2 Samuel 18:26

Verse

the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

Bible in Basic English

Then the watchman saw another man running: and crying out in the direction of the door he said, Here is another man running by himself. And the king said, He, like the other, comes with news.

Douay-Rheims 1899

The watchman saw another man running, and crying aloud from above, he said: I see another man running alone. And the king said: He also is a good messenger.

Free Bible Version

the watchman saw someone else running, and he shouted down to the gatekeeper, “Look! There's another man running by himself!” “He'll also be bringing good news,” said the king.

Geneva Bible 1599

And the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called vnto the porter, and said, Behold, another man runneth alone. And the King said, He also bringeth tidings.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

Translation for Translators

Then the watchman saw another man running. So he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look! There is another man running!” And the king said, “He also is bringing some good news.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then the watchman noticed another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper; he said, “Look, there is another man running alone.” The king said, “He is also bringing news.”

Noah Webster Bible

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

World English Bible

The watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, a man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.”

Young's Literal Translation

And the watchman seeth another man running, and the watchman calleth unto the gatekeeper, and saith, 'Lo, a man running by himself;' and the king saith, 'Also this one is bearing tidings.'

Context

David Mourns for Absalom

²⁵So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, ²⁶the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.

Summary

This verse describes the watchman recognizing Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, as he runs to King David with news about the battle. Ahimaaz eagerly wants to deliver the message, indicating his loyalty and dedication to the king. The watchman's observation and subsequent report to the king show the importance of communication and the role of messengers in delivering crucial information. This interaction also reflects the tense atmosphere surrounding the battle and the anticipation for news among those waiting for updates.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the watchman saw another man running,.... At a further distance: and the watchman called unto the porter; that kept the gate, under which the watchtower was: and said, behold, another man runneth alone; as the other, and has the same appearance of a messenger: and the king said, he also bringeth tidings; it being usual then, as now, to dispatch one messenger after another, as fresh accounts coming in made it necessary.