Bible Strands
2 Samuel 6:22
and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David addresses Michal immediately after she mocks his public worship, following his declaration that he will celebrate before the Lord. The exchange occurs during the ark’s procession to Jerusalem, right before the narrative notes Michal’s lifelong barrenness.
The words — The Hebrew וּ/נְקַלֹּ֤תִי (u./ne.ka.Lo.ti) translates literally as "and I will demean myself," paired with שָׁפָ֖ל (sha.Fal), meaning "lowly." David uses these terms to describe his voluntary self-abasement before God.
The thread — Isaiah 51:7 directly commands those who know God’s law not to fear the scorn of men. 1 Peter 4:14 later notes that insult for Christ’s name brings blessing because the Spirit of glory rests on the insulted.
Why it lands — The text asserts that voluntary self-abasement before God does not erase future honor but reorients its source. A reader must choose whether to prioritize public reputation or divine approval when faced with mockery.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
- Isaiah 51:7 Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.
- Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Genesis 32:10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps.
- Job 40:4 “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
- Job 42:6 Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
- Isaiah 50:6 I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
- Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
- Acts 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
- 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.