2 Samuel 4:10
New International Version
when someone told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news!

New Living Translation
Someone once told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ thinking he was bringing me good news. But I seized him and killed him at Ziklag. That’s the reward I gave him for his news!

English Standard Version
when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

Berean Standard Bible
when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

King James Bible
When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

New King James Version
when someone told me, saying, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have brought good news, I arrested him and had him executed in Ziklag—the one who thought I would give him a reward for his news.

New American Standard Bible
when the one who informed me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ also viewed himself as the bearer of good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

NASB 1995
when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

NASB 1977
when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

Legacy Standard Bible
when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

Amplified Bible
when a man told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking that he was bringing good news, I seized and killed him in Ziklag, to reward him for his news.

Christian Standard Bible
when the person told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ he thought he was a bearer of good news, but I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was my reward to him for his news!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
when the person told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ he thought he was a bearer of good news, but I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was my reward to him for his news!

American Standard Version
when one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings.

Contemporary English Version
When a man came to Ziklag and told me that Saul was dead, he thought he deserved a reward for bringing good news. But I grabbed him and killed him.

English Revised Version
when one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I once seized a man who told me that Saul had died. He thought he was bringing good news. I killed him in Ziklag to reward him for his news.

Good News Translation
The messenger who came to me at Ziklag and told me of Saul's death thought he was bringing good news. I seized him and had him put to death. That was the reward I gave him for his good news!

International Standard Version
when the man who told me 'Look! Saul is dead!' thought he was bringing me good news, I arrested him and had him killed at Ziklag as the reward I gave him for his news.

Majority Standard Bible
when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

NET Bible
when someone told me that Saul was dead--even though he thought he was bringing good news--I seized him and killed him in Ziklag. That was the good news I gave to him!

New Heart English Bible
when someone told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' thinking to have brought good news, I took hold of him, and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.

Webster's Bible Translation
When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, (thinking to have brought good tidings,) I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

World English Bible
when someone told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking that he brought good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
when one is declaring to me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, and he was as a bearer of tidings in his own eyes, then I take hold on him, and slay him in Ziklag, instead of my giving to him [for] the tidings.

Young's Literal Translation
when one is declaring to me, saying, Lo, Saul is dead, and he was as a bearer of tidings in his own eyes, then I take hold on him, and slay him in Ziklag, instead of my giving to him for the tidings.

Smith's Literal Translation
When he announcing to me, saying, Behold, Saul died; and he was in his eyes as announcing good news; and I shall seize upon him and kill him in Ziklag, which I gave to him for the good news:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The man that told me, and said: Saul is dead, who thought he brought good tidings, I apprehended, and slew him in Siceleg, who should have been rewarded for his news.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the one who reported to me and said, ‘Saul is dead,’ who was thinking that he announced good news, I apprehended. And at Ziklag I killed him who ought to have been given a reward for the news.

New American Bible
the man who reported to me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, that man I seized and killed in Ziglag: that was the reward I gave him.

New Revised Standard Version
when the one who told me, ‘See, Saul is dead,’ thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag—this was the reward I gave him for his news.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought me good tidings, I seized him and slew him in Zinklag, instead of giving him a reward for his tidings;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But he who showed me and said to me, ‘Behold, Shaul is dead!’ and was like an Evangelist to my ears, but I took him and I killed him in Tsenqlag instead of giving reward to him for the good news!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
when one told me, saying: Behold, Saul is dead, and he was in his own eyes as though he brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, instead of giving a reward for his tidings.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
he that reported to me that Saul was dead, even he was as one bringing glad tidings before me: but I seized him and slew him in Sekelac, to whom I ought, as he thought, to have given a reward for his tidings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Kills the Murderers
9But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, 10when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! 11How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

1 Samuel 24:6
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

2 Samuel 1:2-4
On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. / “Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. / “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”

2 Samuel 1:10
So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

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.

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 2:31-33
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.”

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.

Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

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—

Acts 2:23
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.


Treasury of Scripture

When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

one

2 Samuel 1:2-16
It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance…

thinking, etc.

Jump to Previous
Belief Dead Declaring Eyes Good Hold Instead Killed Messenger News Reward Saul Saul's Sight Slew Thinking Thought Tidings Ziklag
Jump to Next
Belief Dead Declaring Eyes Good Hold Instead Killed Messenger News Reward Saul Saul's Sight Slew Thinking Thought Tidings Ziklag
2 Samuel 4
1. The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner
2. Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-Bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron
9. David causes them to be slain, and Ish-Bosheth's head to be buried.














when someone told me
This phrase introduces a personal testimony from David, reflecting on a past event. The Hebrew root for "told" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or announce. In the ancient Near Eastern context, messengers played a crucial role in communication, often bearing news of significant events. David's recollection here emphasizes the importance of the message and the weight of the responsibility carried by the messenger.

‘Look, Saul is dead,’
The announcement of Saul's death is pivotal. Saul, the first king of Israel, was a complex figure whose reign was marked by both triumph and tragedy. The Hebrew word for "dead" is "מֵת" (met), signifying the end of Saul's tumultuous rule. This moment is significant in Israel's history, as it marks the transition of power and the fulfillment of God's promise to David. The phrase captures the gravity of the moment and the shift in Israel's leadership.

and thought he was bringing me good news
The bearer of the news believed he was delivering a message of victory. The Hebrew word for "good news" is "בְּשׂוֹרָה" (besorah), often associated with joyful tidings. However, David's reaction reveals a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and justice. In the ancient world, the death of a king could be seen as an opportunity for advancement, but David's response underscores his respect for God's anointed and his commitment to righteousness.

I seized him and put him to death
David's decisive action reflects his adherence to divine justice. The Hebrew verb "תָּפַשׂ" (taphas) means to seize or capture, indicating David's authority and resolve. By executing the messenger, David demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God's principles, rejecting any form of opportunism or treachery. This act serves as a testament to David's integrity and his understanding of the sanctity of God's anointed.

in Ziklag
Ziklag was a Philistine city given to David by Achish, king of Gath, during his time of refuge from Saul. It became a base for David and his men. The mention of Ziklag situates the event geographically and historically, highlighting David's complex relationship with the Philistines and his strategic acumen. This location serves as a backdrop for David's moral and ethical decisions, emphasizing his role as a leader even in exile.

to reward him for his news
The irony in David's statement is profound. The Hebrew word for "reward" is "שָׂכָר" (sachar), typically associated with compensation or wages. However, David's "reward" is death, illustrating the gravity of the messenger's misjudgment. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences and that true justice aligns with God's will. David's response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with divine righteousness.

(10) Who thought that I would have given him.--The words thought that I would are not in the original, and the literal translation of the margin is better: "which was the reward I gave him." This shows very plainly David's view of the motive which prompted the Amalekite to his lie recorded in 2Samuel 1:10.



Parallel Commentaries ...


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

someone told
הַמַּגִּיד֩ (ham·mag·gîḏ)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

me,
לִ֨י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

‘Look,
הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

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

is dead’
מֵ֣ת (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

and thought
בְּעֵינָ֔יו (bə·‘ê·nāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

he
וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was
הָיָ֤ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a bearer of good news,
כִמְבַשֵּׂר֙ (ḵim·ḇaś·śêr)
Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

I seized
וָאֹחֲזָ֣ה (wā·’ō·ḥă·zāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession

him
ב֔וֹ (ḇōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and put him to death
וָאֶהְרְגֵ֖הוּ (wā·’eh·rə·ḡê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

at Ziklag.
בְּצִֽקְלָ֑ג (bə·ṣiq·lāḡ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6860: Ziklag -- a city assigned to Judah, also to Simeon

That
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

was his reward
לְתִתִּי־ (lə·ṯit·tî-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

for [his] news!
בְּשֹׂרָֽה׃ (bə·śō·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1309: Glad tidings, reward for, good news


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OT History: 2 Samuel 4:10 When one told me saying Behold Saul (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 4:9
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