2 Samuel 15:4

Verse

And 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.”

American Standard Version (1901)

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

Bible in Basic English

And more than this, Absalom said, If only I was made judge in the land, so that every man who has any cause or question might come to me, and I would give a right decision for him!

Douay-Rheims 1899

O that they would make me judge over the land, that all that have business might come to me, that I might do them justice.

Free Bible Version

Then he would say, “If only there was someone to appoint me as judge for the country. Then everyone could come to me with their case or complaint, and I would give them justice.”

Geneva Bible 1599

Absalom sayd moreouer, Oh that I were made Iudge in the lande, that euery man which hath any matter of controuersie, might come to me, that I might do him iustice.

King James (Authorized) Version

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

Translation for Translators

Absalom would then add, “I wish that I were a judge in this land. If I were a judge, anyone who had a dispute could come to me, and I would decide it fairly/justly.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Absalom added, “I wish that I were made judge in the land, so that every man who had any dispute or cause might come to me, and I would bring him justice!”

Noah Webster Bible

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!

World English Bible

Absalom said moreover, “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!”

Young's Literal Translation

And Absalom saith, 'Who doth make me a judge in the land, that unto me doth come every man who hath a plea and judgment? — then I have declared him righteous.'

Context

Absalom’s Conspiracy

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.”

Summary

Absalom, David's son, cunningly won the hearts of the people of Israel by showing kindness and offering justice to those who came to him for judgment. Through his deceitful tactics, Absalom undermined David's authority and positioned himself to eventually rebel against his father. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulation and betrayal, highlighting the importance of discerning true motives and remaining loyal to God-appointed leaders.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Absalom said, moreover,.... To the same persons, at the same time: oh that I were made judge in the land; by which it appears that he had no office under the king; partly either because of his crime, and so not thought fit, and partly because he appeared to be an ambitious aspiring man, and so it was thought not safe to put him into any office: that every man that hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice; at once, without any further trouble, or coming often, and in vain, and to no purpose.