Old Testament
2 Samuel 11:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
One evening, David got up from his bed and walked on the roof of the palace. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and she was very beautiful to look at.
Compare translations
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
What 2 Samuel 11:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
One evening, King David, feeling restless, got out of bed and strolled on the roof of his palace. As he looked around, he noticed a woman bathing nearby. She was stunningly beautiful, and her presence captivated him. This moment marked the beginning of a series of choices that would lead to significant consequences in David's life. It highlights how a simple act, like taking a walk, can lead to temptation. David's gaze turned into desire, which ultimately led him down a path of moral failure. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of our thoughts and actions, especially when faced with temptation. It shows how one moment can change everything, urging us to be vigilant in our choices and aware of their potential impact on our lives and those around us. David's experience teaches us that we must guard our hearts and minds against distractions that can lead us away from our values and responsibilities. We should strive to make choices that align with our true intentions and commitments.
How to apply 2 Samuel 11:2 to your life
When faced with temptation, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the potential consequences of our actions. Like David, we can find ourselves in situations that challenge our values. Stay aware of your surroundings and make choices that align with your principles. Seek support from others when needed to stay on the right path. Remember, one moment can change everything for better or worse. “Be mindful of your thoughts and actions.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
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 David's story: David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1–27)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 11:2
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 11:2
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 11:2 mean?
2 Samuel 11:2 describes King David's moment of temptation when he sees a beautiful woman bathing. This verse highlights how a seemingly innocent action can lead to significant moral failure and consequences.
What is the significance of David walking on the roof in 2 Samuel 11:2?
David walking on the roof symbolizes a moment of vulnerability and restlessness. It sets the stage for his encounter with temptation, illustrating how our choices can lead us into compromising situations.
What does the phrase 'very beautiful to look at' in 2 Samuel 11:2 imply?
The phrase 'very beautiful to look at' emphasizes the allure and attractiveness of the woman David saw. It underscores the power of desire and how it can lead to poor decisions.
How can 2 Samuel 11:2 apply to our lives today?
2 Samuel 11:2 serves as a reminder to be vigilant about our surroundings and choices. It teaches us to be mindful of temptation and the potential consequences of our actions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.