2 Samuel 18:9

2 Samuel 18:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.

King James Version KJV

¶ And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

American Standard Version ASV

And Absalom chanced to meet the servants of David. And Absalom was riding upon his mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between heaven and earth; and the mule that was under him went on.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Absalom came across some of David's men. And Absalom was seated on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great tree, and his head became fixed in the tree and he was lifted up between earth and heaven, and the beast under him went on.

Free Bible Version FBV

Absalom ran into some of David's men while he was riding on his mule. As the mule went under the twisted branches of a large oak tree, Absalom's hair got caught in the tree. The mule he was riding kept going, leaving him hanging between earth and sky.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe Absalom met the seruants of Dauid, and Absalom rode vpon a mule, and the mule came vnder a great thicke oke: and his head caught holde of the oke, and he was taken vp betweene the heauen and the earth: and the mule that was vnder him went away.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Absalom meeteth before the servants of David, and Absalom is riding on the mule, and the mule cometh in under an entangled bough of the great oak, and his head taketh hold on the oak, and he is placed between the heavens and the earth, and the mule that [is] under him hath passed on.

World English Bible WEB

Absalom happened to meet David’s servants. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak; and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was hanging between the sky and earth; and the mule that was under him went on.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was suspended between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it happened that Absalom met the servants of David, riding on a mule: and as the mule went under a thick and large oak, his head stuck in the oak: and while he hung between the heaven and the earth, the mule on which he rode passed on.

Translation for Translators T4T

During the battle, Absalom suddenly came near some of David’s soldiers. Absalom was riding on his mule; and when the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s head/hair was caught in the branches. The mule kept going, but Absalom was left dangling in the air.

Plain English Version PEV

While they were fighting, David’s son Absalom rode around in the bush on a donkey. He suddenly met some of David’s men, and he tried to get away. The donkey ran under a big tree, and Absalom’s head got stuck in the branches. The donkey kept on running, so Absalom was left there. He hung from the tree and couldn’t get down.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:9

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 18:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקָּרֵא֙ אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם לִ/פְנֵ֖י עַבְדֵ֣י דָוִ֑ד וְ/אַבְשָׁל֞וֹם רֹכֵ֣ב עַל הַ/פֶּ֗רֶד וַ/יָּבֹ֣א הַ/פֶּ֡רֶד תַּ֣חַת שׂוֹבֶךְ֩ הָ/אֵלָ֨ה הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֜ה וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֧ק רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ בָ/אֵלָ֗ה וַ/יֻּתַּן֙ בֵּ֤ין הַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ וּ/בֵ֣ין הָ/אָ֔רֶץ וְ/הַ/פֶּ֥רֶד אֲשֶׁר תַּחְתָּ֖י/ו עָבָֽר

וַ/יִּקָּרֵא֙ qârâʼ H7122 to encounter Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

עַבְדֵ֣י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

דָוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וְ/אַבְשָׁל֞וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom Conj | N-proper

רֹכֵ֣ב râkab H7392 to ride V-Qal

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/פֶּ֗רֶד pered H6505 mule Art | N-ms

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/פֶּ֡רֶד pered H6505 mule Art | N-ms

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

שׂוֹבֶךְ֩ sôwbek H7730 thicket N-ms

הָ/אֵלָ֨ה ʼêlâh H424 oak Art | N-fs

הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֜ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Art | Adj

וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֧ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

בָ/אֵלָ֗ה ʼêlâh H424 oak Prep | N-fs

וַ/יֻּתַּן֙ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בֵּ֤ין bêyn H996 between Prep

הַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

וְ/הַ/פֶּ֥רֶד pered H6505 mule Conj | Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תַּחְתָּ֖י/ו tachath H8478 underneath Prep | Suff

עָבָֽר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:9

וַ/יִּקָּרֵא֙ qârâʼ H7122 "to encounter" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.

Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.

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.

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

עַבְדֵ֣י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

דָוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), 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) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וְ/אַבְשָׁל֞וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 "Absalom" Conj | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.

רֹכֵ֣ב râkab H7392 "to ride" V-Qal

This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/פֶּ֗רֶד pered H6505 "mule" Art | N-ms

A mule, the offspring of a horse and a donkey, mentioned in Leviticus as an unclean animal. In 2 Samuel, David's messengers rode mules to meet the king of Ammon. Mules were used for transportation and labor.

Definition: mule

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: mule. See also: 2 Samuel 13:29; 2 Chronicles 9:24; Psalms 32:9.

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הַ/פֶּ֡רֶד pered H6505 "mule" Art | N-ms

Definition: mule

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: mule. See also: 2 Samuel 13:29; 2 Chronicles 9:24; Psalms 32:9.

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

שׂוֹבֶךְ֩ sôwbek H7730 "thicket" N-ms

A thicket is a dense growth of trees or bushes, and that is what this word describes. It is like a network of branches that are all tangled together. This concept is seen in the book of Judges.

Definition: network (of boughs)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: thick boughs. See also: 2 Samuel 18:9.

הָ/אֵלָ֨ה ʼêlâh H424 "oak" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a strong tree, like an oak or elm. It is the type of tree where David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The word is used to describe a sturdy and reliable tree.

Definition: 1) terebinth, terebinth tree 2) valley where David killed Goliath

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: elm, oak, teil-tree. See also: Genesis 35:4; 1 Kings 13:14; Isaiah 1:30.

הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֜ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֧ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with

Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.

רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

בָ/אֵלָ֗ה ʼêlâh H424 "oak" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a strong tree, like an oak or elm. It is the type of tree where David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The word is used to describe a sturdy and reliable tree.

Definition: 1) terebinth, terebinth tree 2) valley where David killed Goliath

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: elm, oak, teil-tree. See also: Genesis 35:4; 1 Kings 13:14; Isaiah 1:30.

וַ/יֻּתַּן֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

בֵּ֤ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.

הַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וְ/הַ/פֶּ֥רֶד pered H6505 "mule" Conj | Art | N-ms

Definition: mule

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: mule. See also: 2 Samuel 13:29; 2 Chronicles 9:24; Psalms 32:9.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תַּחְתָּ֖י/ו tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep | Suff

עָבָֽר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 18:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:9
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:9
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:9

Context — Absalom Killed

7There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men. 8The battle spread over the whole countryside, and that day the forest devoured more people than the sword.

9Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.

10When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” 11“You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 14:26	And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.
2	Proverbs 30:17	As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.
3	Job 31:3	Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
4	Deuteronomy 27:16	‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
5	Jeremiah 48:44	“Whoever flees the panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For I will bring upon Moab the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
6	2 Samuel 18:14	But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
7	Deuteronomy 21:23	you must not leave the body on the tree overnight, but you must be sure to bury him that day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
8	Psalms 63:9–10	But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth. They will fall to the power of the sword; they will become a portion for foxes.
9	Galatians 3:13	Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
10	2 Samuel 17:23	When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

2 Samuel 18:9 Summary

[This verse tells us what happened to Absalom, the son of King David, when he was trying to run away from David's army. As he was riding on his mule, his long hair got caught in a tree, leaving him hanging in midair, a symbol of his defeat and a reminder of God's judgment, as seen in verses like Psalm 52:5. This event shows us that God is in control, even when things seem chaotic, and that our actions have consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8. We can learn from Absalom's situation to trust in God's sovereignty and to be mindful of our own actions and their potential consequences.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Absalom's hair get caught in the tree?

According to 2 Samuel 18:9, Absalom's head was caught fast in the tree because his long hair got tangled in the thick branches of the large oak, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:26 where it is mentioned that Absalom had very long hair.

What is the significance of the mule in this verse?

The mule in 2 Samuel 18:9 serves to highlight the fate of Absalom, as it continues to move forward, leaving Absalom suspended in midair, a symbol of his impending doom, reminiscent of the judgment pronounced in Deuteronomy 21:23.

Is this event a coincidence or a divine act?

The event in 2 Samuel 18:9 can be seen as a divine act, as it fulfills the prophecy spoken by David in 2 Samuel 18:5, and demonstrates God's sovereignty over the affairs of men, as stated in Proverbs 21:1.

What can we learn from Absalom's situation?

We can learn from Absalom's situation that our actions have consequences, and that God's judgment is often fulfilled in unexpected ways, as seen in Psalm 7:16, where it is written that the wicked will fall by their own devices.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when I feel 'stuck' or 'suspended' in a difficult situation, like Absalom?
What are some ways that my own 'hair' - my pride, my ego, my desires - can get 'tangled' in the world and lead me away from God?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when events seem chaotic or unpredictable, like the battle in 2 Samuel 18?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will, rather than trying to control the outcome, as Absalom tried to do?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:9

And Absalom met the servants of David,.... When his army was routed, he was in such a fright that he knew not which way to flee, and instead of flying from David's men, he fled in the way of them;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:9

And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9

Absalom met the servants of David, who, according to David’ s command, spared him, and gave him an opportunity to escape. His head caught hold of the oak; in which probably he was entangled by the hair of the head, which being very long and thick, might easily catch hold of a bough, especially when the great God directed it. Either he wore no helmet, or his helmet was such as left much of his hair visible; or he had thrown away his helmet as well as his other arms, to hasten his flight, or because of the heat of the season. Thus the matter of his pride was the instrument of his ruin, as also Asahel’ s swiftness, , and Ahithophel’ s policy, , were the occasions of their destruction. The mule that was under him went away; which might easily happen, because being in flight the mule passed along very swiftly.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9

2 Samuel 18:9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that [was] under him went away.Ver. 9. And his head caught hold of the oak.] His head was catched in a crotch or forked branch of the oak, and so he hung by the neck between heaven and earth, as rejected of both. “ Abslon Marte furens pensilis arbore obit. ” By that head he hanged, which had plotted treason against so good a father; and by the hair of his head twisted and wound about the boughs, as most expositors hold. God making his hair his halter: those tresses that had formerly hanged loosely dishevelled on his shoulders, now he hangs by them. He had wont to weigh his hair, and was proud to find it so heavy: now his hair poiseth the weight of his body, and makes his burden his torment. But what meant Gretser, the Jesuit, to call this oak a cross, and a manifest figure of Christ’ s cross? in qua Absalom pendens Christum praefiguravit? Was the man in his right mind? And the mule that was under him went away.] False hopes of God’ s mercy will one day serve men as Absalom’ s mule did his master: when those that are rightly grounded, will do as Bucephalus, Alexander’ s great horse, of which Gellius reporteth, that though deeply wounded in both neck and sides in a battle, yet he carried his master with great speed from out the danger of his enemies, and when he had set him in safety, fell down and died. Henry, grandchild to William the Conqueror, while he hotly pursued the chase in New Forest, was struck by a bough into the jaws, and, as Absalom, left hanging until he died. - Speed, l45. Lib. i., De Cruce, cap. 6.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9

(9) His head caught hold of the oak.—Absalom in his flight found himself among his enemies, and sought to escape into the denser parts of the forest. As he did so his head caught between the branches of a tree, his mule went from under him, and he hung there helpless. There is nothing said to support the common idea (which seems to have originated with Josephus), that he hung by his long hair, though this may doubtless have helped to entangle his head.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9

Verse 9. And his head caught hold of the oak] It has been supposed that Absalom was caught by the hair, but no such thing is intimated in the text. Probably his neck was caught in the fork of a strong bough, and he was nearly dead when Joab found him; for it is said, 2 Samuel 18:14, he was yet alive, an expression which intimates he was nearly dead.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:9

9–18. Absalom’s Death 9. And Absalom, &c.] And Absalom happened to find himself in the presence of David’s servants: now Absalom was riding upon his mule, and the mule, &c. In the course of the flight, Absalom found himself among enemies: he turned to escape into the denser part of the forest. The mule which he rode—perhaps David’s own—was a mark of royalty (1 Kings 1:33; 1 Kings 1:38). a great oak] The great terebinth; the article seems to shew that the tree was well known in after times. The Heb. êlah is generally said to denote the terebinth or turpentine tree, which is not unlike the oak in general appearance: but in the forests on the E. of Jordan, oaks are far more common than terebinths, and some kind of oak may be meant. his head caught hold of the oak] His head was caught in the forked boughs of the tree, and he hung there, stunned and helpless. Perhaps his long thick hair got entangled, but there is nothing to support the common idea that he was suspended merely by his hair.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:9

would seem that the two things which his vain-glory boasted in, the royal mule, and the magnificent head of hair by which he was caught in the “oak” (rather, terebinth or turpentine tree), both contributed to his untimely death.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:9

9. Absalom met the servants of David — And probably darted rapidly one side through the forest to avoid them, when he met with the accident which exposed him helpless to his enemy.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:9

	Sermon	Description
	Psalm 3 by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of need. He shares a personal testimony of a doctor who was also a minister and how he expe
	The Mule Walked On by Lester Roloff	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of his message and the potential consequences of ignoring it. He acknowledges that he may be criticized or labeled negatively
	The Ostrich by Harriet N. Cook	Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon on the unique characteristics of the ostrich, highlighting its large size, inability to fly despite having large wings, and its swift running abil
	On Obedience to Parents by John Wesley	John Wesley emphasizes the biblical command for children to obey their parents, highlighting that this principle is universally recognized and rooted in both natural law and divine
	The Raven by Harriet N. Cook	Harriet N. Cook reflects on the significance of the raven in the Bible, from Noah sending out the raven after the flood to the provision of food for the prophet Elijah. The raven,
	The Vulture by Harriet N. Cook	Harriet N. Cook uses the vulture as an illustration to teach about the nature of this bird of prey, its role in cleaning up decaying matter, and its keen eye for spotting food from
	Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th