2 Samuel 16:17
2 Samuel 16:17 in Multiple Translations
“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
And Absalom said, Is this your love for your friend? why did you not go with your friend?
“Is this how you show loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked. “Why didn't you leave with your friend?”
Then Absalom sayd to Hushai, Is this thy kindenes to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend?
And Absalom saith unto Hushai, 'This thy kindness with thy friend! why hast thou not gone with thy friend?'
Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
And Absalom said to him: Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend?
Absalom said to Hushai, “You have been loyal [RHQ] to your friend David for a long time. So why did you not go with him instead of coming to me?”
Absalom said, “You are a friend of David. You used to follow him. So how come you are not with him now?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:17
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 16:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙
אֶל
חוּשַׁ֔י
זֶ֥ה
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֖
אֶת
רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
לָ֥/מָּה
לֹֽא
הָלַ֖כְתָּ
אֶת
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חוּשַׁ֔י
Chûwshay
H2365
Hushai
N-proper
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֖
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הָלַ֖כְתָּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:17
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.
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
חוּשַׁ֔י
Chûwshay
H2365
"Hushai"
N-proper
Hushai was a friend of King David and an Archite, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:32. He was also the father of Baana, an officer of Solomon. His name means hastening.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.32; father of: Baana (H1195H) § Hushai = "hasting" 1) an Archite, a friend of David 2) the father of Baana, an officer of Solomon; probably the same as 1
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Hushai. See also: 2 Samuel 15:32; 2 Samuel 17:6; 1 Chronicles 27:33.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֖
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
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.
רֵעֶ֑/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
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.
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
הָלַ֖כְתָּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
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.
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 16:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:17
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:17
Context — The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
15Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
16And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”
18“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 19:25 | And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 15:32–37 | When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace. Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.” So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:6 | Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you? |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:17 | A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:24 | A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. |
2 Samuel 16:17 Summary
In 2 Samuel 16:17, Absalom is questioning Hushai's loyalty because Hushai, a friend of David, has come to Absalom instead of fleeing with David. This shows that Absalom values loyalty and wants to know if Hushai is truly committed to him. We can learn from this that loyalty is important in our relationships, just like it is in our relationship with God (Deuteronomy 6:5). We should strive to be loyal to those who are rightly in authority over us, just as Hushai was trying to be loyal to the king, as seen in Romans 13:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Absalom question Hushai's loyalty in 2 Samuel 16:17?
Absalom questioned Hushai's loyalty because Hushai, who was a friend of David, had come to Absalom instead of fleeing with David, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37, which made Absalom wonder if Hushai was truly committed to him.
What was Absalom trying to achieve by questioning Hushai's loyalty?
By questioning Hushai's loyalty, Absalom was trying to gauge Hushai's commitment to him and determine if Hushai was a genuine supporter or just pretending to be, as Absalom wanted to know who he could trust, similar to how Jesus taught his disciples to be wise in Matthew 10:16.
How does this verse relate to the concept of loyalty in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of loyalty, as seen in the relationship between David and Hushai, and is reminiscent of the loyalty demonstrated by Ruth to Naomi in the book of Ruth 1:16-17, where loyalty is shown to be a vital aspect of relationships.
What can we learn from Absalom's response to Hushai in this verse?
We can learn that true loyalty is not just about words, but about actions, and that our loyalty should be to those who are rightly in authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-2, and that we should be cautious of those who may be trying to manipulate or deceive us, as warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of Absalom and his understanding of loyalty?
- How can we apply the concept of loyalty in our own relationships, especially in our relationship with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5?
- What role does trust play in loyalty, and how can we build trust with others, as demonstrated in Proverbs 11:13?
- In what ways can we demonstrate our loyalty to God, as seen in Matthew 22:37-38, and to those in authority over us, as taught in Hebrews 13:17?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:17
And Absalom said to Hushai, [is] this thy kindness to thy friend?.... Meaning to David; though he would not mention his name, nor his title, nor even the relation of a father he stood in to him, only
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:17
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:17
Is this thy kindness to thy friend? doth this action answer that profession of greatest friendship which thou hast hitherto made to him? Dost thou thus requite his favour and true friendship to thee? He speaks thus only to try him. And he saith, thy friend, by way of refection on David; as one who was a friend to Hushai, and to strangers, but not to his own sown, whom, by his severity and design to give away his right to Solomon, he provoked to this course; and therefore he doth not vouchsafe to call him his father.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:17
2 Samuel 16:17 And Absalom said to Hushai, [Is] this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?Ver. 17. Is this thy kindness to thy friend?] He saith not, To my father: for so he should have tacitly taxed himself of far greater ingratitude, and fouler disloyalty, than he had done Hushai.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:17
17. Thy friend — By “thy” friend Absalom means David. By these questions he seeks to sound the depth of Hushai’s professed loyalty to himself.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
2 Peter 2:1 by John Gill | John Gill addresses the issue of false teachers within the Christian community, drawing parallels to the false prophets of the Old Testament. He emphasizes that these teachers intr |
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(2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and his trusted advisors during a time of conflict with Absalom. Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to gather informati |
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Philosophies of Leadership Dec 88 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his philosophy of leadership and the importance of forgiveness. He emphasizes the need for mercy and how it is rooted in God's love and the sacri |
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The Friend of Disciples by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the second charity of a friend, which is an openness of heart and mind. He uses the analogy of a slave who only receives orders from his maste |
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Hebrews 10:19-25 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of entering the holiest through the blood of Jesus, emphasizing the new and living way He has consecrated for believers. He encourag |
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Spring in the Desert by John Hames | John Hames preaches about finding springs in the desert of life, symbolizing faith, hope, joy, love, friendship, contentment, and prayer as sources of life, happiness, and peace am |
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And Saul Hearkened Unto the Voice of Jonathan. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the noble act of Jonathan in advocating for David despite the potential fallout with his father, Saul. Jonathan's willingness to stand up for his friend illus |