2 Samuel 3:28
New International Version
Later, when David heard about this, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.

New Living Translation
When David heard about it, he declared, “I vow by the LORD that I and my kingdom are forever innocent of this crime against Abner son of Ner.

English Standard Version
Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

New King James Version
Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “My kingdom and I are guiltless before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

New American Standard Bible
Afterward, when David heard about this, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

NASB 1995
Afterward when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

NASB 1977
And afterward when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

Legacy Standard Bible
Afterward David heard it, so he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

Amplified Bible
Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

Christian Standard Bible
David heard about it later and said, “I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David heard about it later and said: “I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.

American Standard Version
And afterward, when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before Jehovah for ever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

Contemporary English Version
David heard how Joab had killed Abner, and he said, "I swear to the LORD that I am completely innocent of Abner's death!

English Revised Version
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Later when David heard about it, he said, "As far as the LORD is concerned, my kingdom and I are forever innocent of spilling the blood of Ner's son Abner.

Good News Translation
When David heard the news, he said, "The LORD knows that my subjects and I are completely innocent of the murder of Abner.

International Standard Version
Later on, David found out about it and proclaimed, "Let me and my kingdom remain guiltless forever in the LORD's presence for the death of Ner's son Abner.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
When David later heard about this, he said, "I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD of the shed blood of Abner son of Ner!

New Heart English Bible
Afterward, when David heard it, he said, "I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD now and forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.

Webster's Bible Translation
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

World English Bible
Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are guiltless before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David hears afterward and says, “My kingdom and I [are] acquitted by YHWH for all time, from the blood of Abner son of Ner;

Young's Literal Translation
And David heareth afterwards and saith, 'Acquitted am I, and my kingdom, by Jehovah, unto the age, from the blood of Abner son of Ner;

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will hear from after this, and he will say, I am innocent, and my kingdom, with Jehovah even forever, from the bloods of Abner son of Ner.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when David heard of it, after the thing was now done, he said: I, and my kingdom are innocent before the Lord for ever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when David had heard of it, now that the matter was done, he said: “I and my kingdom are clean before the Lord, even forever, of the blood of Abner, the son of Ner.

New American Bible
Later David heard of it and said: “Before the LORD, I and my kingdom are forever innocent.

New Revised Standard Version
Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner son of Ner.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David heard after this and said: “I am innocent, and my kingdom, from before LORD JEHOVAH of the blood of Abnir, son of Nir, forever!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And afterward when David heard it, he said: 'I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David heard of it afterwards, and said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord even for ever of the blood of Abenner the son of Ner.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joab Murders Abner
27When 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. 28Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. 29May it whirl over the heads of Joab and 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.”…

Cross References
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.

Numbers 35:33
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

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, ...

1 Kings 2:31-33
And 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. / 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. / Their 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.”

Psalm 51:14
Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Acts 18:6
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Acts 20:26
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

Ezekiel 18:13
He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.

Ezekiel 33:6
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’

Jeremiah 26:15
But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Luke 11:50-51
As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, / from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.

Acts 5:28
“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”

Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—


Treasury of Scripture

And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

guiltless

Genesis 9:6
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Exodus 21:12
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Numbers 35:33
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

blood [heb] bloods

Genesis 4:10
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

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Abner Acquitted Afterward Age Blood Clear David Eyes Forever Guiltless Heard Heareth Innocent Kingdom Later Ner Word
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Abner Acquitted Afterward Age Blood Clear David Eyes Forever Guiltless Heard Heareth Innocent Kingdom Later Ner Word
2 Samuel 3
1. During the war David becomes stronger
2. Six sons are born to him in Hebron
6. Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth
7. revolts to David
13. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal
17. Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed
22. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner
28. David curses Joab
31. and mourns for Abner














Afterward
This word indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that the statement follows a significant incident. In the context of 2 Samuel 3, this refers to the murder of Abner by Joab. The Hebrew root "אַחֲרֵי" (acharei) implies a continuation or consequence, emphasizing the unfolding of divine providence and human actions. It reminds us that God's narrative is ongoing, and each event is part of His sovereign plan.

when David heard about this
David's response upon hearing the news is crucial. The Hebrew verb "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or listen, but it also implies understanding and responding appropriately. David's reaction is not just passive reception but an active engagement with the moral and spiritual implications of the event. This highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership, as David seeks to align his actions with God's righteousness.

he said
The act of speaking in the Hebrew context often carries weight and authority. The verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used, which can denote a declaration or proclamation. David's words are not mere expressions of emotion but a formal declaration of innocence and a plea for divine justice. This underscores the power of words in shaping reality and influencing both human and divine realms.

I and my kingdom are forever guiltless
David asserts his and his kingdom's innocence. The Hebrew word "נָקִי" (naki) means clean or free from guilt. This declaration is significant in establishing David's integrity and the moral standing of his reign. It reflects a deep understanding of covenantal responsibility, where the king is accountable not only for his actions but also for the actions of his subjects. David's statement is a testament to his commitment to justice and righteousness.

before the LORD
This phrase places David's declaration in the context of divine judgment. The Hebrew "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" (lifnei Yahweh) means in the presence of the LORD, indicating that David is appealing to God's ultimate authority. It reflects a theocentric worldview where all actions are ultimately accountable to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of living with an awareness of God's omnipresence and sovereignty.

concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner
The mention of "blood" (דָּם, dam) signifies the seriousness of the crime, as bloodshed is a grave offense in biblical law. Abner, a significant figure in the house of Saul, was a key player in the political dynamics of Israel. His murder by Joab was not only a personal vendetta but also a potential threat to the unity and stability of David's kingdom. By distancing himself from this act, David seeks to maintain justice and prevent further bloodshed. This highlights the biblical principle that leaders must act justly and protect the innocent, ensuring that their reign is marked by peace and righteousness.

(28) I and my kingdom are guiltless.--This was true. Joab's act was entirely without David's knowledge, and was not only against his will on moral grounds, but was in danger of proving disastrous to him politically; hence he takes the strongest means of showing his abhorrence of the deed.

Verse 28. - I and my kingdom are guiltless. By this David means, not his royal house, but the people generally, who too often have to pay the penalty for the sins of their rulers (see 2 Samuel 21:1). Necessarily this is the case, wherever the crime is a state crime; but David protests that Abner's murder was a private crime, for which Joab and Abishai alone ought to suffer.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Afterward,
כֵ֔ן (ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

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

heard
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

about this
מֵאַ֣חֲרֵי (mê·’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition-m
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

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

“I
אָנֹכִ֧י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

and my kingdom
וּמַמְלַכְתִּ֛י (ū·mam·laḵ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

are forever
עוֹלָ֑ם (‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

guiltless
נָקִ֨י (nā·qî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5355: Clean, free from, exempt

before
מֵעִ֥ם (mê·‘im)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

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

concerning the blood
מִדְּמֵ֖י (mid·də·mê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

of Abner
אַבְנֵ֥ר (’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.
נֵֽר׃ (nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5369: Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kish


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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:28 Afterward when David heard it he said (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 3:27
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