Bible Strands
2 Samuel 6:23
And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records a biographical footnote about Michal immediately following David’s public dance and his direct reply to her contempt in 2 Samuel 6:22. This statement concludes the account of Saul’s daughter without introducing a new speaker or dialogue.
The words — The Hebrew construction לֹא הָיָה יָלֶד (lo'- Ha.yah Ya.led) literally renders "not was a child" or "she had no child." The prepositional phrase וּ/לְ/מִיכַל (u./le./mi.Khal) places "and to Michal" as the grammatical subject experiencing this condition.
The thread — The narrative pattern of childlessness appears in 1 Samuel 1:6 regarding Hannah’s rival and in Matthew 1:25 regarding Joseph’s relationship with Mary. The temporal formula עַד יוֹם (ad Yom) "until the day of" structurally parallels the phrasing used in 1 Samuel 15:35 for Samuel’s visits to Saul.
Why it lands — The text states a factual conclusion to Michal’s lineage without explaining the cause or assigning moral judgment. A reader must observe how the narrative leaves her dynastic and spiritual status unresolved while contrasting it with David’s stated honor.
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
Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
Cross-references
- Matthew 1:25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.
- 1 Samuel 1:6 Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her.
- 1 Samuel 15:35 And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
- Isaiah 4:1 In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”
- Isaiah 22:14 The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts.
- Hosea 9:11 Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird, with no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception.
- Luke 1:25 “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”