2 Samuel 15:3
2 Samuel 15:3 in Multiple Translations
Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.”
And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
And Absalom would say to him, See, your cause is true and right; but no man has been named by the king to give you a hearing.
Absalom would tell them, “Look, you're in the right and you've got a good case. It's such a shame there's no one from the king to hear you.”
Then Absalom said vnto him, See, thy matters are good and righteous, but there is no man deputed of the King to heare thee.
And Absalom saith unto him, 'See, thy matters [are] good and straightforward — and there is none hearkening to thee from the king.'
Absalom said to him, “Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized by the king to hear you.”
And Absalom said to him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed by the king to hear thee.
And Absalom answered him: Thy words seem to me good and just. But there is no man appointed by the king to hear thee. And Absalom said:
Absalom would say to him, “Listen, I am sure that what you are saying/claiming is right. But there is no one whom the king has appointed/authorized to listen to people like you.”
Then Absalom used to lie to them and say, “Listen to me. You are right. That other person did wrong to you. My father is the big boss, but he is too busy to listen to everybody. He doesn’t have working men to sort out all your problems.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:3
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 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלָי/ו֙
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
רְאֵ֥ה
דְבָרֶ֖/ךָ
טוֹבִ֣ים
וּ/נְכֹחִ֑ים
וְ/שֹׁמֵ֥עַ
אֵין
לְ/ךָ֖
מֵ/אֵ֥ת
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
רְאֵ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
דְבָרֶ֖/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
טוֹבִ֣ים
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וּ/נְכֹחִ֑ים
nâkôach
H5228
straightforward
Conj | Adj
וְ/שֹׁמֵ֥עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:3
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.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
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.
רְאֵ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
דְבָרֶ֖/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
טוֹבִ֣ים
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וּ/נְכֹחִ֑ים
nâkôach
H5228
"straightforward"
Conj | Adj
Describes something or someone as straightforward or morally upright, like a just ruler. It appears in Proverbs to describe a person of integrity. Means being honest and fair in all interactions.
Definition: straight, right, straightness, be in front of
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: plain, right, uprightness. See also: 2 Samuel 15:3; Proverbs 24:26; Proverbs 8:9.
וְ/שֹׁמֵ֥עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
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.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:3
Context — Absalom’s Conspiracy
1Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.
2He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,”
3Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.”
4And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” 5Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 8:15 | Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: |
| 2 | Ezekiel 22:7 | Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:17 | Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:2 | The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. |
| 5 | Exodus 21:17 | Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death. |
| 6 | Numbers 16:13–14 | Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us? Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!” |
| 7 | Acts 23:5 | “Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ” |
| 8 | Daniel 11:21 | In his place a despicable person will arise; royal honors will not be given to him, but he will come in a time of peace and seize the kingdom by intrigue. |
| 9 | Proverbs 30:11 | There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:10 | Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. |
2 Samuel 15:3 Summary
[In this verse, Absalom is trying to win people over by telling them that their problems are valid, but that the king is not doing anything to help them. He is trying to make himself look like a hero who can solve their problems, much like a judge in Deuteronomy 1:16-17. This is a reminder that we should be careful who we trust, and make sure that we are not being deceived by people who just want power, as warned in Proverbs 26:28. We should instead look to God for justice and peace, as promised in Psalm 37:3-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Absalom's strategy in approaching people with grievances?
Absalom would approach people with grievances and sympathize with their claims, telling them that their claims were good and right, but the king had no deputy to hear them, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:3. This strategy helped him gain the trust and support of the people.
Why did Absalom say the king had no deputy to hear the people's grievances?
Absalom said the king had no deputy to hear the people's grievances in order to present himself as a solution to their problems, and to make them think that he was the only one who could provide them with justice, much like the role of a judge in Deuteronomy 1:16-17.
How did Absalom's actions relate to his desire for power?
Absalom's actions in 2 Samuel 15:3 were a calculated attempt to gain the people's trust and support, which would ultimately help him in his quest for power, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:4 where he expresses his desire to be appointed judge in the land.
What can we learn from Absalom's tactics?
We can learn from Absalom's tactics that flattery and false promises can be used to manipulate people, as warned in Proverbs 26:28, and that we should be cautious of those who try to gain our trust by sympathizing with our problems but have ulterior motives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be aware of people who may be trying to manipulate me with flattery or false promises?
- How can I, like Absalom, be tempted to seek power and control in my own life, and what are some biblical principles that can help me avoid this temptation, such as Philippians 2:3-4?
- What are some ways that I can, in a genuine way, show empathy and concern for others who are struggling, as Absalom pretended to do, and how can I point them to true justice and peace in Jesus Christ?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than seeking to take matters into my own hands like Absalom, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:3
And Absalom said unto him,.... After some further talk, and finding he had a suit at law to bring on, and either seeing it drawn up in writing, or hearing his account of it, at once declared, without
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:3
And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
Thy matters are good and right: upon some very slight hearing of their case he approved it, that he might oblige all. No man deputed of the king to hear thee, to wit, none such as will do thee justice. The other sons and relations of the king, and the rest of the judges and rulers under him and them, are wholly corrupted, and swayed by favour or bribes; or, at least, not careful and diligent, as they should be; and my father being grown in years, is negligent of public affairs, leaving them wholly to their conduct.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
2 Samuel 15:3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters [are] good and right; but [there is] no man [deputed] of the king to hear thee.Ver. 3. See, thy matters are good and right.] Right or wrong, he, to steal away their hearts, smoothed them up with fair words, which are light cheap: telling them that their cause was very good, and condemning the judges as corrupt, saith Josephus, who had given sentence against them. This was very taking with the rude multitude. But there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.] This was a base slander, as appeareth from 2 Samuel 8:15. But that is a small matter with graceless ambitionists.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
(3) There is no man deputed of the king.—There is no official hearer appointed. It was impossible for the king to hear every case in detail; certain persons were therefore appointed to hear causes and report the facts to the king, who thereupon pronounced his judgment. Absalom uses the same arts which have been used by the demagogue in all ages. He does not accuse the king himself of wrong, but insinuates that the system of government is detective, and expresses his own earnest wish to set things right.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:3
3. See, thy matters, &c.] He artfully flatters each suitor by pronouncing a favourable decision on his case, condoles with him on the improbability of his obtaining a hearing, and hints how differently matters would be managed if he were in power. there is no man, &c.] This and not the marginal alternative none will hear thee from the king downward is the correct rendering. There was no one appointed to investigate the evidence and lay it before the king. He implies that decisions were given hastily and arbitrarily, and that his father needed assessors to help him. There is no reason to suppose that David was neglecting his duty as a judge; but the task was growing too heavy for one man to perform it. See Ewald’s Hist. iii. 176.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 15:3
To flatter each man by pronouncing a favorable verdict in his case, to excite a sense of grievance and discontent by censuring the king for remissness in trying the causes brought before him by his
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:3
3. Thy matters are good and right — Thy case is a worthy and righteous one, and ought to be tried, and all thy grievances redressed.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |
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Five Rules for Holy Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fi |
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The Kingdom vs. Patriotism by Art Katz | The video is a sermon transcript discussing the book written by John ML Young, a missionary in Japan. The speaker describes Young as an evangelical, fundamental Christian missionar |
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A Reverential Fear of God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holine |
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Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicat |
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Exhortation and Explanation by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity and compassion among believers. He refers to the events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The |
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The Fear of God (01) Introduction by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a man struggling to walk and falling down. Instead of laughing, the speaker realizes that this is an opportun |