Old Testament
2 Samuel 19:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and crossed the Jordan with the king to accompany him across the river.
Compare translations
And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
What 2 Samuel 19:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Barzillai the Gileadite was a loyal supporter of King David. When David was returning to his kingdom after a time of exile, Barzillai came from Rogelim to help him cross the Jordan River. This act of kindness showed his deep loyalty and friendship. Barzillai was an older man, and he had provided for David during his time of need. His willingness to accompany the king back to his home demonstrated the importance of standing by those we care about, especially in challenging times. Barzillai's actions remind us that true friendship often involves sacrifice and support. By helping David, he not only honored their relationship but also played a part in restoring the king to his rightful place. This moment highlights the value of loyalty and the impact one person can have on another's journey. Barzillai's legacy is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of being there for others when they need it most. His story encourages us to be supportive and present for those we love.
How to apply 2 Samuel 19:31 to your life
Consider how you can be a supportive friend to someone in need. Look for opportunities to stand by those you care about, especially during tough times. Your presence and assistance can make a significant difference in their lives. Remember, true friendship is about being there for one another, no matter the circumstances.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 19:31
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 19:31
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
Who was Barzillai the Gileadite in 2 Samuel 19:31?
Barzillai the Gileadite was a loyal supporter of King David during his reign. He came from Rogelim to assist David in crossing the Jordan River as the king returned to reclaim his throne after a period of exile. Barzillai's actions exemplified deep loyalty and friendship, showcasing his commitment to David during a critical time.
What does Barzillai's support for David signify?
Barzillai's support for David signifies the importance of loyalty and friendship, especially in times of adversity. His willingness to help David cross the Jordan River illustrates how true friends stand by each other during challenging moments. This act of kindness not only reinforced their bond but also played a crucial role in David's restoration as king.
What can we learn from Barzillai's actions?
From Barzillai's actions, we learn the value of being present and supportive for our friends in need. His willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to help David highlights the essence of true friendship, which often involves standing by those we care about during difficult times. It encourages us to actively seek ways to support others and strengthen our relationships.
How does Barzillai's story relate to themes of loyalty and sacrifice?
Barzillai's story is a powerful illustration of loyalty and sacrifice. His decision to accompany King David back to his kingdom demonstrates a commitment to friendship that goes beyond mere words. It shows that true loyalty often requires action and selflessness, reminding us that supporting loved ones can involve personal sacrifice, but it ultimately strengthens our bonds.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.