Key Verse Spotlight
2 Samuel 12:22 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" He said, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ "
2 Samuel 12:22
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothing; and he came into the LORD’s house, and worshiped. Then he came to his own house; and when he requested, they set bread before him and he ate.
21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child was dead, you rose up and ate bread.”
22 He said, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?’
23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
24 David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her, and lay with her. She bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. The LORD loved him;
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2 Samuel 12:1
"The LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in one city: the one rich, and the other poor."
2 Samuel 12:2
"The rich man had very many flocks and herds,"
2 Samuel 12:3
"but the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and raised. It grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food, drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was like a daughter to him."
2 Samuel 12:4
"A traveler came to the rich man, and he didn’t want to take of his own flock and of his own herd to prepare for the wayfaring man who had come to him, but took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.”"
2 Samuel 12:5
"David’s anger burned hot against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die!"
2 Samuel 12:6
"He must restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity!”"
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