David's sin wasn't just adultery and murder, it was a profound act of despising God's very word. He chose to disregard what God had clearly spoken and ordained, treating it as if it had no value or consequence in his life. This highlights how often our own "offenses" against God stem from a deeper disrespect for His authority and commands.
Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King David has just been confronted by the prophet Nathan for his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. Nathan's powerful parable has forced David to acknowledge his sin, and this verse is the direct consequence, laying bare the gravity of his actions. The LORD, through Nathan, is not just pointing out mistakes but declaring the deep offense David has committed against Him.
David had committed adultery, but Nathan's confrontation cuts deeper. It's not just about breaking a rule, but about profoundly disrespecting the Lawgiver Himself.
Nathan doesn't just call out David's actions; he identifies the root problem: 'Why have you despised the word of the LORD?' This phrase points to a contemptuous disregard for God's commands and authority. David, as king, was God's representative on earth, yet he acted as if God's law didn't apply to him. This 'despising' isn't a casual oversight; it's a deliberate rebellion that positions oneself above God's revealed will.
David's downfall wasn't a single mistake but a cascade of wickedness. Nathan lays bare the horrific chain of events that stemmed from his initial lust.
Nathan breaks down David's sin into three distinct, escalating acts, all stemming from his failure to 'despise the word of the LORD':
Ask a follow-up
Each act is worse than the last, demonstrating how one sin can spiral into deeper corruption when not immediately confessed and repented of.
Understand the original words
bazah · Hebrew Verb
To hold in low esteem, disregard, or treat with contempt. Biblically, it signifies an act of rebellion against divine authority by ignoring or rejecting God’s commands.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
That which is morally reprehensible, offensive, or contrary to the character and revealed will of God; it stands in opposition to what is righteous or holy.
cherev · Hebrew Noun
A sharp-edged weapon of war, often used metaphorically in Scripture to denote divine judgment, conflict, or the consequences of violent sin within a household or nation.
This passage highlights David's dramatic fall from grace, showing how even a beloved king can be ensnared by sin, leading to devastating personal and national consequences.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
David is anointed king, uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as his capital. This marks the beginning of a powerful and influential reign.
c. 1005 BC
David's Adultery with Bathsheba
While his army is campaigning, King David sees Bathsheba bathing and commits adultery with her. This event is the root of the sin addressed in 2 Samuel 12.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
David Arranges Uriah's Death
To cover his sin, David plots to have Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba's husband and a loyal soldier, killed in battle. He sends a letter with the army commander instructing them to set Uriah in the fiercest fighting.
c. 1005 BC
Nathan Confronts David
The prophet Nathan bravely confronts David with a parable, revealing David's sin. Nathan declares God's judgment upon David and his household for his actions.
c. 1005 BC
David's Repentance
Overwhelmed by Nathan's words, David confesses his sin to God, acknowledging he has sinned against the LORD. He expresses deep remorse for his actions.
c. 1005 BC
Death of David and Bathsheba's Son
As Nathan prophesied, the son born to David and Bathsheba becomes gravely ill and dies. This is the first consequence of David's sin.
This passage highlights that obedience to God is far more important than outward religious acts, echoing Nathan's rebuke of David's actions which, though seemingly powerful, were detestable to God.
Psalm 51:4This is David's own psalm of repentance after Nathan's confrontation, directly acknowledging that his sin was against God alone, reinforcing the gravity of despising God's word as stated in 2 Samuel 12:9.
Romans 2:21-22Paul's rebuke to the Jews about hypocrisy resonates with David's situation; he taught others not to steal and commit adultery, yet he himself did both, demonstrating how one can despise God's law even while proclaiming it.
James 1:14-15This passage describes how sin is conceived and its ultimate outcome, directly mirroring David's journey from initial desire to adultery and murder, showing the progression of despising God's commands.
David's sin wasn't just adultery and murder, it was a profound act of despising God's very word. He chose to disregard what God had clearly spoken and ordained, treating it as if it had no value or consequence in his life. This highlights how often our own "offenses" against God stem from a deeper disrespect for His authority and commands.
King David has just been confronted by the prophet Nathan for his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. Nathan's powerful parable has forced David to acknowledge his sin, and this verse is the direct consequence, laying bare the gravity of his actions. The LORD, through Nathan, is not just pointing out mistakes but declaring the deep offense David has committed against Him.
King David has just been confronted by the prophet Nathan for his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. Nathan's powerful parable has forced David to acknowledge his sin, and this verse is the direct consequence, laying bare the gravity of his actions. The LORD, through Nathan, is not just pointing out mistakes but declaring the deep offense David has committed against Him.
"Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites." — David's sin wasn't just adultery and murder, it was a profound act of despising God's very word. He chose to disregard what God had clearly spoken and ordained, treating it as if it had no value or c…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
