 Samuel 17:47
And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 18:6-7
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

1 Samuel 19:8
When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.

1 Samuel 23:1-5
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ...

1 Samuel 30:1-2
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.

2 Samuel 3:1
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

2 Samuel 8:1-2
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.

2 Samuel 10:9-14
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. / “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. ...

2 Samuel 21:15-17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”


Treasury of Scripture

And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Abner

2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Jump to Previous
Abner Battle Beaten David David's Defeated Fierce Fighting Hard Israel Routed Servants Severe Smitten Sore
Jump to Next
Abner Battle Beaten David David's Defeated Fierce Fighting Hard Israel Routed Servants Severe Smitten Sore
2 Samuel 2
1. David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron
4. where he is made king of Judah
5. He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel
8. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel
12. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.
18. Asahel is slain
25. At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat
32. Asahel's burial














The battle that day
This phrase sets the scene for a significant conflict, emphasizing the intensity and importance of the events that unfolded. The Hebrew word for "battle" is "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), which often denotes not just physical combat but also spiritual and moral struggles. This battle is part of the larger narrative of the struggle for kingship in Israel, reflecting the ongoing tension between the house of Saul and the house of David. Historically, this period was marked by civil unrest as the nation transitioned from Saul's rule to David's anointed kingship.

was very fierce
The description of the battle as "very fierce" underscores the intensity and brutality of the conflict. The Hebrew word "קָשֶׁה" (qasheh) is used here, meaning hard, severe, or difficult. This suggests not only the physical toll of the battle but also the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by those involved. The fierceness of the battle can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual warfare that believers face, reminding us of the need for reliance on God's strength and guidance.

and Abner
Abner, the son of Ner, was a prominent military leader and cousin to King Saul. His role in this narrative is crucial as he represents the old guard of Saul's reign. Abner's actions and decisions throughout the conflict highlight the complexities of loyalty and power. His eventual defection to David's side later in the narrative illustrates the shifting allegiances and the divine orchestration of events leading to David's kingship.

and the men of Israel
This phrase refers to the forces loyal to Saul's house, specifically those who followed Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. The division within Israel at this time is significant, as it reflects the broader theme of unity and division within God's people. The men of Israel, though numerous, were ultimately fighting against God's anointed king, David, which serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will.

were defeated
The defeat of Abner and the men of Israel signifies a turning point in the struggle for the throne. The Hebrew word "נָגַף" (nagaph) means to be struck down or smitten, indicating a decisive and divinely orchestrated victory for David's forces. This defeat is not just a military loss but a spiritual one, as it demonstrates the sovereignty of God in establishing David as king. It serves as a reminder that God's purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition.

by the servants of David
The "servants of David" refers to those loyal to David, including his mighty men and other supporters. Their victory is emblematic of God's favor upon David, the chosen king. The term "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) highlights their dedication and loyalty to David, reflecting the ideal of servanthood in God's kingdom. This victory foreshadows the establishment of David's reign and the fulfillment of God's promises to him, serving as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's calling.

(17) A very sore battle.--The combat of the twelve on each side having decided nothing, the two hosts joined battle. Abner and the Israelites were worsted. The numbers engaged were probably not large, as the whole number of the slain was nineteen on David's side, and 360 on that of Israel (2Samuel 2:30-31). It was, however, a turning-point in the struggle.

Verse 17. - A very sore battle. The purpose of Abner was thus gained. Excited by the spectacle of merciless slaughter, the armies manoeuvred no longer, but rushed fiercely to the attack, and fought with fury. But the mighty men of David were irresistible. Only nineteen of his warriors fell, while Abner lost three hundred and sixty, and was forced to flee.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The battle
הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

that
הַה֑וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

was
וַתְּהִ֧י (wat·tə·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

intense,
קָשָׁ֥ה (qā·šāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7186: Hard, severe

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

and the men
וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י (wə·’an·šê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

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

were defeated
וַיִּנָּ֤גֶף (way·yin·nā·ḡep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5062: To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict

by
לִפְנֵ֖י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the servants
עַבְדֵ֥י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

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


Links
2 Samuel 2:17 NIV
2 Samuel 2:17 NLT
2 Samuel 2:17 ESV
2 Samuel 2:17 NASB
2 Samuel 2:17 KJV

2 Samuel 2:17 BibleApps.com
2 Samuel 2:17 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 2:17 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 2:17 French Bible
2 Samuel 2:17 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 2:17 The battle was very severe that day: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 2:16
Top of Page
Top of Page