2 Samuel 17:4
2 Samuel 17:4 in Multiple Translations
This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
And the saying was pleasing to Absalom and to the responsible men of Israel.
This plan looked good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the Elders of Israel.
And the thing is right in the eyes of Absalom, and in the eyes of all the elders of Israel.
The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
And the saying, pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
And his saying pleased Absalom, and all the ancients of Israel.
Absalom and all the Israeli leaders who were with him thought that what Ahithophel said would be good to do.
Absalom and the elders of Israel agreed. They said, “This is a good plan.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 17:4
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 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּישַׁ֥ר
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם
וּ/בְ/עֵינֵ֖י
כָּל
זִקְנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יִּישַׁ֥ר
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
וּ/בְ/עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | Prep | N-cd
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זִקְנֵ֥י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 17:4
וַ/יִּישַׁ֥ר
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
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.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם
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.
וּ/בְ/עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זִקְנֵ֥י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 17:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice
2I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king
3and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.”
4This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
5Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.” 6So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:20–21 | Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” |
| 2 | Romans 1:32 | Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 30:4 | This proposal pleased the king and the whole assembly. |
| 4 | Esther 5:14 | His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 23:21 | “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. |
| 6 | Esther 1:21 | The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan had advised. |
2 Samuel 17:4 Summary
This verse tells us that Absalom and the elders of Israel thought Ahithophel's plan was a good idea, but it's important to remember that just because something seems good to us, it doesn't mean it's God's best. As it says in Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.' We need to seek God's wisdom and guidance in our decision-making, rather than just relying on our own understanding, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can avoid making mistakes and trust that God's plan is always the best, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that this proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel?
This means that Absalom and the elders agreed that Ahithophel's plan, as outlined in 2 Samuel 17:1-3, was a good idea, likely because it seemed to offer a way to defeat King David without causing too much harm to the people, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:3.
Why did Absalom and the elders trust Ahithophel's plan?
Ahithophel was a wise and experienced counselor, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23, and his plan may have seemed like a good way to achieve their goals without causing too much bloodshed, similar to the advice given in Proverbs 24:6.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Samuel?
This verse is a turning point in the story, as it shows how Absalom and the elders are making plans to defeat King David, but it also sets the stage for the introduction of Hushai, who will offer alternative advice in 2 Samuel 17:5-6, and ultimately, God's plan will prevail, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:14 and Proverbs 19:21.
What can we learn from the fact that Absalom and the elders thought Ahithophel's plan was good?
We can learn that even people who seem wise and experienced can have flawed judgment, and that we should always seek God's guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in James 1:5 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have trusted in human wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance?
- How can I discern when a plan or idea seems good to me, but may not be God's best for my life?
- What role does pride and self-reliance play in our decision-making, and how can we humbly seek God's will, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:4 and Proverbs 16:18-19?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:5-6, to my own life and decision-making?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:4
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all elders of Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:4
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:4
2 Samuel 17:4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.Ver. 4. And the saying pleased Absalom well.] Heb., Was right in the eyes of Absalom, &c. Nam quae recta sunt placent. Man is a rational creature: and everywise man will be mancipium rationis, ruled by reason, in matters of greatest consequence especially. Howbeit, all men are mutable, as appeareth in that this counsel, while so applauded, was so soon again misliked. Vat.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:4
4. the elders of Israel] Who were sitting in council with Absalom. For the various functions of the elders, see note on 1 Samuel 8:4.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 17:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Women) 04. a Wounded Spirit by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the entertainment we consume, particularly in relation to movies and television shows. He warns agains |
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The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wicke |
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The Development of a Reprobate by James Robison | The video is a sermon transcript that discusses the unnatural affection for material possessions, specifically the desire for a hall. The speaker emphasizes that this desire is not |
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Rom. 1:16-32 -Pt3- the Man Without the Bible by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the constant presence of deception in the world. He urges young people in college to be aware of this and not fall into its trap. The speaker |
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It's Time for Tough Love by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of tough love in the church, drawing from the Apostle Paul's example of speaking the truth in love. He argues that the current state of the n |
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The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher, Greek Word Studies, delves into the concept of 'dikaioma' in the Bible, which refers to God's declaration of what is right and just, often seen as His decree of retri |
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Participation in Other Men's Sins. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the importance of not being partakers of other men's sins, emphasizing the need to guard against sharing in the guilt of others by tempting, assisting, or |