2 Samuel 3:37
New International Version
So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.

New Living Translation
So everyone in Judah and all Israel understood that David was not responsible for Abner’s murder.

English Standard Version
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king’s will to put to death Abner the son of Ner.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

New King James Version
For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king’s intent to kill Abner the son of Ner.

New American Standard Bible
So all the people and all Israel understood on that day that it had not been the desire of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.

NASB 1995
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.

NASB 1977
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
So all the people and all Israel knew that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.

Amplified Bible
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.

Christian Standard Bible
On that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the killing of Abner son of Ner.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the killing of Abner son of Ner.

American Standard Version
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

Contemporary English Version
Now the people of Judah and Israel were certain that David had nothing to do with killing Abner.

English Revised Version
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That day all the people of Israel knew the king wasn't responsible for killing Ner's son Abner.

Good News Translation
All of David's people and all the people in Israel understood that the king had no part in the murder of Abner.

International Standard Version
As a result, the entire army and all of Israel understood that day that the king had nothing to do with the murder of Ner's son Abner.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
All the people and all Israel realized on that day that the killing of Abner son of Ner was not done at the king's instigation.

New Heart English Bible
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.

Webster's Bible Translation
For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

World English Bible
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and all the people know, even all Israel, in that day, that it has not been from the king—to put Abner son of Ner to death.

Young's Literal Translation
and all the people know, even all Israel, in that day, that it hath not been from the king -- to put to death Abner son of Ner.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the people knew, and all Israel, in that day, that it was not from the king to kill Abner son of Ner.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all the people, and all Israel understood that day that it was not the king's doing, that Abner the son of Ner was slain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And every common person, and all of Israel, realized on that day that the killing of Abner, the son of Ner, had not been done by the king.

New American Bible
So on that day all the people and all Israel came to know that it was not the king’s doing that Abner, son of Ner, was put to death.

New Revised Standard Version
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that the king had no part in the killing of Abner son of Ner.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For all the people and all Israel understood that day that the king had no hand in the slaying of Abner, the son of Ner.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the people knew and all Israel on that day that it was not from the King to kill Abnir son of Nir
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So all the people and all Israel perceived in that day, that it was not of the king to slay Abenner the son of Ner.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Mourns for Abner
36All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them. 37So 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. 38Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel?…

Cross References
1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 2:32-33
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.”

1 Kings 2:9
Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”

1 Kings 2:31
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.

1 Kings 2:44-45
The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. / But King Solomon will be blessed and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.”

1 Chronicles 11:6
Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

1 Chronicles 12:38
All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.

1 Chronicles 29:24
All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.

1 Kings 1:39-40
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.

1 Kings 1:47
The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king has bowed in worship on his bed,

1 Kings 1:52
And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”

1 Kings 2:15
“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.

1 Kings 2:22
King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

1 Kings 2:24
And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!”

1 Kings 2:46
Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.


Treasury of Scripture

For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

Jump to Previous
Abner Clear Death Israel Kill King's Murder Ner Part Responsible Slay Understood
Jump to Next
Abner Clear Death Israel Kill King's Murder Ner Part Responsible Slay Understood
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














So on that day
This phrase indicates a specific moment in time, highlighting the immediate aftermath of the events surrounding Abner's death. The context is the period of King David's reign, a time of political consolidation and civil strife following the death of Saul. The phrase underscores the importance of the events of that particular day in shaping the perceptions of the people.

all the troops and all Israel
This phrase emphasizes the widespread impact of the events, affecting not just the military forces but the entire nation. The mention of "all Israel" suggests a unified national sentiment, which is significant given the division between the northern tribes and Judah. The troops, representing the military might and loyalty, are crucial in the stability of David's reign. This unity is a precursor to the eventual unification of the kingdom under David.

were convinced
The term "convinced" indicates a change in perception or belief, suggesting that there may have been initial doubts or suspicions regarding David's involvement in Abner's death. This reflects the political tension and intrigue of the time, where trust was fragile, and leaders had to carefully manage their reputations.

that the king had no part in the murder
This phrase is critical in exonerating David from any involvement in the assassination of Abner. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's reputation was vital for maintaining authority and legitimacy. David's innocence in this matter is crucial for his moral and political standing, as it aligns with his character as a man after God's own heart, as described in 1 Samuel 13:14.

of Abner son of Ner
Abner was a significant military leader and the commander of Saul's army. His death was a pivotal event in the power struggle between the house of Saul and David. Abner's defection to David's side was a major political shift, and his murder by Joab, David's commander, could have been seen as a strategic move to eliminate a rival. However, David's public mourning and distancing from the act demonstrate his desire for justice and righteousness, aligning with the biblical theme of God's anointed king acting with integrity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, who is shown to be innocent of Abner's death.

2. Abner son of Ner
A powerful military leader and former commander of Saul's army, who was killed by Joab.

3. Joab
David's military commander, who killed Abner out of revenge for his brother Asahel's death.

4. Israel
The nation, which includes all the tribes, witnessing the events and understanding David's innocence.

5. Hebron
The city where Abner was killed, a city of refuge, highlighting the gravity of Joab's act.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Leadership
David's response to Abner's death shows the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in leadership. Leaders should ensure their actions align with God's will and justice.

Trusting God's Justice
Like David, believers are called to trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. This requires faith and patience, knowing that God sees and will act righteously.

The Power of Public Perception
The verse highlights the importance of public perception and the need for leaders to communicate their intentions clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

The Role of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
David's desire for peace with Abner reflects the Christian call to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, even with former adversaries.

The Consequences of Revenge
Joab's act of revenge led to further complications and unrest. Believers are reminded of the destructive nature of revenge and the peace that comes from leaving vengeance to God.Verse 37. - All Israel understood. The twenty men who had accompanied Abner would be witnesses of all that David did, and would carry their report of it home, and of the high estimation in which his character was held at Hebron. And this gradually would be told throughout the tribes, and the final verdict of all well-disposed people would be in David's favour.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So on 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

all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the troops
הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

were convinced
וַיֵּדְע֧וּ (way·yê·ḏə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

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

the king
מֵֽהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (mê·ham·me·leḵ)
Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

had no
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

part
הָיְתָה֙ (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in the murder
לְהָמִ֖ית (lə·hā·mîṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

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


Links
2 Samuel 3:37 NIV
2 Samuel 3:37 NLT
2 Samuel 3:37 ESV
2 Samuel 3:37 NASB
2 Samuel 3:37 KJV

2 Samuel 3:37 BibleApps.com
2 Samuel 3:37 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 3:37 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 3:37 French Bible
2 Samuel 3:37 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 3:37 So all the people and all Israel (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 3:36
Top of Page
Top of Page