2 Samuel 14 12

2 Samuel 14:12 kjv

Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

2 Samuel 14:12 nkjv

Therefore the woman said, "Please, let your maidservant speak another word to my lord the king." And he said, "Say on."

2 Samuel 14:12 niv

Then the woman said, "Let your servant speak a word to my lord the king." "Speak," he replied.

2 Samuel 14:12 esv

Then the woman said, "Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king." He said, "Speak."

2 Samuel 14:12 nlt

"Please allow me to ask one more thing of my lord the king," she said. "Go ahead and speak," he responded.

2 Samuel 14 verses

2 Samuel 14 12 Meaning

2 Samuel 14:12 captures the opening moment of the Tekoite woman's diplomatic mission to King David, orchestrated by Joab. It signifies her humble and deferential request for permission to speak further to the king, laying the groundwork for the elaborate parable and plea she is about to deliver regarding Absalom's possible return. It highlights the formality and respect required when approaching royalty in ancient Israel.

2 Samuel 14 12 Context

2 Samuel 14 concerns Joab's strategem to reconcile King David with his exiled son, Absalom, after Absalom murdered his half-brother Amnon (2 Sam 13). David deeply loved Absalom but was unwilling to bring him back from Geshur, where he had fled. Recognizing David's unspoken desire for his son's return, Joab enlists a "wise woman" from Tekoa to subtly influence the king. This verse (14:12) marks the precise moment the woman, having gained an audience with the king through Joab's arrangement, initiates her carefully planned conversation. She is at the king's mercy, her task requiring extreme diplomacy, a compelling narrative, and absolute humility to achieve her hidden objective.

2 Samuel 14 12 Word analysis

• Then the woman said (וַתֹּאמֶר הָֽאִשָּׁה - Vatomér ha'ishsháh): "Then she said" is a common narrative conjunction in Hebrew, indicating a progression in the story. "The woman" refers specifically to the Tekoite woman, signifying her importance as the key actor in this diplomatic exchange. It introduces her first direct words to the king, highlighting the beginning of her orchestrated plea.
• Let your servant speak (תְּדַבֶּר־נָא֙ שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֔ - t'daber-ná shifḥāthekhā):
  • t'daber-ná: An imperative verb "speak" with the particle "na" (please/now). It is a polite yet direct request for permission.
  • shifḥāthekhā: "your servant" or "your maidservant." This is a profound term of self-abasement, establishing her lowly status before the king. It immediately evokes a sense of humility and defers all authority to David. This strategic use of language would make David more inclined to listen to her.
• a word (דָּבָ֖ר אֶחָ֑ד - dāvār eḥādh):
  • dāvār: "word," "matter," "thing," "report." Here it functions as "a word."
  • eḥādh: "one," "a single."This phrase implies a concise, brief statement. However, in the context of the larger narrative, it's a profound understatement. The woman doesn't just speak "one word"; she initiates a carefully constructed parable designed to change royal policy. The phrase itself is an appeal to the king's patience and mercy, promising brevity to secure her chance to speak. It sets up the ironic contrast with the lengthy and strategic discourse that follows.
• my lord the king (אֲדֹנִ֥י הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ׃ - ǎdhoní hamélekh):
  • ǎdhoní: "my lord." A respectful and deferential form of address.
  • hamélekh: "the king." The definite article emphasizes his supreme royal status.This full address underscores the woman's submission and profound respect for David's ultimate authority. It's the most formal and respectful way to address the monarch, confirming her acknowledgement of his absolute power and the sanctity of the royal presence.

2 Samuel 14 12 Bonus section

The scene emphasizes the unique role of a "wise woman" in ancient Israelite society. While generally women had limited public roles, "wise women" were recognized for their counsel and ability to resolve disputes or provide strategic advice, sometimes operating outside conventional hierarchical structures. Her request for a "single word" is a tactic that not only expresses humility but also subtly engages the king's curiosity. It mirrors how complex and pivotal interactions can be initiated with a simple, well-chosen phrase. David's response to her—allowing her to speak—demonstrates his willingness to hear from even the lowliest of his subjects, provided they approach him with proper respect. This verse also implicitly highlights Joab's wisdom in choosing such an adept, persuasive speaker for his critical mission.

2 Samuel 14 12 Commentary

2 Samuel 14:12 is far more than a mere statement; it's a masterful diplomatic opening. The Tekoite woman's deliberate choice of words signals deep humility and submission before King David. By presenting herself as a lowly "servant" asking permission to speak just "a word" to "my lord the king," she disarms any potential royal suspicion or impatience. This meticulous respect for protocol and royal authority is crucial for her to gain the king's attention and trust, without which her intricate parable would fall flat. Her plea for "a word" deceptively downplays the significant and weighty matter she is about to introduce, establishing a safe space for her sensitive, pre-meditated communication concerning the delicate issue of Absalom. It highlights how powerful requests often begin with unassuming, respectful overtures.