The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 3:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And the fourth Adonias, the son of Haggith: and the fifth Saphathia the son of Abital:

Douay-Rheims

וְהָרְבִיעִ֖י אֲדֹנִיָּ֣ה בֶן־חַגִּ֑ית וְהַחֲמִישִׁ֖י שְׁפַטְיָ֥ה בֶן־אֲבִיטָֽל׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Cassian

5th centuryChurch Father

The liberty to have multiple wives and concubines with the approach of the end times, as the need for such practices diminishes, was rightly to be abolished by the fulfillment of the gospel. Even prior to Christ’s arrival, the blessing of the original command remained, as stated, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth” (Gen. 1:28). Thus, it was fitting that from the source of human procreation— which had a beneficial role within the synagogues— the blossoms of angelic purity should emerge, and the virtuous fruits of moderation should thrive within the body of Christ.