2 Samuel 11:4

KJV

And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397}, and took {H3947} her; and she came in {H935} unto him, and he lay {H7901} with her; for she was purified {H6942} from her uncleanness {H2932}: and she returned {H7725} unto her house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he went to bed with her (for she had been purified from her uncleanness). Then she returned to her house.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.

American Standard Version

And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her (for she was purified from her uncleanness); and she returned unto her house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 11:4 records King David's egregious act of adultery with Bathsheba, detailing the immediate and deliberate steps he took to bring her to his palace and lie with her. The verse critically notes that Bathsheba had recently completed her ritual purification from uncleanness, a detail that establishes David's sole culpability for the subsequent pregnancy and sets the stage for the tragic chain of events that would follow, marking a profound moral failure in the life of Israel's king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of David's moral decline, which begins in [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - David Stays in Jerusalem"). While his army, led by Joab, is engaged in battle against the Ammonites, David remains in Jerusalem. From his rooftop, he observes Bathsheba bathing ([2 Samuel 11:2](/2_samuel/11-2 "2 Samuel 11:2 - David Sees Bathsheba")). Instead of turning away from the tempting sight, David actively inquires about her identity ([2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3 "2 Samuel 11:3 - David Inquires About Bathsheba")), demonstrating a progression from passive observation to active pursuit of his lustful desire. Verse 4 then describes the decisive, sinful action, highlighting David's abuse of his royal authority to summon and violate Bathsheba, thereby setting in motion the tragic narrative of sin, cover-up, and divine judgment that unfolds in the subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, kings often wielded absolute power, and the temptation to abuse this power for personal gratification was ever-present. However, Israelite kings were uniquely accountable to Yahweh and His Law, which included strict prohibitions against adultery ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")) and the misuse of authority. The detail about Bathsheba's "purification from her uncleanness" refers to the Levitical laws concerning a woman's ritual purity after menstruation ([Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws Concerning Menstrual Impurity")), which typically lasted seven days. This detail is crucial, as it confirms that Bathsheba was not pregnant at the time of this encounter, unequivocally establishing David's paternity for the child conceived and underscoring his full responsibility for the subsequent events.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several critical themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Abuse of Power**, as David, the king chosen by God and entrusted with the well-being of his people, perverts his authority to satisfy his personal lust, rather than using it to protect the vulnerable. Secondly, it exemplifies the **Progression of Sin**, demonstrating how an unchecked desire, initially a thought or glance, can rapidly escalate into a grievous act, echoing the warning in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin and Death"). Thirdly, the verse directly portrays the sin of **Adultery**, a direct violation of God's covenantal law, which carries severe consequences for individuals, families, and the nation. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Justice and Consequences**, as David's actions here will inevitably lead to severe judgment upon his house, demonstrating that sin, especially for those in leadership, has far-reaching and devastating repercussions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent messengers (Hebrew, _shalach_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, official dispatch, often used for royal decrees or military orders. Here, it underscores that David's action was not a spontaneous impulse but a calculated command, leveraging his kingly authority to summon Bathsheba. It highlights the intentionality and the abuse of power inherent in his act.
* **took her (Hebrew, _laqach_):** While "took" can sometimes imply marriage or consensual taking, in this context, given the power dynamic and the illicit nature of the act, it carries the connotation of seizing or appropriating. It emphasizes David's agency and Bathsheba's likely lack of true consent, as a commoner could not refuse a king's summons. This was an act of taking, not receiving.
* **purified from her uncleanness (Hebrew, _taharah_):** This phrase refers to the completion of her ritual purity period following menstruation, as prescribed by Levitical law ([Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws of Impurity")). This detail is critically important for the narrative, as it confirms that Bathsheba was not pregnant before this encounter, thereby unequivocally establishing David's paternity of the child conceived and his full responsibility for the subsequent cover-up and the death of Uriah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David sent messengers, and took her;":** This clause reveals David's active and authoritative initiation of the illicit encounter. He does not merely desire; he commands. The use of "sent messengers" and "took her" highlights his abuse of royal power, turning his position of leadership into a means of personal gratification, rather than protection and justice for his subjects.
* **"and she came in unto him, and he lay with her;":** This describes the consummation of the sin. The brevity and directness of the language underscore the stark reality of the adultery. While Bathsheba "came in," the preceding "took her" implies a summons that was likely impossible to refuse, emphasizing the coercive nature of the encounter from her perspective and David's dominant role in the transgression.
* **"for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.":** This parenthetical clause is pivotal. The purification detail confirms that Bathsheba was not pregnant at the time of the sexual act, making David solely responsible for the subsequent pregnancy and the chain of events that follows. It eliminates any ambiguity regarding the paternity of the child and thus David's complete culpability. Her immediate return to her house suggests the transactional, illicit nature of the encounter, devoid of any marital or relational commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 11:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Conciseness**, as the text describes a monumental moral failure with stark, unadorned brevity, allowing the gravity of the act to speak for itself without embellishment. This brevity also creates a sense of rapid, inevitable progression from desire to action. There is also a powerful sense of **Irony**, as David, the "man after God's own heart" and Israel's divinely appointed king, is seen flagrantly violating God's law and abusing the very power entrusted to him. The detail "for she was purified from her uncleanness" serves as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future pregnancy and the subsequent desperate measures David will take to cover up his sin, which will ultimately bring divine judgment upon his house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 11:4 stands as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of human sin, even among those most favored by God. It underscores that no one, regardless of their spiritual standing or position of authority, is immune to temptation and fallibility. David's actions here reveal the corrupting influence of unchecked power and the devastating consequences of succumbing to lust. The narrative highlights God's unwavering moral standards, as David's violation of the seventh commandment against adultery is presented not merely as a personal failing but as a direct affront to God's holiness and covenant. This episode serves as a sobering theological lesson on the reality of sin's progression and its inevitable, far-reaching repercussions, demonstrating that God holds even His chosen leaders accountable for their actions.

* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")
* [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")
* [Proverbs 6:32](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32 - Consequences of Adultery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's fall in 2 Samuel 11:4 offers profound and sobering lessons for every believer. It serves as a stark warning that unchecked desire, coupled with opportunity and abuse of power, can lead to devastating moral failure, regardless of one's past faithfulness or spiritual stature. This account compels us to cultivate vigilance over our hearts and minds, recognizing that temptation often begins subtly, with a glance or a thought, and can quickly escalate into destructive action if not immediately addressed. For those in positions of leadership, this narrative is a powerful call to humility, integrity, and rigorous accountability, reminding us that authority is a sacred trust to be wielded for the good of others, not for personal gratification. David's sin here led to a cascade of tragic consequences, underscoring the biblical principle that sin always carries a heavy cost, not only for the individual but for those around them and even for future generations. We are called to flee from temptation, to exercise self-control, and to live in a manner that honors God in all our interactions, recognizing that our actions have eternal implications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's initial gaze and subsequent actions illustrate the progression of sin in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might positions of power or influence tempt individuals to abuse their authority, and how can we guard against this?**
* **What safeguards can we put in place to protect ourselves from temptation and ensure accountability in our personal and public lives?**
* **How does the detail of Bathsheba's purification underscore the depth of David's culpability and the seriousness of his sin, and what does this teach us about personal responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Was Bathsheba an innocent victim or complicit in the adultery?**

Answer: The biblical text focuses overwhelmingly on David's actions and culpability, portraying him as the initiator and perpetrator of the sin. The phrase "David sent messengers, and took her" strongly suggests a coercive dynamic, where a commoner like Bathsheba would have little to no agency to refuse a king's command. The narrative does not provide any indication of her consent or active participation, but rather highlights David's abuse of his royal power. The detail about her purification further emphasizes David's sole responsibility for the subsequent pregnancy, reinforcing his culpability. While the text doesn't explicitly label her a "victim," the power imbalance and the king's command imply that she was in a profoundly vulnerable position, and the focus of the narrative is clearly on David's transgression.

**Why is the detail about Bathsheba's purification so important in this verse?**

Answer: The detail "for she was purified from her uncleanness" is critically important for two main reasons. First, according to Levitical law ([Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws Concerning Menstrual Impurity")), a woman was ritually unclean during and immediately after her menstrual period. Her purification indicates that this period had ended. This timing is crucial because it confirms that Bathsheba was not pregnant *before* David lay with her. Second, this detail therefore establishes David's unequivocal paternity of the child conceived from this illicit union. It removes any doubt about the child's father, thus highlighting David's full responsibility and culpability for the adultery, the subsequent cover-up involving Uriah, and the divine judgment that would follow ([2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan's Confrontation and David's Repentance")).

**How does this act relate to David's character as "a man after God's own heart"?**

Answer: David's actions in 2 Samuel 11:4 represent a profound contradiction to his designation as "a man after God's own heart." This episode reveals the deep human capacity for sin, even in those who are genuinely devoted to God. It underscores that being "after God's own heart" does not imply sinlessness, but rather a fundamental orientation towards God, a desire to please Him, and crucially, a readiness to repent and return to Him when confronted with sin. While this act is a terrible stain on David's record, his subsequent deep repentance and acceptance of God's judgment, as recounted in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan's Confrontation and David's Repentance") and [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - David's Prayer of Repentance"), ultimately reaffirm his character as one who, despite grievous failure, remained committed to God. It teaches us that God's grace is extended even to those who fall spectacularly, provided there is genuine contrition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of 2 Samuel 11:4, with David's abuse of power and moral failure, powerfully highlights the desperate need for a perfect King, one who would never succumb to temptation or misuse His authority. David, the "man after God's own heart," tragically falls, demonstrating the inherent sinfulness and limitations of even the greatest human leaders. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ emerges as the true and ultimate King, who perfectly fulfills the law and exercises His power not for self-gratification, but for the selfless good of His people. Unlike David, who remained in Jerusalem while his army fought, Jesus actively entered the spiritual battle against sin and death, perfectly obeying the Father's will even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-5 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Where David brought sin and death into his house, Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the consequences of humanity's sin, including adultery, on the cross. His perfect life and atoning sacrifice provide the righteousness that David, and all humanity, so desperately lack. Jesus is the King who is "tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), offering not only forgiveness for our failures but also the power to live righteously, something no human king could ever fully provide. Through His perfect obedience, many are made righteous ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 18:19

¶ Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Psalms 51:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Psalms 51:19

Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Proverbs 30:20

Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

Leviticus 12:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.