2 Samuel 3:1
New International Version
The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

New Living Translation
That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.

English Standard Version
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

New American Standard Bible
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David became steadily stronger, while the house of Saul became steadily weaker.

NASB 1995
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.

NASB 1977
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.

Amplified Bible
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew steadily stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker [to the point of being powerless].

Christian Standard Bible
During the long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, David was growing stronger and the house of Saul was becoming weaker.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long and drawn out, with David growing stronger and the house of Saul becoming weaker.

American Standard Version
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Contemporary English Version
This battle was the beginning of a long war between the followers of Saul and the followers of David. Saul's power grew weaker, but David's grew stronger.

English Revised Version
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As the war between the royal families of Saul and David dragged on, David's family became stronger and stronger, and Saul's family became weaker and weaker.

Good News Translation
The fighting between the forces supporting Saul's family and those supporting David went on for a long time. As David became stronger and stronger, his opponents became weaker and weaker.

International Standard Version
After this, a state of protracted war existed between Saul's dynasty and David's dynasty, and the dynasty of David continued to grow and become strong while the dynasty of Saul continued to grow weaker.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
However, the war was prolonged between the house of Saul and the house of David. David was becoming steadily stronger, while the house of Saul was becoming increasingly weaker.

New Heart English Bible
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

World English Bible
Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the war is long between the house of Saul and the house of David, and David is going on and [is] strong, and the house of Saul is going on and [is] weak.

Young's Literal Translation
And the war is long between the house of Saul and the house of David, and David is going on and is strong, and the house of Saul are going on and are weak.

Smith's Literal Translation
And long war will be between the house of Saul and between the house of David: and David went and was strengthened, and the house of Saul went and was weakened.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: David prospering and growing always stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul decaying daily.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then a long struggle occurred between the house of Saul and the house of David, with David prospering and growing ever stronger, but the house of Saul decreasing daily.

New American Bible
There followed a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, in which David grew ever stronger, but the house of Saul ever weaker.

New Revised Standard Version
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and impoverished.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there was war for the household of Shaul and for the household of David, and David went and grew strong, and those of the household of Shaul went on and were made weaker
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there was war for a long time between the house of Saul and the house of David; and the house of David grew continually stronger; but the house of Saul grew continually weaker.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The House of David Strengthened
1Now 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. 2And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;…

Cross References
1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 18:7-8
And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” / And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”

1 Samuel 24:20
Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 28:17
He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.

1 Kings 2:12
So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.

1 Chronicles 11:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

1 Chronicles 12:22
For at that time men came to David day after day to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God.

Psalm 18:50
Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 89:20-21
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him.

Psalm 132:17
There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Jeremiah 33:17
For this is what the LORD says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel,

Matthew 1:1
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Matthew 22:42-45
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

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.

long war

1 Kings 14:30
And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.

1 Kings 15:16,32
And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days…

between

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Psalm 45:3-5
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty…

Matthew 10:35,36
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law…

David waxed

2 Samuel 2:17
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Esther 6:13
And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Job 8:7
Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Jump to Previous
Continually David David's Grew House Lasted Saul Saul's Side Steadily Strong Stronger Time War Waxed Weak Weaker
Jump to Next
Continually David David's Grew House Lasted Saul Saul's Side Steadily Strong Stronger Time War Waxed Weak Weaker
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














Now the war
The Hebrew word for "war" is "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), which signifies not just a physical battle but a prolonged conflict involving strategy, endurance, and the struggle for dominance. This war was not merely a series of battles but a significant period of civil strife within Israel, reflecting the deep division between the followers of Saul and David. Historically, this period was marked by political instability and uncertainty, as the nation grappled with leadership and loyalty issues.

between the house of Saul
The "house of Saul" refers to the dynasty and supporters of King Saul, Israel's first king. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God and mental instability. His house, therefore, represents a fading legacy, struggling to maintain power despite God's anointing of David as the future king. Theologically, this highlights the consequences of disobedience and the inevitable decline of those who oppose God's chosen path.

and the house of David
The "house of David" signifies the emerging dynasty of David, whom God had chosen to lead Israel. David's house is characterized by divine favor and growing strength, symbolizing God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises. This phrase underscores the transition of power ordained by God, from Saul to David, and the establishment of a kingdom that would ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, from David's lineage.

was long and drawn out
The Hebrew phrase here indicates a protracted and exhausting conflict. This duration of war suggests a period of testing and perseverance for both sides. For David, it was a time of proving his leadership and reliance on God's timing. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey, where patience and faith are tested over time, leading to eventual victory and fulfillment of God's promises.

with David growing stronger and stronger
The phrase "growing stronger and stronger" reflects the divine empowerment and blessing upon David. The Hebrew root "חָזַק" (chazaq) means to be strong, courageous, or firm. David's increasing strength is not just military but also spiritual and political, as he gains the support of the people and solidifies his leadership. This growth is a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of His anointing, encouraging believers to trust in God's plan and timing.

while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker
Conversely, the "house of Saul" becoming "weaker and weaker" illustrates the decline of a kingdom not aligned with God's will. The Hebrew root "דַּל" (dal) means to be low, poor, or weak. This decline serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and resistance to God's chosen leadership. It reminds believers of the importance of aligning with God's purposes to experience His strength and blessing.

(1) There was long war.--Not actual fighting of pitched battles, but a state of hostility, in which Ish-bosheth and David each claimed the allegiance of the whole nation, and this continued until the death of Ish-bosheth. During this time Ish-bosheth was too weak to carry on actual war, and David was content to abide the fulfilment of the promises of the Lord in His own good time.

Waxed stronger.--Time was working in David's favour, partly, doubtless, on account of Ish-bosheth's manifest incompetence, partly from a growing appreciation of the character and prowess of David, and a fuller realisation that he was the divinely appointed sovereign. In 1Chronicles 12:19-22 there is an account of an important accession to David from the tribe of Manasseh on the eve of Saul's last battle, and a further mention of continued accessions to him "day by day." As the necessary result of this constant transference of strength to David, "the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."

Verse 1. - There was long war. As Ishbosheth reigned only two years, and as "the house of Saul" is the phrase used, it seems probable that after Ishbosheth's murder, during the five years before David's election to the throne of all Israel, the house of Saul had some puppet representative at Mahanaim, and some commander in Abner's place. But after the death of this able man matters would go from bad to worse, and, though David probably remained on the defensive, yet the contrast between the peace and good government of Judah and the misery in Israel made all the tribes wish to put an end to a harassing civil war. It is plain, too, that the Philistines, repelled at first by Abner's skill, had again gained the ascendant, and regarded themselves so completely as the rulers of the country, that they resented immediately with summary violence the bold act of the northern tribes in choosing David to be their common king.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

between
בֵּ֚ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Saul
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

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

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

protracted.
אֲרֻכָּ֔ה (’ă·ruk·kāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 752: Long

And David
וְדָוִד֙ (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

grew [stronger]
הֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and stronger,
וְחָזֵ֔ק (wə·ḥā·zêq)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2390: Wax louder, stronger

while the house
וּבֵ֥ית (ū·ḇêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

grew [weaker]
הֹלְכִ֥ים (hō·lə·ḵîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and weaker.
וְדַלִּֽים׃ (wə·ḏal·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1800: Dangling, weak, thin


Links
2 Samuel 3:1 NIV
2 Samuel 3:1 NLT
2 Samuel 3:1 ESV
2 Samuel 3:1 NASB
2 Samuel 3:1 KJV

2 Samuel 3:1 BibleApps.com
2 Samuel 3:1 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 3:1 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 3:1 French Bible
2 Samuel 3:1 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 3:1 Now there was long war between (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 2:32
Top of Page
Top of Page