2 Samuel 4:6
New International Version
They went into the inner part of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rekab and his brother Baanah slipped away.

New Living Translation
The doorkeeper, who had been sifting wheat, became drowsy and fell asleep. So Recab and Baanah slipped past her.

English Standard Version
And they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

Berean Standard Bible
They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away.

King James Bible
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

New King James Version
And they came there, all the way into the house, as though to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

New American Standard Bible
And they came to the interior of the house as if to get wheat, and they struck him in the belly; and Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped.

NASB 1995
They came to the middle of the house as if to get wheat, and they struck him in the belly; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

NASB 1977
And they came to the middle of the house as if to get wheat, and they struck him in the belly; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

Legacy Standard Bible
They came to the middle of the house as if to get wheat, and they struck him in the belly; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

Amplified Bible
They came into the interior of the house as if to get wheat [for the soldiers], and they struck him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped [unnoticed].

Christian Standard Bible
They entered the interior of the house as if to get wheat and stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They entered the interior of the house as if to get wheat and stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped.

American Standard Version
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him in the body: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

English Revised Version
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him in the belly: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
when they came into the house as though they were going to get some flour. Instead, they stabbed him in the belly. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped.

Good News Translation
The woman at the door had become drowsy while she was sifting wheat and had fallen asleep, so Rechab and Baanah slipped in.

International Standard Version
They entered the house as though they intended to obtain some grain and stabbed him in the abdomen. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped.

Majority Standard Bible
They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away.

NET Bible
They entered the house under the pretense of getting wheat and mortally wounded him in the stomach. Then Recab and his brother Baanah escaped.

New Heart English Bible
And look, the doorkeeper of the house had been sifting wheat, and she became drowsy and fell asleep. And Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped by.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

World English Bible
They came there into the middle of the house as though they would have fetched wheat, and they struck him in the body; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they have come there, to the midst of the house, taking wheat, and they strike him to the fifth [rib], and Rechab and his brother Baanah have escaped;

Young's Literal Translation
and thither they have come, unto the midst of the house, taking wheat, and they smite him unto the fifth rib, and Rechab and Baanah his brother have escaped;

Smith's Literal Translation
And behold, they came even to the midst of the house, taking wheat; and they will strike him in the belly; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they entered into the house secretly taking ears of corn, and Rechab and Baana his brother stabbed him in the groin, and fled away.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then they entered the house secretly, taking the ears of grain. And Rechab and his brother Baanah stabbed him in the groin, and they fled away.

New American Bible
The gatekeeper of the house had dozed off while sifting wheat, and was asleep. So Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped past her

New Revised Standard Version
They came inside the house as though to take wheat, and they struck him in the stomach; then Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And behold, they came into the midst of the house; then those sons of wickedness took and smote him in his abdomen; and Rechab and Banna his brother escaped.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And behold, they came inside the house and the sons of sin, Rakab and Baana his brother, took and struck him on his fifth rib and they escaped
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him in the groin; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And, behold, the porter of the house winnowed wheat, and he slumbered and slept: and the brothers Rechab and Baana went privily into the house:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Murder of Ish-bosheth
5Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while the king was taking his midday nap. 6 They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away. 7They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 3:27
When 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.

2 Samuel 20:9-10
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

1 Kings 2:5
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.

Judges 3:21-22
And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. / Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And Eglon’s bowels emptied.

1 Samuel 26:7-8
That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. / Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”

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.

2 Samuel 2:23
But Asahel refused to turn away. So Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.

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.”

2 Samuel 3:30
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:43-46
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 18:3-5
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. / Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” / “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.

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 they came thither into the middle of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

under

2 Samuel 2:23
Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2 Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Jump to Previous
Baanah Ba'anah Belly Body Cleaning Doorkeeper Drowsy Escaped Fetched Fifth Grew Groin House Inner Middle Midst Part Rechab Rib Slept Slipped Smote Stabbed Stomach Struck Thither Wheat
Jump to Next
Baanah Ba'anah Belly Body Cleaning Doorkeeper Drowsy Escaped Fetched Fifth Grew Groin House Inner Middle Midst Part Rechab Rib Slept Slipped Smote Stabbed Stomach Struck Thither Wheat
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.














They entered the house
This phrase sets the scene for a clandestine and treacherous act. The Hebrew root for "entered" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which often implies coming or going with intent. In the context of ancient Israel, homes were considered sanctuaries of safety and hospitality. The act of entering with malicious intent was a grave violation of trust and social norms, highlighting the deceitful nature of Rechab and Baanah's actions.

under the pretense of getting wheat
The phrase "under the pretense" indicates deception. The Hebrew word for "pretense" is "תַּחַת" (tachat), meaning "under" or "instead of," suggesting a cover or disguise for their true intentions. Wheat was a staple in the ancient Near Eastern diet, symbolizing sustenance and life. By using the guise of acquiring wheat, Rechab and Baanah exploited a common, everyday activity to mask their sinister plot, reflecting the depths of their betrayal.

and they stabbed him in the stomach
The act of stabbing, particularly in the stomach, was a brutal and personal form of murder. The Hebrew verb "נָקַע" (naqah) means to pierce or strike, emphasizing the violence of the act. In biblical times, the stomach was often seen as the seat of emotions and life, making this act not only physically destructive but symbolically an attack on the very essence of the individual. This highlights the ruthlessness of Rechab and Baanah.

Then Rechab and his brother Baanah
The mention of both brothers by name underscores their joint culpability in the crime. In Hebrew culture, names often carried significant meaning and identity. "Rechab" means "rider" or "chariot," and "Baanah" means "in affliction" or "in response." Their names, coupled with their actions, suggest a narrative of individuals who perhaps saw themselves as agents of change or deliverance, albeit through misguided and violent means.

slipped away
The phrase "slipped away" conveys stealth and cowardice. The Hebrew root "מָלַט" (malat) means to escape or deliver oneself, often used in contexts of fleeing from danger or responsibility. This action reflects their awareness of guilt and fear of retribution. In the broader biblical narrative, such actions are often met with divine justice, reminding readers of the moral order upheld by God.

(6) As though they would have fetched wheat.--Literally, fetching wheat. The English version gives the sense, since the fetching wheat (probably for their soldiers) was a pretext to cover their purpose. The LXX. has here a curious addition: "And, behold, the portress of the house was cleansing wheat, and she slumbered and slept, and the brothers slipt through." On "the fifth rib"= abdomen, see Note on 2Samuel 2:23.

Verses 6, 7. - As though they would have fetched wheat. Not only is the narrative confused, but the versions offer extraordinary varieties of reading. The murder of Ishbosheth is fully described in ver. 7, and is there in its place, while it is out of place in ver. 6. And that the captains would themselves fetch wheat, instead of having it carried from the granary by their men; and that they would go through the king's chamber to obtain it; are both improbable. The very act of going to get wheat at midday, when everybody was having his siesta, would itself be suspicious. The Syriac says nothing about wheat, but that these "wicked men took and smote him." The Vulgate and LXX. lay the blame on the woman who kept the door, the narrative of the latter being as follows: "They entered into the house of Ishbosheth in the heat of the day, and he was asleep in his midday chamber And behold, the woman that kept the door of the house had been winnowing wheat, and she slumbered and slept. And the brothers Rechab and Baanah entered the house without being noticed, and Ishbosheth was asleep on his bed in his chamber, and they smote him," etc. There is, confessedly, considerable confusion in the text, but the versions do not altogether clear it up; and until we have better materials for forming a judgment, we must be content to wait. In ver. 5, instead of "who lay on a bed at noon," the Hebrew has "as he was taking his noonday rest." In ver. 7 the bed is the divan, or raised bank, which in an Oriental house runs along the wall, and is supplied with pieces of carpet, or cushions, on which to sit cross legged or recline. For sleep, the corners were the favourite places. Even the public rooms had these divans. But Ishbosheth had probably retired for his siesta into a private chamber, where the captains knew that he would be alone. The plain through which they fled was the Arabah, or Jordan valley, as in 2 Samuel 2:29.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They entered
בָּ֜אוּ (bā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the interior
תּ֤וֹךְ (tō·wḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

of the house
הַבַּ֙יִת֙ (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

as if to get
לֹקְחֵ֣י (lō·qə·ḥê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3947: To take

some wheat,
חִטִּ֔ים (ḥiṭ·ṭîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2406: Wheat

and they stabbed him
וַיַּכֻּ֖הוּ (way·yak·ku·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the stomach.
הַחֹ֑מֶשׁ (ha·ḥō·meš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2570: The abdomen

Then Rechab
וְרֵכָ֛ב (wə·rê·ḵāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7394: Rechab -- perhaps 'band of riders', a Benjamite, also the head of a nomadic family

and his brother
אָחִ֖יו (’ā·ḥîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Baanah
וּבַעֲנָ֥ה (ū·ḇa·‘ă·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1196: Baanah -- the name of several Israelites

slipped away.
נִמְלָֽטוּ׃ (nim·lā·ṭū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks


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OT History: 2 Samuel 4:6 They came there into the midst (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 4:5
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