2 Samuel 13:38
2 Samuel 13:38 in Multiple Translations
After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
And the king was sorrowing for his son all the time.
After Absalom had run away to Geshur, he remained there for three years.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three yeeres.
And Absalom hath fled, and goeth to Geshur, and is there three years;
So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
And Absalom after he was fled, and come into Gessur, was there three years.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:38
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 13:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם
בָּרַ֖ח
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ
גְּשׁ֑וּר
וַ/יְהִי
שָׁ֖ם
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
שָׁנִֽים
וְ/אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
Conj | N-proper
בָּרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
to flee
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גְּשׁ֑וּר
Gᵉshûwr
H1650
Geshur
N-proper
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
שָׁנִֽים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:38
וְ/אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
Conj | 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.
בָּרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
גְּשׁ֑וּר
Gᵉshûwr
H1650
"Geshur"
N-proper
Geshur refers to a district in Syria, also known as a land in north Transjordania. It's mentioned in the Bible as a place with a distinct people and culture.
Definition: Geshur or Geshurites = "proud beholder" a land in north Transjordania Also named: ge.shu.ri (גְּשׁוּרִי "Geshurite" H1651)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Geshur, Geshurite. See also: Joshua 13:13; 2 Samuel 14:23; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שָׁנִֽים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 13:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:38
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:38
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:38
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:38
Context — Absalom Flees to Geshur
36And as he finished speaking, the sons of the king came in, wailing loudly. Then the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly.
37Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day.
38After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.
39And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 15:8 | For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’ ” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 14:23 | So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 14:32 | “Look,” said Absalom, “I sent for you and said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ So now, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me.” |
2 Samuel 13:38 Summary
This verse tells us that Absalom, King David's son, ran away to a place called Geshur and stayed there for three years. During this time, King David was very sad and missed his son, as we see in 2 Samuel 13:37. Even though Absalom had done something very wrong, his father still loved him and wanted to be with him, which shows us the depth of God's love for us, as seen in John 3:16. Just like King David, God wants us to come back to Him, even when we have made mistakes, and He promises to forgive us and restore us, as stated in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Absalom flee to Geshur after his actions?
Absalom fled to Geshur because it was the kingdom of his grandfather, Talmai son of Ammihud, providing him a safe haven, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:37 and 2 Samuel 3:3.
How long did Absalom stay in Geshur?
According to 2 Samuel 13:38, Absalom stayed in Geshur for three years, during which time his father, King David, mourned for him daily, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:37.
What was King David's emotional state during Absalom's absence?
King David was deeply grieved by Absalom's actions and his subsequent departure, mourning for him every day, as stated in 2 Samuel 13:37, and later, he longed to go to Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:39.
Did King David ever get to reunite with Absalom?
Yes, King David was eventually consoled over Amnon's death and longed to go to Absalom, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:39, and they did reunite, although the specifics of their reunion are found in later chapters, such as 2 Samuel 14:21-24 and 2 Samuel 15:7-12.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from King David's example of mourning and longing for his son, even in the midst of great pain and conflict?
- How can we, like King David, balance our desire for justice with our love and compassion for those who have wronged us?
- What role does forgiveness play in healing and restoration, as seen in King David's relationship with Absalom?
- In what ways can we relate to Absalom's experience of fleeing and hiding, and how can we apply the lessons of his story to our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:38
So Absalom fled,.... This is the third time it is mentioned, and the reason of it here Abarbinel thinks is, that when he first fled to his grandfather, he used to stand openly in the court of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:38
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:38
2 Samuel 13:38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.And David mourned for his son every day,] i.e., For his son Amnon. This was a long while to mourn for a lost son - viz, every day for three years’ time. The grief was, - (1.) For that he was so basely butchered by his own brother (we had a like example lately here ia England in the family of Sir George Sandys); (2.) For that he died in his drunkenness, having never soundly repented of his incest, though Hugo thinketh he did, and was therefore spared by his father.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:38
(38) Was there three years.—This is the third time the flight of Absalom has been mentioned; but, after the custom of Scripture narrative, each repetition has been for the purpose of introducing some additional fact. In 2 Samuel 13:34 the simple fact of his flight is stated; in 2 Samuel 13:37 it is added that he went to his grandfather, and here that he remained with him three years.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:38
38. “If the text of these verses is sound, they afford a curious specimen of Hebrew narrative. In 2 Samuel 13:34 we read Absalom fled; in 2 Samuel 13:37, Absalom fled and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur; in 2 Samuel 13:38, Absalom fled and went to Geshur and was there three years. At each step of the narrative only the fact is brought out which is wanted, (1) the flight; (2) the place whither he fled; (3) the duration of the absence; but with each new fact the old ones on which it depends are repeated.” Speaker’s Comm.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:38
38. Three years — During which time, as we learn from the next verse, David became reconciled to the loss of Amnon and yearned to see Absalom again. His undue paternal affections involved him in additional and greater sorrows.