2 Samuel 12 in the early church

[LXX: 2 Kingdoms; Vulgate: 2 Kings]

162 passages quote, allude to, or echo 2 Samuel 12, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 18 · 20 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 29 · 31

2 Samuel 12:1

Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:1Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:1Homily on Luke 28 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 233–250
2 Sam 12:1–13Demonstration 7.14 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
2 Sam 12:1–7Letter 2 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 357–378
2 Sam 12:1–13Tractates on the Psalms 118.17.13 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
2 Sam 12:1Question 112, section 1 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 370–384
2 Sam 12:1Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:1Second Apology of David 57 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:1Apology of the Prophet David 20 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:1Exposition of Psalm 118 12.18.3 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
2 Sam 12:1Sermon 51.30 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 391-430
2 Sam 12:1–14On Christian Doctrine 3.21 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceBooks 1–3 ca. 396–397; completed 426–427
2 Sam 12:1–14City of God 17.3 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidence413–426
2 Sam 12:1Retractations 1.25 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidence426-427
2 Sam 12:1–14Part 2, chapter 26 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

2 Samuel 12:2

The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:2Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190

2 Samuel 12:3

but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:3Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:3Second Apology of David 58 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:3Apology of the Prophet David 20 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:3Apology of the Prophet David 21 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390

2 Samuel 12:4

Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:4Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:4Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:4Second Apology of David 59 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:4Apology of the Prophet David 21 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390

2 Samuel 12:5

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die!

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:5Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:5Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:5Second Apology of David 60 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:5Apology of the Prophet David 22 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:5Apology of the Prophet David 23 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:5Homilies on Matthew 68.2 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390

2 Samuel 12:6

Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:6Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:6Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:6Second Apology of David 60 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:6Apology of the Prophet David 22 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390

2 Samuel 12:7

Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:7Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:7PG 12:1071 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 220-254
2 Sam 12:7Apostolic Constitutions 7.10.4 · Anonymousallusion, high confidenceca. 380
2 Sam 12:7Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:7Apology of the Prophet David 5 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:7Apology of the Prophet David 54 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:7Homilies on Matthew 60.1 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:7Homilies on Matthew 75.5 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:7Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.65 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400

2 Samuel 12:8

I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:8Apology of the Prophet David 54 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:8Homilies on Matthew 75.5 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390

2 Samuel 12:9

Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:9PG 12:1137 (Ps 4 LXX) · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
2 Sam 12:9–10Demonstration 16.6 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
2 Sam 12:9Apology of the Prophet David 54 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:9Homilies on Matthew 75.5 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:9On the Governance of God 2.16 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:10

Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:10Letter 148.3 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
2 Sam 12:10Second Apology of David 56 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:10Homilies on Matthew 42.3 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:10On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins 2.56 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidence411–412
2 Sam 12:10On the Governance of God 2.16 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
2 Sam 12:10On the Governance of God 2.17 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:11

This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:11Homilies 9.1 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 363-378
2 Sam 12:11Second Apology of David 55 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:11On the Governance of God 2.16 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
2 Sam 12:11On the Governance of God 2.17 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:12

You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:12Apology of the Prophet David 23 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:12On the Governance of God 2.16 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
2 Sam 12:12Part 2, chapter 26 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450

2 Samuel 12:13

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:13Dialogue with Trypho 141.3 · Justin Martyrallusion, high confidenceca. 155–160
2 Sam 12:13Against Heresies 4.27.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
2 Sam 12:13Against Marcion 2.17 · Tertullianallusion, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
2 Sam 12:13Against Marcion 4.10 · Tertullianquotation, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
2 Sam 12:13Against Marcion 5.11 · Tertullianallusion, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
2 Sam 12:13On Modesty 6 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 210–220
2 Sam 12:13On Modesty 21 · Tertullianallusion, medium confidenceca. 210–220
2 Sam 12:13PG 12:1173 (Ps 5–6 LXX) · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
2 Sam 12:13Homilies on Exodus 11.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
2 Sam 12:13Homilies on Leviticus 15.3 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
2 Sam 12:13Demonstration 7.3 · Aphrahatecho, low confidence337-345
2 Sam 12:13Demonstration 7.14 · Aphrahatquotation, high confidence337-345
2 Sam 12:13Demonstration 7.15 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
2 Sam 12:13–14Catechetical Lecture 2.11 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
2 Sam 12:13Catechetical Lecture 2.12 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
2 Sam 12:13 (2 Reg. 12:13 Vulg.)Three Letters to Sympronianus 1.5 · Pacian of Barcelonaquotation, high confidenceca. 360-390
2 Sam 12:13Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:6–7 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 366–384
2 Sam 12:13Commentary on Romans 9:16 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 366–384
2 Sam 12:13Question 18, section 1 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 370–384
2 Sam 12:13Question 102, section 5 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 370–384
2 Sam 12:13Question 112, section 6 · Ambrosiasterallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–384
2 Sam 12:13Question 112, section 16 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 370–384
2 Sam 12:13Letter 122.3 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
2 Sam 12:13Apostolic Constitutions 2.18.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
2 Sam 12:13Apostolic Constitutions 2.22.0 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
2 Sam 12:13Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:13Second Apology of David 56 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:13Apology of the Prophet David 5 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:13Apology of the Prophet David 15 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:13Apology of the Prophet David 23 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:13Apology of the Prophet David 39 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:13Apology of the Prophet David 54 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:13Exposition of Psalm 118 7.22.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
2 Sam 12:13Exposition of Psalm 118 9.5.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
2 Sam 12:13Exposition of Psalm 118 14.22.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
2 Sam 12:13Exposition of Psalm 118 17.38.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
2 Sam 12:13Letter 185.45 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 386–430
2 Sam 12:13Homilies on Matthew 2.5 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:13Homilies on Matthew 67.4 · John Chrysostomallusion, medium confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:13Explanation of Twelve Psalms 37.1.1 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 387-397
2 Sam 12:13Explanation of Twelve Psalms 37.1.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 387-397
2 Sam 12:13Sermon 291.5 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
2 Sam 12:13Sermon 393.1 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
2 Sam 12:13–16Against Jovinianus 2.15 · Jeromeallusion, high confidence393
2 Sam 12:13Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.67 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 398–400
2 Sam 12:13Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.87 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400
2 Sam 12:13Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.97 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400
2 Sam 12:13Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.98 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400
2 Sam 12:13The Harmony of the Gospels 2.12 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 399–400
2 Sam 12:13Questions and Answers to the Orthodox 104 · Anonymousallusion, high confidence5th century (disputed)
2 Sam 12:13Letter 3, chapter 1 · Innocent I, bishop of Romeallusion, medium confidence401–417
2 Sam 12:13On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins 2.56 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidence411–412
2 Sam 12:13City of God 17.20 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidence413–426
2 Sam 12:13–14Apologetic Book 14.2 · Orosiusallusion, high confidenceca. 415–416
2 Sam 12:13The Institutes 12.11 · John Cassianallusion, high confidenceca. 419–426
2 Sam 12:13Retractations 2.16 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidence426-427
2 Sam 12:13The Conferences 13.13 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
2 Sam 12:13On the Governance of God 2.19 · Salvian of Marseillesallusion, high confidenceca. 439-451
2 Sam 12:13On the Governance of God 4.87 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:14

Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:14Second Apology of David 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:14On the Governance of God 2.20 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
2 Sam 12:14On the Governance of God 4.87 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:15

After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:15–23On Christian Doctrine 3.21 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceBooks 1–3 ca. 396–397; completed 426–427

2 Samuel 12:16

David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:16–18Catechetical Lecture 2.12 · Cyril of Jerusalemallusion, high confidenceca. 350
2 Sam 12:16Oration 43.54 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
2 Sam 12:16Question 112, section 15 · Ambrosiasterallusion, low confidenceca. 370–384
2 Sam 12:16Letter 77.4 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
2 Sam 12:16Second Apology of David 7 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:16Second Apology of David 55 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:16Apology of the Prophet David 15 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:16Apology of the Prophet David 56 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:16Exposition of Psalm 118 17.38.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
2 Sam 12:16Letters 13.7 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
2 Sam 12:16Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.66 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400
2 Sam 12:16On the Governance of God 2.19 · Salvian of Marseillesallusion, high confidenceca. 439-451
2 Sam 12:16On the Governance of God 4.88 · Salvian of Marseillesallusion, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:18

On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:18Commentary on Romans 2.13 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
2 Sam 12:18Second Apology of David 38 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:18Second Apology of David 53 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:18Questions and Answers to the Orthodox 78–79 · Anonymousallusion, high confidence5th century (disputed)
2 Sam 12:18On the Governance of God 4.88 · Salvian of Marseillesallusion, high confidenceca. 439-451

2 Samuel 12:20

Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:20Instructions 2.32 · Commodianallusion, low confidence3rd century (disputed)
2 Sam 12:20Second Apology of David 55 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:20Apology of the Prophet David 56 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
2 Sam 12:20Letters 13.7 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413

2 Samuel 12:22

David answered, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:22Letters 13.8 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413

2 Samuel 12:23

But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:23Letter 39.4 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
2 Sam 12:23Letters 13.7 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413

2 Samuel 12:24

Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:24Commentary on Romans 2.13 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
2 Sam 12:24Second Apology of David 38 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397
2 Sam 12:24Homilies on Matthew 3.2 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:24Homilies on Matthew 58.4 · John Chrysostomallusion, medium confidenceca. 390
2 Sam 12:24Questions and Answers to the Orthodox 78–79 · Anonymousallusion, high confidence5th century (disputed)

2 Samuel 12:25

and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:25Commentary on Romans 0.2 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
2 Sam 12:25Letter 65.3 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
2 Sam 12:25Letter 72.3 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
2 Sam 12:25Commentary on Jeremiah 2.27 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 414-419

2 Samuel 12:29

So David assembled all the troops and went to Rabbah; and he fought against it and captured it.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:29Second Apology of David 34 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-397

2 Samuel 12:31

David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
2 Sam 12:31Second Apology of David 53 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 384-397