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2 Samuel 13:24

2 Samuel 13:24 in Multiple Translations

And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?”

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-shearers; let the king, I pray thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

And Absalom came to the king and said, See now, your servant is cutting the wool of his sheep; will the king and his servants be pleased to come?

He went to the king and said, “I, your servant, have hired shearers. Would the king and his servants please join me?”

And Absalom came to the King and sayd, Beholde now, thy seruant hath sheepesherers: I pray thee, that the King with his seruants would goe with thy seruant.

And Absalom cometh unto the king, and saith, 'Lo, I pray thee, thy servant hath shearers, let the king go, I pray thee, and his servants, with thy servant.'

Absalom came to the king and said, “See now, your servant has sheep shearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.”

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-shearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

And he came to the king, and said to him: Behold thy servant’s sheep are shorn. Let the king, I pray, with his servants come to his servant.

Absalom went to the king and said to him, “Sir, my servants have been shearing my sheep. Please come with your officials to celebrate with us!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:24

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 13:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֤א אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ אֶל הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּה נָ֥א גֹזְזִ֖ים לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ יֵֽלֶךְ נָ֥א הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ וַ/עֲבָדָ֖י/ו עִם עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 please Part
גֹזְזִ֖ים gazâz H1494 to shear V-Qal
לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-ms | Suff
יֵֽלֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Juss-3ms
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 please Part
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וַ/עֲבָדָ֖י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Conj | N-mp | Suff
עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep
עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:24

וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 "Absalom" N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
גֹזְזִ֖ים gazâz H1494 "to shear" V-Qal
This verb means to shear or cut something, like sheep or hair. It can also mean to destroy an enemy, as seen in some psalms. The KJV Bible translates it as 'cut off' or 'shear'.
Definition: 1) to shear, mow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shear 1a2) shearer (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be cut off, be destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er). See also: Genesis 31:19; 1 Samuel 25:11; Isaiah 53:7.
לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
יֵֽלֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/עֲבָדָ֖י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:24

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 11:8–15 Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him. But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house. And David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” “Haven’t you just arrived from a journey?” David asked Uriah. “Why didn’t you go home?” Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!” “Stay here one more day,” David said to Uriah, “and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and he got Uriah drunk. And in the evening Uriah went out to lie down on his cot with his master’s servants, but he did not go home. The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.”
2 Jeremiah 41:6–7 And Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When Ishmael encountered the men, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” And when they came into the city, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the men with him slaughtered them and threw them into a cistern.
3 Psalms 55:21 His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
4 Psalms 12:2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.

2 Samuel 13:24 Summary

In 2 Samuel 13:24, Absalom invites the king to a sheep shearing event, which may seem like a harmless gesture, but it's actually part of a larger plan to avenge his sister Tamar. This verse shows how our actions and words can have hidden motivations, just like Absalom's invitation (as seen in 2 Samuel 13:22-23). As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of being honest and transparent in our relationships, just as we are called to be in 1 Corinthians 13:6. By being mindful of our intentions and actions, we can build trust and stronger relationships with others, just as God desires for us, as seen in Ephesians 4:32.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Absalom's invitation to the king in 2 Samuel 13:24?

Absalom's invitation to the king is a strategic move to gain the king's trust and create an opportunity to avenge his sister Tamar, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:22-23. This event is a crucial step in the unfolding drama of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David.

Why does Absalom address the king as 'the king' instead of 'father' in 2 Samuel 13:24?

Absalom's formal address may indicate a level of respect, but also a sense of distance or tension in their relationship, which is evident in the context of 2 Samuel 13:22. This formal tone sets the stage for the events that will unfold.

Is Absalom's request for the king's presence at the sheep shearing a genuine invitation or a deceitful plan?

Given the context of Absalom's hatred for Amnon and his desire for revenge, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:22, it is likely that Absalom's invitation is a deceitful plan to manipulate the king and gain access to Amnon, as revealed in 2 Samuel 13:26-27.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of King David and his family?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of King David's family dynamics, including the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba, as seen in 2 Samuel 11-12, and the impact on his relationships with his children, particularly Absalom and Amnon, as seen in 2 Samuel 13-18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can use my words and actions to build trust with others, as Absalom attempts to do with the king in this verse?
  2. How can I discern when someone's intentions are genuine or deceitful, as in the case of Absalom's invitation to the king?
  3. What are some potential consequences of allowing bitterness and resentment to build up in my heart, as seen in Absalom's hatred for Amnon?
  4. How can I apply the principles of honesty and integrity in my relationships, particularly in situations where I may be tempted to manipulate or deceive others?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:24

And Absalom came to the king,.... At Jerusalem, to invite him in person: and said, behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; persons employed in shearing his sheep: and this being a time of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:24

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:24

To the feast, which was usual upon those occasions. See ,11.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:24

2 Samuel 13:24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.Ver. 24. Behold now thy servant hath sheepshearers.] Absalom, though the king’ s son, was a sheep-master, - such was the simplicity of former times, - which now-a-days would be accounted terminus diminuens, a disparagement. That was a tart but true answer of the Lord Spencer - in the Parliament held A.D. 1621 - to the Earl of Arundel, who hit him in the teeth with his ancestors, that they were sheepkeepers; Spencer instantly replied, When my ancestors - as you say - were keeping sheep, your ancestors were plotting treason. Let the king, I beseech thee.] Absalom was so enraged against his king-father for his remissness, that in his presence he would have slain Amnon, could he have got him along. Life and Reign of King James, by Arthur Wilson.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:24

(24) Came to the king.—Absalom could hardly have expected the king to accept his invitation, but by pressing him to go he effectively disguised his real purpose, and secured David’s blessing.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:24

24. let the king, &c.] A clever plan for removing all suspicion from Amnon’s mind.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:24

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire
Major Ian Thomas Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys
Zac Poonen The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou

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