The Modern Text Bible is a clear and beautiful re-expression of Scripture in today's language.

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What does 2 Samuel 14:11 mean?

She said, 'Please, swear by the Lord your God that my son won't be killed by those seeking revenge.' David answered, 'As surely as the Lord lives, not a single hair on your son's head will be harmed.' 2 Samuel 14:11 - Modern Text Bible

(She pushes for a stronger guarantee, and David gives her his word, invoking God's name for emphasis.)

The woman asks David to swear by the Lord that her son will not be killed, and David makes a solemn promise. The Hebrew word for "swear" is shaba, which means to take an oath, binding oneself to a promise. This isn’t just a casual assurance—David’s word carries the weight of invoking God’s name, making it unbreakable in his culture.

This verse pushes back on the idea that words are cheap. In a time when promises are often broken, David’s oath shows that some commitments are meant to be absolute, especially when they’re about protecting life and hope.

If you’ve ever struggled to trust someone’s word, this moment shows the power of a promise that’s meant to be kept, no matter what. It’s a reminder of how much it matters when someone is willing to stake their reputation—and more—on your safety and future.