2 Samuel 18:20

Verse

But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Bible in Basic English

And Joab said, You will take no news today; another day you may give him the news, but you will take no news today, because the king's son is dead.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And Joab said to him: Thou shalt not be the messenger this day, but shalt bear tidings another day: this day I will not have thee bear tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Free Bible Version

“You're not the man to take the good news today,” Joab replied. “You can do it some other time, but don't do it today, because the king's son is dead.”

Geneva Bible 1599

And Ioab said vnto him, Thou shalt not be the messenger to day, but thou shalt beare tidings another time, but to day thou shalt beare none: for the Kings sonne is dead.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Translation for Translators

But Joab said to him, “No, I will not allow you to take news to the king today. Some other day I will allow you to take some news, but not today. If you took news today it would not be good news for the king, because his son is dead.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Joab answered him, “You will not be the bearer of news today; you must do it another day. Today you will bear no news because the king's son is dead.”

Noah Webster Bible

And Joab said to him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

World English Bible

Joab said to him, “You must not be the bearer of news today, but you must carry news another day. But today you must carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.”

Young's Literal Translation

and Joab saith to him, 'Thou art not a man of tidings this day, but thou hast borne tidings on another day, and this day thou dost not bear tidings, because the king's son [is] dead.'

Context

David Mourns for Absalom

¹⁹Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”²⁰But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”

Summary

This verse recounts the interaction between Joab and a Cushite messenger who brought news of Absalom's death to King David. Despite the Cushite being eager to deliver the message, Joab instructs Ahimaaz, another messenger, to inform the king instead. Joab's decision reflects his understanding of David's emotional attachment to Absalom, showing sensitivity and wisdom in handling the delicate situation. This passage highlights the complexities of relationships and the importance of discernment in communication, even during moments of victory or loss.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Joab said unto him, thou shall not bear tidings this day,.... Because Joab knew the tidings of Absalom's death would not be acceptable to the king; and Ahimaaz being a good man, and the son of a priest, for whom Joab had a respect, he would not send the tidings by him, which he was sensible would not recommend him to the king: but thou shalt bear tidings another day; when any salvation is wrought, or victory obtained, the tidings of which will be welcome: but this day thou shall bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead; and thou must carry the news concerning his death, which it is not proper thou shouldest, being a priest, nor will it be to thine advantage.