Old Testament
2 Samuel 10:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
David said, "I'm going to show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father was kind to me." So David sent some of his officials to express sympathy to Hanun about his father's death. When David's men arrived in the land of the Ammonites,
Compare translations
Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
What 2 Samuel 10:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King David decides to honor the memory of Nahash, the deceased king of the Ammonites, by showing kindness to his son, Hanun. David remembers how Nahash had treated him well in the past, and he wants to return that kindness. To express his sympathy, David sends a group of his officials to Hanun. This act of compassion highlights the importance of remembering and reciprocating kindness. It also shows how relationships can transcend borders and past conflicts. David's gesture is a reminder that even in times of loss, we can choose to reach out and support one another. This moment sets the stage for future interactions between David and the Ammonites, illustrating how kindness can pave the way for peace and understanding. David's actions encourage us to think about how we can honor those who have been kind to us by extending that kindness to others, especially in difficult times. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion in our lives and communities.
How to apply 2 Samuel 10:2 to your life
Consider how you can show kindness to someone who has experienced a loss. Reflect on the people who have been kind to you and think of ways to honor their memory. Small acts of compassion can make a significant difference in someone’s life during tough times. Reach out and offer your support to those in need, just as David did. Your kindness can create a ripple effect of goodwill in your community and beyond.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Samuel 10:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Samuel 10:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Samuel 10:2 mean?
In 2 Samuel 10:2, King David decides to show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, in memory of Nahash's past kindness to him. This act emphasizes the importance of reciprocating kindness and maintaining relationships, even across borders.
What is the significance of kindness in 2 Samuel 10:2?
The significance of kindness in this verse lies in David's choice to honor a past relationship by reaching out to Hanun during a time of loss. It highlights how acts of compassion can foster goodwill and understanding between people.
How does 2 Samuel 10:2 relate to relationships?
2 Samuel 10:2 shows how relationships can be strengthened through acts of kindness. David's gesture towards Hanun reflects the idea that remembering and reciprocating kindness can help build bridges, even in challenging times.
What can we learn from 2 Samuel 10:2?
From 2 Samuel 10:2, we learn the importance of showing kindness, especially during difficult times. It encourages us to reach out to those who are grieving and to honor the kindness we have received by extending it to others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.