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2 Samuel 17:5

2 Samuel 17:5 in Multiple Translations

Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

Then Absalom said, Now send for Hushai the Archite, and let us give ear to what he has to say.

But then Absalom said, “Call in Hushai the Archite too, and let's hear what he's got to say as well.”

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let vs heare likewise what he sayth.

And Absalom saith, 'Call, I pray thee, also for Hushai the Archite, and we hear what [is] in his mouth — even he.'

Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let’s hear likewise what he says.”

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

But Absalom said: Call Chusai the Arachite, and let us hear what he also saith.

But Absalom said, “Summon Hushai also, and we will hear what he suggests.”

Then Absalom said, “All right, what about that man Hushai, from the Arek mob? Tell him to come here. We will listen to him too.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 17:5

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 17:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם קְרָ֣א נָ֔א גַּ֖ם לְ/חוּשַׁ֣י הָ/אַרְכִּ֑י וְ/נִשְׁמְעָ֥ה מַה בְּ/פִ֖י/ו גַּם הֽוּא
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper
קְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֔א nâʼ H4994 please Part
גַּ֖ם gam H1571 also DirObjM
לְ/חוּשַׁ֣י Chûwshay H2365 Hushai Prep | N-proper
הָ/אַרְכִּ֑י ʼArkîy H757 Archite Art | Ngmsa
וְ/נִשְׁמְעָ֥ה shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-1cp
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
בְּ/פִ֖י/ו peh H6310 lip Prep | N-ms | Suff
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 17:5

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 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.
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.
קְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
נָ֔א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
גַּ֖ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לְ/חוּשַׁ֣י Chûwshay H2365 "Hushai" Prep | 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.
הָ/אַרְכִּ֑י ʼArkîy H757 "Archite" Art | Ngmsa
A person from the city of Erek, or an Archite. In the book of Joshua, the Archites are mentioned as a group of people. Hushai, an advisor to King David, was an Archite.
Definition: Someone from Arach(?), first mentioned at Jos.16.2 § Archite or Archi = "lengthy" referring to the home city of Hushai
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Archi, Archite. See also: Joshua 16:2; 2 Samuel 17:5; 1 Chronicles 27:33.
וְ/נִשְׁמְעָ֥ה shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-1cp
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.
מַה mâh H4100 "what?" 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.
בְּ/פִ֖י/ו peh H6310 "lip" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 17:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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.
2 2 Samuel 16:16–19 And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”

2 Samuel 17:5 Summary

In 2 Samuel 17:5, Absalom wants to hear from Hushai the Archite because he values his advice and wants to make a good decision. This shows that even in difficult situations, it's essential to seek wise counsel and consider different viewpoints, as seen in Proverbs 11:14. By doing so, we can make more informed decisions and trust in God's guidance, as promised in Psalm 32:8. Just like Absalom, we can learn to balance our desire for control with the need for wise counsel, and trust that God will direct our paths, as seen in Psalm 37:23-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Absalom want to hear from Hushai the Archite in 2 Samuel 17:5?

Absalom wanted to hear from Hushai because he valued his counsel, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37, and wanted to consider multiple perspectives before making a decision, much like Solomon's approach in 1 Kings 3:16-28.

What can we learn from Absalom's decision to seek additional counsel in 2 Samuel 17:5?

We can learn the importance of seeking wise counsel and considering different viewpoints, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 24:6, before making significant decisions.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Absalom's rebellion in 2 Samuel?

This verse highlights Absalom's attempt to gather support and advice for his rebellion against his father, King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:1-12, and sets the stage for the conflict that will unfold in subsequent chapters, such as 2 Samuel 18:1-33.

What character traits of Absalom are revealed in 2 Samuel 17:5?

In this verse, Absalom's desire for control and his willingness to consider different opinions are revealed, which are also seen in his actions in 2 Samuel 15:1-6, where he manipulates the people to gain their support.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have sought counsel from others, and how did it impact my decisions?
  2. How can I balance the desire for control with the need for wise counsel, as seen in Absalom's actions in 2 Samuel 17:5?
  3. What are some ways I can apply the principle of seeking multiple perspectives, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:5, to my own decision-making processes?
  4. How can I discern when to trust my own instincts and when to seek advice from others, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:5

Then said Absalom, call now Hushai the Archite also,.... For it seems he was not at the council board at this time; whether he was as yet admitted to it is not certain: there is something very

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:5

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:5

A wonderful effect of Divine Providence, blinding his mind, and influencing his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel’ s counsel, though it was so evidently wise, and good, and approved by the general consent of his whole party; and that he should desire Hushai’ s advice, though neither his reputation for wisdom was equal to Ahithophel’ s, nor had he yet given any one proof of his fidelity to Absalom as Ahithophel had done; nor was he so fixed by his interest to him as Ahithophel was; and though there wanted not just cause to suspect him and his counsel too. But there is no contending with that God who can arm a man against himself, and destroy him by his own mistakes and passions, without any other help.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:5

2 Samuel 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.Ver. 5. Call now Hushai the Archite also.] God had said that David should not die; but Absalom was doomed to death by God’ s determined counsel. If Ahithophel’ s counsel had been followed, how could David have escaped, or Absalom perished? Hushai, therefore, is consulted, and the whole scene altered. This came forth "from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:5

(5) Call now Hushai.—The good sense of Absalom and all the people at once approved the counsel of Ahithophel; but, at a crisis so important, Absalom sought the advice also of the other famous counsellor of his father.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:5

5. let us hear likewise what he saith] Let us hear what he too has to say, as well as Ahithophel.

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