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2 Samuel 13:26

2 Samuel 13:26 in Multiple Translations

“If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked.

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

Then Absalom said, If you will not go, then let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, Is there any reason for him to go with you?

“Well then, at least let my brother Amnon join us,” Absalom responded. “Why do you want him to go?” the king asked.

Then sayd Absalom, But, I pray thee, shall not my brother Amnon goe with vs? And the king answered him, Why should he go with thee?

And Absalom saith, 'If not — let, I pray thee, Amnon my brother go with us;' and the king saith to him, 'Why doth he go with thee?'

Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, Why should he go with thee?

And Absalom said: If thou wilt not come, at least let my brother Amnon, I beseech thee, come with us. And the king said to him: It is not necessary that he should go with thee.

Then Absalom said, “If you will not go, please allow my half-brother Amnon to go with us.” But the king replied, “Why do you want him to go with you?”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:26

BAB
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 13:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם וָ/לֹ֕א יֵֽלֶךְ נָ֥א אִתָּ֖/נוּ אַמְנ֣וֹן אָחִ֑/י וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ל/וֹ֙ הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ לָ֥/מָּה יֵלֵ֖ךְ עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper
וָ/לֹ֕א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יֵֽלֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Juss-3ms
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 please Part
אִתָּ֖/נוּ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
אַמְנ֣וֹן ʼAmnôwn H550 Amnon N-proper
אָחִ֑/י ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part
יֵלֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עִמָּֽ/ךְ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:26

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 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.
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם 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.
וָ/לֹ֕א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
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.
אִתָּ֖/נוּ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אַמְנ֣וֹן ʼAmnôwn H550 "Amnon" N-proper
Amnon was a son of King David, known for his tragic story in the Bible. His name means 'faithful', but his actions were not faithful, as he committed a terrible sin against his sister Tamar.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.20; son of: Shimon (H7889); brother of: Rinnah (H7441), Ben-hanan (H1135) , Tilon (H8436) § Amnon = "faithful" 1) oldest son of David, rapist of Tamar, slain by Absalom 2) a son of Shimon (of Caleb's clan)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Amnon. See also: 2 Samuel 3:2; 2 Samuel 13:20; 1 Chronicles 4:20.
אָחִ֑/י ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.
ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
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.
לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֵלֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-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.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 20:9 “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.
2 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.
3 2 Samuel 11:13–15 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.”
4 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.

2 Samuel 13:26 Summary

In this verse, Absalom is asking his father, King David, to let his brother Amnon go with him, but the king is unsure and asks why Amnon should go. This shows that the king is trying to make a good decision, but he doesn't know what Absalom is really planning, much like how we may not always know what others are thinking or planning, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. As we navigate our own relationships and decisions, we can learn from the king's example to seek wisdom and guidance from God, just as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart. By doing so, we can avoid making decisions that might lead to harm or trouble, and instead choose a path that honors God and brings peace, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Absalom ask for Amnon to go with him?

Absalom asked for Amnon to go with him because he had already planned to take revenge on Amnon, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:28, and being with Absalom would give him the opportunity to carry out his plan, much like the deceitful plans of Cain in Genesis 4:8.

What was the king's concern about Amnon going with Absalom?

The king asked why Amnon should go with Absalom, indicating that he was cautious about Amnon's safety or perhaps sensing that something was not right, similar to how a shepherd is watchful over his flock in Psalm 23:4.

How does this verse relate to the concept of family dynamics in the Bible?

This verse highlights the complex and often troubled relationships within families, as seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37:1-36, and serves as a reminder to seek wisdom and guidance from God in our own family relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from the king's decision-making process in this verse?

The king's decision to send Amnon with Absalom despite his initial reservations serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's wisdom and discernment in our decisions, as emphasized in James 1:5 and Proverbs 2:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be seeking to manipulate or deceive others, and how can I instead seek to honor God in my relationships?
  2. How can I balance my desire for family harmony with the need to address and confront sin or harmful behavior within my family?
  3. In what ways can I seek to create a safe and loving environment for my loved ones, while also being mindful of potential dangers or threats, just as a good shepherd protects his sheep in John 10:11?
  4. What are some biblical principles that can guide my decision-making process when faced with difficult or uncertain choices, such as seeking wisdom from above in James 3:17?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:26

Then said Absalom, if not,.... If it is not thy pleasure to go with me, if I cannot have the honour of thy company: I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us; let me have the next mark of honour

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:26

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 13:26

Let my brother Amnon go with us; for the king designed (as the following words show) to keep him at home with him, as being his eldest son, and heir of his kingdom; otherwise Absalom would never have made particular mention of him, which now he was forced to do. Nor did this desire of Amnon’ s presence want specious pretences, as that seeing the king would not, he who was next to him might, honour him with his company; and that this might be a manifest and public token of that love and friendship which was between him and his brother, notwithstanding the former occasion of difference·

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:26

2 Samuel 13:26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?Ver. 26. If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go.] Who, being thine eldest, may represent thy person there. Here was a fair glove drawn upon a foul hand: by courtesy he seeketh to cover his bloody design.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:26

(26) If not . . . let . . . Amnon.—Absalom then asks that if the king himself will not come, Amnon, as his eldest son and heir-apparent, may represent him at the feast. David hesitates, but as he could not well refuse without acknowledging a suspicion which he was unwilling to express, he finally consents.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:26

Verse 26. Let my brother Amnon go] He urged this with the more plausibility, because Amnon was the first-born, and presumptive heir to the kingdom; and he had disguised his resentment so well before, that he was not suspected.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:26

26. let my brother Amnon go] If David would not go himself, at least he might send his eldest son as his representative. David’s reluctance to consent shews that he felt some misgivings that Absalom had not forgiven Amnon.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:26

He mentions Amnon as being the king’s first-born. If he could not have the king’s company, let him at least have that of the heir apparent, and the king’s other sons.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:26

26. Why should he go — David suspected some evil, for he had reason to fear the existence in Absalom’s heart of deadly enmity towards Amnon.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:26

SermonDescription
James Smith A Kind Inquiry by James Smith James Smith preaches on the deceitful nature of kind words from cruel hearts, using the treacherous act of Joab towards Amasa as an example. He emphasizes the importance of spiritu
Emanuel Esh The Defeated Father by Emanuel Esh In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of defeat in our homes and provides guidance on how to overcome it. He shares his own experience of raising four daughters and how t
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

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