# fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house This phrase means the results of the guilt will happen to Joab and his family as if something heavy had collapsed on them. Alternate translation: "always cause suffering for Joab and for all his father's house" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]]) # all his father's house Here "house" refers to descendants. Alternate translation: "all the descendants of Joab's father" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]]) # May Joab's house never be without someone This double negative emphasizes that there will always be someone with the problems listed. Alternate translation: "May Joab's house always have someone" (See: ) # is killed by the sword Here "sword" refers to violent death. Alternate translation: "dies violently" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]]) # does not have enough food "is hungry"