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Berean Standard Bible

“During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.””

2 Samuel 21:1

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Study note

This section is an appendix near the end of 2 Samuel, set during David's reign after Absalom's revolt. Israel suffers a famine that lasts three years in a row.

Open Study notes above for the full note.

Compare translations

Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.”

World English Bible (WEB)

There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Yahweh. Yahweh said, “It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

King James Version (KJV)

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

American Standard Version (ASV)

And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Jehovah. And Jehovah said, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put to death the Gibeonites.

Bible in Basic English (BBE)

In the days of David they were short of food for three years, year after year; and David went before the Lord for directions. And the Lord said, On Saul and on his family there is blood, because he put the Gibeonites to death.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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Reina-Valera 1909 (RVR 1909)

Y EN los días de David hubo hambre por tres años consecutivos. Y David consultó á Jehová, y Jehová le dijo: Es por Saúl, y por aquella casa de sangre; porque mató á los Gabaonitas.

Sagradas Escrituras 1569 (SE 1569)

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Nueva Biblia Viva (NBV)

Durante el reinado de David hubo hambre por tres años consecutivos. Entonces David habló con el Señor acerca de esta situación, y el Señor le dijo: «El hambre ha venido por causa de que Saúl y su familia asesinaron a los gabaonitas».

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