2 Samuel 18:3

2 Samuel 18:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.”

King James Version KJV

But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

American Standard Version ASV

But the people said, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but thou art worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that thou be ready to succor us out of the city.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the people said, It is better for you not to go out: for if we are put to flight, they will not give a thought to us, and if death overtakes half of us, it will be nothing to them: but you are of more value than ten thousand of us: so it is better for you to be ready to come to our help from this town.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the men replied, “No, you must not go out into battle! For if we have to run away, they won't care about us. Even if half of us die, they won't care about that either. But you are worth ten thousand of us, so it's better if you stay here and send us help from the town.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the people answered, Thou shalt not goe foorth: for if we flee away, they will not regarde vs, neither will they passe for vs, though halfe of vs were slaine: but thou art now worth ten thousande of vs: therefore nowe it is better that thou succour vs out of the citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the people say, 'Thou dost not go out, for if we utterly flee, they do not set [their] heart upon us; and if half of us die, they do not set [their] heart unto us — for now like us [are] ten thousand; and now, better that thou be to us from the city for an helper.'

World English Bible WEB

But the people said, “You shall not go out, for if we flee away, they will not care for us, neither if half of us die, will they care for us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the people answered: Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not much mind us: or if half of us should fall, they will not greatly care: for thou alone art accounted for ten thousand: it is better therefore that thou shouldst be in the city to succour us.

Translation for Translators T4T

But his soldiers said, “No, we will not allow you to go with us. If they force us all to run away, they will not be concerned about that happening. Or if they kill half of us, that will also not be what they want. To them, killing you is more important than killing 10,000 of us. So it will be better that you stay here in the city and send help to us.”

Plain English Version PEV

But the soldiers said to him, “No way. You can’t come with us. You are the boss man, but we are just nothing. You are the one they want to kill. If we soldiers all run away, they will not chase us. If we all die, they will not care. They will say, ‘All right, leave them.’ But if you die, they will be really happy. So it’s good for you to stay here in this town. If the fighting gets hard for us, then you can send more soldiers to help us.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:3

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 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר הָ/עָ֜ם לֹ֣א תֵצֵ֗א כִּי֩ אִם נֹ֨ס נָנ֜וּס לֹא יָשִׂ֧ימוּ אֵלֵ֣י/נוּ לֵ֗ב וְ/אִם יָמֻ֤תוּ חֶצְיֵ֨/נוּ֙ לֹֽא יָשִׂ֤ימוּ אֵלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ לֵ֔ב כִּֽי עַתָּ֥ה כָמֹ֖/נוּ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה אֲלָפִ֑ים וְ/עַתָּ֣ה ט֔וֹב כִּי תִֽהְיֶה לָּ֥/נוּ מֵ/עִ֖יר ל/עזיר לַ/עְזֽוֹר

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הָ/עָ֜ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תֵצֵ֗א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

נֹ֨ס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Ptc

נָנ֜וּס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָשִׂ֧ימוּ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֵלֵ֣י/נוּ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לֵ֗ב lêb H3820 heart N-ms

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj

יָמֻ֤תוּ mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

חֶצְיֵ֨/נוּ֙ chêtsîy H2677 half N-ms | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָשִׂ֤ימוּ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֵלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לֵ֔ב lêb H3820 heart N-ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

עַתָּ֥ה ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

כָמֹ֖/נוּ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep | Suff

עֲשָׂרָ֣ה ʻeser H6235 ten Adj

אֲלָפִ֑ים ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj

וְ/עַתָּ֣ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

ט֔וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

תִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

לָּ֥/נוּ Prep | Suff

מֵ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs

ל/עזיר ʻâzar H5826 to help Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

לַ/עְזֽוֹר ʻâzar H5826 to help Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:3

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר 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.

הָ/עָ֜ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לֹ֣א 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.

תֵצֵ֗א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

נֹ֨ס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Ptc

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

נָנ֜וּס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

לֹא 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.

יָשִׂ֧ימוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

אֵלֵ֣י/נוּ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

לֵ֗ב lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj

יָמֻ֤תוּ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

חֶצְיֵ֨/נוּ֙ chêtsîy H2677 "half" N-ms | Suff

This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.

Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.

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.

יָשִׂ֤ימוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֵלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

לֵ֔ב lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

עַתָּ֥ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

כָמֹ֖/נוּ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep | Suff

This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.

Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were

Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.

עֲשָׂרָ֣ה ʻeser H6235 "ten" Adj

This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.

אֲלָפִ֑ים ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj

A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.

Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

וְ/עַתָּ֣ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

ט֔וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

תִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לָּ֥/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

מֵ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

ל/עזיר ʻâzar H5826 "to help" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.

Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.

לַ/עְזֽוֹר ʻâzar H5826 "to help" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 18:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:3
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:3
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:3

Context — Absalom Killed

1Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of thousands and of hundreds. 2He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”

3But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will not care about us. Even if half of us die, they will not care. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better now if you support us from the city.”

4“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands. 5Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 21:17	But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”
2	Exodus 17:10–12	Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.
3	1 Kings 22:31	Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”
4	2 Samuel 17:2	I 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
5	2 Samuel 10:11	“If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue.
6	Lamentations 4:20	The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”
7	Zechariah 13:7	Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

2 Samuel 18:3 Summary

In this verse, the people are trying to convince King David not to go out to battle with them, because they believe he is too valuable to lose. They tell him that he is worth ten thousand of them, and that it would be better for him to stay in the city and support them from there. This shows that the people loved and respected King David, and were willing to put his needs before their own, a principle that is reflected in biblical verses such as John 13:35, where Jesus teaches that we should love one another as he has loved us. By staying in the city, King David is able to provide guidance and support to his people, while also keeping himself safe, a decision that reflects the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of those in positions of leadership and authority, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people not want King David to go out to battle with them?

The people did not want King David to go out to battle because they knew that if they had to flee, they would not be able to protect him, and they believed he was too valuable to lose, as stated in 2 Samuel 18:3, where they say he is worth ten thousand of them, a sentiment that echoes the importance of a leader's safety and well-being, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:21.

What does it mean that King David was worth ten thousand of them?

This phrase, found in 2 Samuel 18:3, is an expression of the people's esteem and love for King David, indicating that they valued him highly and believed his life was more important than their own, a sentiment that reflects the biblical principle of laying down one's life for others, as seen in John 15:13.

How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership and responsibility?

This verse highlights the importance of a leader's responsibility to their people, as seen in King David's willingness to go out to battle with his troops, and the people's desire to protect him, demonstrating a mutual sense of care and concern, as reflected in biblical principles of leadership, such as those found in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

What can we learn from the people's plea to King David in this verse?

We can learn the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of those in positions of leadership and authority, as well as the value of humility and recognizing one's own limitations, as seen in King David's willingness to listen to the people's concerns and adjust his plans accordingly, a principle that is reflected in Proverbs 11:14.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate my love and appreciation for my leaders, just as the people did for King David in this verse?
How can I prioritize the safety and well-being of those around me, just as the people did for King David?
What are some situations in my life where I need to consider the value and importance of others, just as the people did in this verse?
How can I cultivate a sense of humility and recognition of my own limitations, just as King David did in this verse?
What are some ways that I can apply the biblical principles of leadership and responsibility, as reflected in this verse, to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:3

But the people answered, thou shalt not go forth,.... They were as resolute as David: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; to pursue after us; neither if half of us die, will they care for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:3

And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3

Thou shalt not go forth; for this was Absalom’ s great error, into which he was drawn by a Divine infatuation, and by Hushai’ s craft, to go to battle in his own person, which was the utter ruin of him and of his cause. Thou art worth ten thousand of us; not only for the dignity of thy person, but also for the importance of our common cause and concern, which, if thou art slain, is irrecoverably lost. That thou succour us out of the city, by sending us supplies of men, and provisions of all sorts, as we have occasion; and by securing our retreat, if we be defeated. Or thus, Not go along to the battle with us, but only go out with us, or accompany us out of the city, (to encourage the company,) slid then retire for thy own safety. And so it seems by the next verse.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3

2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city.Ver. 3. But now thou art worth ten thousand of us.] Christ, of whom David was a type, is "the chief of ten thousand": and so every good heart holdeth him. When David was in danger of being slain by Ishbibenob the giant, Abishai interposed and rescued him. When our Henry II was in imminent peril of his life at the siege of Bridgenorth, A.D. 1155, Hubert de St Clare preserved his sovereign’ s life with the loss of his own. When Mauricius, the young Saxon prince, valiantly charging the Turks at the siege of Pesth, had his horse slain under him, and was in danger to have been there lost himself, Nicholas Ribische, one of his own followers, covered him with his own body, till such time as he was rescued by others, Ribische himself presently dying of his wounds. A commen soldier at Musselburgh field, in Edward VI’ s time, finding the Earl of Huntly assaulted by the English, and without his helmet, took off his own headpiece, and put it on the earl’ s head. The earl was therewith taken prisoner, but the soldier, for want thereof, was presently struck down. John Careless, martyr, in a letter to Mr Bradford in prison, writeth thus, ‘ Oh that my life, and a thousand such wretches’ lives more, might go for yours! Oh, why doth God suffer me and such other caterpillars to live, that can do nothing but consume the alms of the Church, and take away so worthy a workman and labourer in the Lord’ s vineyard! But woe be to our sins and great unthankfulness,’ &c. A public spirited man is all for Christ; and can drown all self-respects in his glory. Vivat et regnet Christus, Let Christ live and rule, is his motto. He is also much taken up with the care of community, and will venture his own particular good for the general: as heavy things will ascend to keep out vacuity, and to preserve the universe. Therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.] Si fueris nostra causa, pervigil, so Tremellius rendereth; Si fueris nobis praesto civitate, so Piscator. Thou thence shalt help us, or cause us to be helped; thy prayers shall prevail with God for our assistance, - so others, - that God may send us in the supplies of his Spirit, and thou also may help us with fresh supplies of men and victuals, as there shall be occasion. Speed, 501. Turk. Hist., 730. Life of Edward VI, by Sir J. Heywood. Act. and Mon., 1744.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3

(3) Now thou art worth ten thousand of us.—The Hebrew text reads now, but without thou, and as it stands must be translated, now there are ten thousand like us; but the change of a single letter alters the word now into thou, and this change should unquestionably be made in accordance with the LXX. and Vulg., followed by the English. The people urge truly that David is the very centre of their whole cause, and suggest that, even while avoiding unnecessary exposure, he may yet be equally helpful by keeping a reserve in the city to help them in case of need.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3

Verse 3. But now thou art worth ten thousand of us] The particle יתה attah, now, is doubtless a mistake for the pronoun אתה attah, thou; and so it appears to have been read by the Septuagint, the Vulgate, and the Chaldee, and by two of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:3

3. Thou shalt not go forth] Compare the protest of David’s followers on an earlier occasion (ch. 2 Samuel 21:17). but now thou art worth ten thousand of us] As the Heb. text stands it must be rendered, and now there are ten thousand like us; but, it is implied, none besides like thee. But if we follow the Sept. and Vulg. in reading thou for now, the sense will be that given by the E. V., which seems best. that thou succour us out of the city] By sending reinforcements, and securing their retreat in case of a defeat.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:3

Succour us out of the city - David, with a reserve, would hold the city, and either support the bands in case of need, or receive them within the walls should they be compelled to flee.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:3

3. Better that thou succour us out of the city — Better for thee to remain here at Mahanaim, with a strong force with thee, and thus be able to come forth with reinforcements to our help in case of need.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:3

	Sermon	Description
	The Lord Is My Light by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and reflections on the preaching of the word of God. They mention a specific verse that came to mind and their desire to share
	How to Fire the Preacher by Jack Hyles	Jack Hyles preaches about the importance of supporting and firing up preachers, emphasizing the need for unity, faithfulness, and prayer in the church. He shares stories of faithfu
	For Our People and for the Cities of Our God by John Piper	John Piper delivers a sermon on the importance of teamwork in ministry, drawing inspiration from the relationship between Joab and Abishai in 2 Samuel 10. He emphasizes six key cha
	(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the
	Sudden Conversations by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of Zachariah and its fulfillment in the future reign of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness unto the
	Gethsemane by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. He begins by emphasizing the love of Jesus, who willingly came down to earth to die on th
	Glimpses of the Future - Part 4 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses of the future, focusing on events related to Israel, including unique tribulation, the sealing of 144,000 young Israelis, Israel'