2 Samuel 13:3
2 Samuel 13:3 in Multiple Translations
Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man,
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother: and Jonadab was a very wise man.
However, Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, and he was the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very cunning man.
But Amnon had a friend called Ionadab, the sonne of Shimeah Dauids brother: and Ionadab was a very subtile man.
And Amnon hath a friend, and his name [is] Jonadab, son of Shimeah, David's brother, and Jonadab [is] a very wise man,
But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
Now Amnon had a friend, named Jonadab the son of Semmaa the brother of David, a very wise man:
But Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, who was the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very crafty/shrewd man.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:3
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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/אַמְנ֣וֹן
רֵ֗עַ
וּ/שְׁמ/וֹ֙
יֽוֹנָדָ֔ב
בֶּן
שִׁמְעָ֖ה
אֲחִ֣י
דָוִ֑ד
וְ/י֣וֹנָדָ֔ב
אִ֥ישׁ
חָכָ֖ם
מְאֹֽד
וּ/לְ/אַמְנ֣וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
Amnon
Conj | Prep | N-proper
רֵ֗עַ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms
וּ/שְׁמ/וֹ֙
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
יֽוֹנָדָ֔ב
Yôwnâdâb
H3122
Jonadab
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שִׁמְעָ֖ה
Shimʻâh
H8093
Shimeah
N-proper
אֲחִ֣י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms
דָוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וְ/י֣וֹנָדָ֔ב
Yôwnâdâb
H3122
Jonadab
Conj | N-proper
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חָכָ֖ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:3
וּ/לְ/אַמְנ֣וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
"Amnon"
Conj | Prep | 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.
רֵ֗עַ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וּ/שְׁמ/וֹ֙
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יֽוֹנָדָ֔ב
Yôwnâdâb
H3122
"Jonadab"
N-proper
Jonadab was a man who lived during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 10:15, and was the son of Rechab. He was also known as Jehonadab, meaning Jehovah is willing.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.10.15; son of: Rechab (H7394H); also called Jehonadab at 2Ki.10.15,23; Another name of ye.ho.na.dav (יְהוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3082G) § Jonadab or Jehonadab = "Jehovah is willing" 1) a son of Rechab, chief of the Rechabites, in the time of Jehu and Ahab 2) a nephew of David
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Jonadab. See also: 2 Samuel 13:3; Jeremiah 35:6; Jeremiah 35:10.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שִׁמְעָ֖ה
Shimʻâh
H8093
"Shimeah"
N-proper
Shimah was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, son of Jesse and brother of David. He is also called Shimei and Shammah in different parts of the Bible. He lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.16.9; son of: Jesse (H3448); brother of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J); father of: Jonadab (H3122); also called Shimei (KJV: Shimea) at 2Sa.21.21; Shammah at 1Sa.16.9; 17.13; Shimea at 1Ch.2.13; 20.7; § Shimeah = "fame" 1) brother of David, the 3rd son of Jesse 1a) also 'Shammah', and 'Shimma'
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Shimeah. See also: 2 Samuel 13:3; 2 Samuel 13:32.
אֲחִ֣י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms
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.
דָוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), 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) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וְ/י֣וֹנָדָ֔ב
Yôwnâdâb
H3122
"Jonadab"
Conj | N-proper
Jonadab was a man who lived during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 10:15, and was the son of Rechab. He was also known as Jehonadab, meaning Jehovah is willing.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.10.15; son of: Rechab (H7394H); also called Jehonadab at 2Ki.10.15,23; Another name of ye.ho.na.dav (יְהוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3082G) § Jonadab or Jehonadab = "Jehovah is willing" 1) a son of Rechab, chief of the Rechabites, in the time of Jehu and Ahab 2) a nephew of David
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Jonadab. See also: 2 Samuel 13:3; Jeremiah 35:6; Jeremiah 35:10.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חָכָ֖ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:3
Context — Amnon and Tamar
1After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom.
2Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her.
3Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man,
4and he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” 5Jonadab told him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare it in my sight so I may watch her and eat it from her hand.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 16:9 | Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 3:19 | For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” |
| 3 | James 3:15 | Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 5 | Genesis 38:20 | Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:6 | Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 14:19–20 | So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?” The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say. Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 14:2 | So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 13:32 | But Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, spoke up: “My lord must not think they have killed all the sons of the king, for only Amnon is dead. In fact, Absalom has planned this since the day Amnon violated his sister Tamar. |
| 10 | Esther 5:10 | Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh, |
2 Samuel 13:3 Summary
This verse, 2 Samuel 13:3, tells us about Amnon's friend Jonadab, who was very smart and cunning. Jonadab's character and actions remind us to be careful about who we spend time with and listen to, because they can influence our choices and actions, similar to the warnings in Proverbs 22:24-25. Just like how Jonadab's advice affected Amnon, the people we surround ourselves with can either lead us closer to God or further away, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33. We should strive to surround ourselves with people who encourage us to follow God's will, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jonadab and why is he significant in this story?
Jonadab was the son of David's brother Shimeah, making him a cousin of Amnon and a member of the royal family, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:3. His shrewdness is highlighted, which becomes important in the advice he gives to Amnon.
What does it mean that Jonadab was a 'very shrewd man'?
Being 'very shrewd' means Jonadab was cunning and clever, able to think strategically, as noted in 2 Samuel 13:3. This characteristic is similar to the wisdom and cunning seen in other biblical figures, such as Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
How does Jonadab's friendship with Amnon influence the events that unfold?
Jonadab's advice to Amnon, given his shrewd nature, plays a significant role in the plot to deceive King David and gain access to Tamar, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:4-5. This shows how the company we keep can influence our actions and decisions, a principle also found in Proverbs 22:24-25.
What can we learn from the introduction of Jonadab in this verse?
The introduction of Jonadab teaches us about the importance of the company we keep and how it can affect our decisions and actions, similar to the warnings in 1 Corinthians 15:33. It also sets the stage for the tragic events that will unfold, highlighting the consequences of sin and poor counsel, as seen in the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:1-27.
Reflection Questions
- How can we discern whether the friends we keep are influencing us towards or away from God's will, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:3 and other biblical examples?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of being mindful of the company we keep, as warned in Proverbs 22:24-25, to our own lives and friendships?
- What role does counsel from others play in our decision-making, and how can we ensure we are seeking wise and godly advice, as emphasized in Proverbs 11:14?
- How does the character of Jonadab serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as encouraged in James 1:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:3
But Amnon had a friend,.... Though in the issue his friendship proved his ruin: whose name [was] Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother; so that they were own cousins, the same with Shammah, 1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:3
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man. Jonadab, the son of Shimeah - or Shammah (1 Samuel 16:9), who was one of David's brothers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
Shimeah, called also Shammah, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
2 Samuel 13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name [was] Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’ s brother: and Jonadab [was] a very subtil man.Ver. 3. But Amnon had a friend.] A friend no friend; a carnal friend, but a spiritual enemy, who advised, for the recovery of his body, the ruin of his soul. Such a false friend to Antiochus was Erasistratus, the physician, who, finding him lovesick, persuaded his father Seleucus to part with his wife Stratonice to him, for the saving of his life. And Jonadab was a very subtle man.] Ingeniose nequam, witty, but wicked; and therefore a fit tool for the devil to work with. Good natural parts abused prove to be as press money to impiety, - auctoramentum maioris infidelitatis, as one well phraseth it, - and their wisdom culpae suasoria, as Ambrose speaketh. Augustine, writing to such another as this Jonadab, telleth him that the devil desired to be tricked up by him. Diabolus cupit a te ornari.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
(3) Jonadab, the son of Shimeah.—In 1 Samuel 16:9, Shimeah is called Shammah, and appears there as the third son of Jesse. He had another son, Jonathan, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:21, as the conqueror of one of the giants. The word subtil is used simply to indicate sagacity and wisdom, whether rightly or wrongly exercised.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
Verse 3. Jonadab was a very subtle man.] And most diabolic advice did he give to his cousin. We talk of the simplicity and excellence of primitive times! "Say not thou what is the cause that the former days were better than these." Take them altogether, we may thank God that they are past, and pray him that they may never return.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:3
3. a friend] This narrative is a strong warning against the danger of evil companions. The clever but unprincipled friend is more likely to provide means for gratifying evil passions than help in resisting them. Jonadab, the son of Shimeah] Shimeah is called Shammah in 1 Samuel 16:9. He had another son Jonathan (ch. 2 Samuel 21:21). subtil] The word means simply wise, and pronounces no judgment on the way in which Jonadab misused his sagacity. Cp. Job 5:13; Jeremiah 4:22.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:3
Shimeah - Called Shamma (marginal reference), was Jesse’s third son. Subtil - literally, wise. The word is generally used in a good sense, but here, and in Job 5:13, it means crafty.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:3
3. A friend… a very subtile man — “One of those characters,” says Stanley, “who in great houses pride themselves on being acquainted and on dealing with all the secrets of the family.” Compare his
Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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He Is a Jealous Lover by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being perfect and thinking in alignment with God's word. He mentions that those who reason differently will face consequen |
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The Ultimate Statistic by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the ca |
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The Fear of the Lord by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is foundational to true knowledge, asserting that without trust in God, one's understanding is incomplete and flawed. He warns that |
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The Wisdom of Love by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the Spirit's gift of wisdom, noting that it is the first manifestation of the Spirit within the body of Christ. He reflects on the church |
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Christian Fellowship--Amusements--Walking in Darkness by John Newton | John Newton reflects on his struggles with spiritual dryness and dependence on the Lord, acknowledging his tendency to seek fulfillment in earthly relationships rather than in comm |
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Do Not Adulterate the Word of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of renouncing craftiness, dishonesty, and hidden sins in our lives to truly experience God's rest and be useful members in the body of Christ. |
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Preserving the Church From Satan's Agents by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the church's role in resisting Satan's agents, highlighting that true churches, built by Jesus, overpower the gates of hell and must remain vigilant against s |