What does 2 Samuel 6:14 mean?

"And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod." - 2 Samuel 6:14

2 Samuel 6:14–22

2 Samuel 6:14–22

2 Samuel 6:14 (KJV) states, "And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the life of King David, one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. The book of 2 Samuel chronicles the reign of David, a man after God's own heart, and his pursuit of righteousness and obedience to God. In this particular verse, David's exuberant and uninhibited worship of God through dance serves as a powerful expression of his devotion and love for the Lord.

The context of this verse is essential in understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, we see David's strong desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence among His people, to the City of David. This event was a momentous occasion, as the Ark had been separated from the people for a long time. As the Ark is being brought to Jerusalem, David experiences a deep sense of joy and gratitude, which leads him to express his emotions through dance.

The theme of worship and reverence is central to this verse. David's actions demonstrate a genuine and heartfelt desire to honor and glorify God. His dance is not performed for personal gain or attention but is a genuine outpouring of his love and adoration for the Lord. This act of worship serves as a model for believers to offer their whole selves in praise to God, not holding back anything but giving their all in worship.

The symbolism of David's choice to dance before the Lord with "all his might" is significant. Dancing is often seen as a joyous and celebratory form of expression. In this context, David's dance symbolizes his unreserved rejoicing in the presence of God. It represents a deep and personal connection with the divine and a celebration of God's faithfulness and goodness.

The fact that David was "girded with a linen ephod" further emphasizes the sacred and solemn nature of his worship. The ephod was a garment worn by priests during religious ceremonies, and by donning it, David symbolically aligns himself with the role of a priest, signifying his devotion and commitment to leading the people in worship and honoring God.

This verse also speaks to the idea of humility and authenticity in worship. David, as the powerful and respected king of Israel, sets aside his royal dignity and allows himself to be vulnerable and unashamed in his worship of God. His actions serve as a reminder that worship should be approached with sincerity and a humble heart, devoid of pride and pretense.

Furthermore, this verse highlights the freedom and creativity found in worship. David's uninhibited dance reflects the idea that worship is not confined to rigid traditions or rituals but can be expressed in a variety of ways. It encourages believers to embrace their unique gifts and personalities in their worship of God, understanding that genuine worship can take on diverse forms.

In conclusion, 2 Samuel 6:14 captures the essence of wholehearted and authentic worship. David's uninhibited dance before the Lord serves as a powerful example of genuine devotion, humility, and celebration in the presence of God. This verse inspires believers to approach worship with sincerity, creativity, and reverence, offering their whole selves in praise and adoration of the Almighty. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of wholehearted worship and the acceptance of diverse expressions of faith.

2 Samuel 6:14 Artwork

2 Samuel 6:14–22

2 Samuel 6:14–22

2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."

2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."

2:6:14

2:6:14

2 Samuel 14:6 - "And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him."

2 Samuel 14:6 - "And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him."

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

2 Samuel 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."

2 Samuel 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."

2 Samuel 6:1 - "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand."

2 Samuel 6:1 - "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand."

2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."

2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."

2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."

2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."

2 Samuel 22:14 - "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice."

2 Samuel 22:14 - "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice."

2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."

2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."

2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."

2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."

2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."

2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."

2 Samuel 11:14 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah."

2 Samuel 11:14 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah."

2 Samuel 6:6 - "¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it."

2 Samuel 6:6 - "¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it."

2 Samuel 22:6 - "The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;"

2 Samuel 22:6 - "The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;"

1 Samuel 14:7

1 Samuel 14:7

1 Samuel 14:27

1 Samuel 14:27

2 Samuel 5:14 - "And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,"

2 Samuel 5:14 - "And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,"

2 Samuel 2:14 - "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."

2 Samuel 2:14 - "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."

2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"

2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"

2 Samuel 24:6 - "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,"

2 Samuel 24:6 - "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,"

1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."

1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."

2 Samuel 14:8 - "And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee."

2 Samuel 14:8 - "And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee."

2 Samuel 14:3 - "And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth."

2 Samuel 14:3 - "And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth."

2 Samuel 6:9 - "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?"

2 Samuel 6:9 - "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?"

1 Samuel 6:14 - "And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD."

1 Samuel 6:14 - "And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD."

2 Samuel 2:6 - "And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing."

2 Samuel 2:6 - "And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing."

2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."

2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."

2 Samuel 11:6 - "¶ And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David."

2 Samuel 11:6 - "¶ And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David."