Old Testament
2 Samuel 14:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The woman said, "Then why have you done the same kind of thing against God's people? By making this ruling, the king convicts himself — because you haven't brought your own banished son back home."
Compare translations
And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.
What 2 Samuel 14:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a woman confronts King David about his inconsistency in dealing with justice. She points out that while he has made a ruling that affects others, he has not acted to bring his own son back home, who has been banished. This highlights a critical issue: the king's failure to apply the same standards to himself that he expects from others. The woman’s words serve as a mirror, reflecting the king's shortcomings and urging him to take responsibility for his family. It’s a powerful reminder that leaders must be fair and just, not just in their words but also in their actions. The king’s authority is questioned, and he is challenged to reconcile his personal life with his public duties. This moment emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability in leadership, showing that true justice begins at home. It’s a call for self-reflection and a reminder that our actions must align with our principles, especially when we hold positions of power and influence.
How to apply 2 Samuel 14:13 to your life
Consider how you hold others accountable in your life. Are you applying the same standards to yourself? Reflect on areas where you may need to take responsibility for your actions. True leadership involves being fair and just, both publicly and privately. Make a commitment to align your actions with your values today.
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 14:13
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 14:13
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 14:13 mean?
In 2 Samuel 14:13, a woman confronts King David about his hypocrisy in delivering justice. She points out that while he judges others, he fails to bring his own banished son back, highlighting the need for leaders to be consistent in their actions and decisions.
What is the significance of the woman's words in 2 Samuel 14:13?
The woman's words in 2 Samuel 14:13 serve as a challenge to King David, urging him to reflect on his own failures as a leader. Her statement emphasizes the importance of accountability and integrity, reminding him that true justice must also apply to his personal life.
How does 2 Samuel 14:13 relate to leadership?
2 Samuel 14:13 highlights the critical aspect of leadership where personal integrity must align with public duty. It shows that leaders are expected to be fair and just, not only in their judgments of others but also in their treatment of their own family.
What lesson can we learn from 2 Samuel 14:13?
The lesson from 2 Samuel 14:13 is about the importance of self-reflection and accountability in leadership. It reminds us that our actions should match our principles, especially when we hold positions of authority.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.