2 Samuel 19:13
2 Samuel 19:13 in Multiple Translations
And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
And say to Amasa, Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God's punishment be on me, if I do not make you chief of the army before me at all times in place of Joab!
Tell Amasa, ‘Aren't you my flesh and blood too? May God punish me very severely if from now on you're not the commander of my army instead of Joab!’”
Also say ye to Amasa, Art thou not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if thou be not captaine of the hoste to me for euer in the roume of Ioab.
And to Amasa say ye, Art not thou my bone and my flesh? Thus doth God do to me, and thus He doth add, if thou art not head of the host before me all the days instead of Joab.'
Say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you aren’t captain of the army before me continually instead of Joab.’”
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
And say ye to Amasa: Art not thou my bone, and my flesh? So do God to me and add more, if thou be not the chief captain of the army before me always in the place of Joab.
And say to Amasa, “You are one of my relatives. I hope/desire that God strike me dead [IDM] if I do not appoint you to be, from now on, the commander of my army instead of Joab.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:13
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 19:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַחַ֣/י
אַתֶּ֔ם
עַצְמִ֥/י
וּ/בְשָׂרִ֖/י
אַתֶּ֑ם
וְ/לָ֧/מָּה
תִהְי֛וּ
אַחֲרֹנִ֖ים
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
אֶת
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
אַחַ֣/י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
אַתֶּ֔ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עַצְמִ֥/י
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fs | Suff
וּ/בְשָׂרִ֖/י
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אַתֶּ֑ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/לָ֧/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
תִהְי֛וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אַחֲרֹנִ֖ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Adj
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 19:13
אַחַ֣/י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אַתֶּ֔ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עַצְמִ֥/י
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fs | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
וּ/בְשָׂרִ֖/י
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
אַתֶּ֑ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/לָ֧/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | 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.
תִהְי֛וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
אַחֲרֹנִ֖ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 19:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:13
Context — David Restored as King
11Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters?
12You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king?’
13And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”
14So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.” 15So the king returned, and when he arrived at the Jordan, the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the Jordan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 17:25 | Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 19:2 | So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” |
| 3 | Ruth 1:17 | Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 8:16 | Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:29–30 | May it whirl over the heads of Joab and the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 19:5–7 | Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!” |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 2:16–17 | Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 12:18 | Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 18:11 | “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!” |
2 Samuel 19:13 Summary
In this verse, King David is making a promise to Amasa, his flesh and blood, to make him the commander of his army. This shows that David values loyalty and family ties, and wants to give Amasa a chance to prove himself as a leader. Just like David, we can learn to make promises and keep them, and to value the people who are important to us, as seen in Matthew 5:33-37. By doing so, we can build strong relationships and show our love and commitment to others, just as God shows His love and commitment to us in John 3:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David want Amasa to be the commander of his army?
King David wanted Amasa to be the commander of his army because Amasa was his flesh and blood, and David wanted to give him a position of leadership and trust, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:13, similar to how God chose leaders in the book of Exodus 18:21-22.
What does it mean when King David says 'May God punish me, and ever so severely'?
When King David says 'May God punish me, and ever so severely', he is making a solemn oath, calling upon God to hold him accountable for his promise to make Amasa the commander of his army, similar to the oath in Deuteronomy 27:15-26.
Why did King David want to replace Joab with Amasa?
King David wanted to replace Joab with Amasa because Joab had previously been disobedient to David, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:14, and David wanted to give Amasa a chance to prove himself as a loyal and trustworthy leader, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:6.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of King David's efforts to restore his kingdom and gather support from the tribe of Judah, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:11-15, and it shows how David is trying to rebuild his leadership team and establish a new sense of unity and loyalty, similar to the unity seen in Acts 2:44-47.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be 'flesh and blood' in a spiritual sense, and how can we apply this concept to our own relationships?
- How can we, like King David, make solemn oaths and promises to God and to others, and what does this say about our character and integrity?
- What are some ways that we can show loyalty and trust to our leaders, just as King David is calling upon Amasa to do in this verse?
- How can we balance the need for leadership and authority with the need for humility and accountability, as seen in King David's actions in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:13
And say ye to Amasa,.... Who was the general of Absalom's army, and who might fear he should never be pardoned, whoever was, and looked upon his case as desperate; who had led on the army with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:13
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
Amasa, Absalom’ s late general; who judging his case, above all others, desperate, might be ready to use all his interest with that tribe to delay or hinder the king’ s return. Of my bone, and of my flesh, i.e. my near kinsman, my nephew. See ,17. Before me, i.e. in my presence, or now whilst I live; lest he should think he promised him only the reversion of it. In the room of Joab; who, besides his other crimes, had lately exasperated the king by his wilful murder of Absalom, contrary to David’ s express command; and by his insolent carriage towards him. And therefore the king having now the opportunity of another person, who had a greater interest both in Judah and Israel than Joab, he gladly complies with it, that so he might both chastise Joab for his faults, and rescue himself from the bondage in which Joab had hitherto held him. Yet it is not necessary, from those words in the room of Joab, to conclude that Joab was to be displaced to make room for Amasa, but that he might be in like condition with Joab; but what follows in the next chapter makes it very probable that he was indeed displaced, and Amasa put in his place.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
2 Samuel 19:13 And say ye to Amasa, [Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.Ver. 13. And say ye to Amasa.] Who having been Absalom’ s captain general, had still the command of the strong tower of Zion, and of the city of Jerusalem, and so might have raised further troubles and tragedies had he not been thus won over by promise of free pardon and highest preferment. Art thou not of my bone? &c.] Mine own sister’ s son, and not a bastard neither, as some would prove from 2 Samuel 17:25. And should not good blood bewray itself? God do so to me, and more also.] Ita faciat mihi Deus, et ita pergat. So? How? So as I cannot tell how: it importeth the heaviest penalty: it being a fearful thing to fall into the punishing hands of the living God. In the room of Joab.] Who, though faithful to David, yet was always overbold with him, and therefore suspected by him, nequid novi in eum moliretur, saith Theodoret, lest he should work some treason.
The murder of Abner also was fresh in David’ s memory, who it seemeth was resolved to cut him off (as the French king did Biron lately), which he could not have done but by making Amasa generalissimo, who was of great power with all Israel. Thus David had designed it likely; but God had otherwise ordered it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
(13) Say ye to Amasa.—Amasa, like Joab, was David’s nephew, although possibly his mother may have been only half-sister to David. In this offer of the command-in-chief to the rebel general, David adopted a bold, but a rash and unjust policy. Amasa should have been punished, not rewarded for his treason. He had given no evidence of loyalty, nor was there proof that he would be trustworthy. Moreover, this appointment would be sure to provoke the jealousy and hostility of Joab. But David had long been restless under the overbearing influence of Joab (see 2 Samuel 19:22; 2 Samuel 16:10; 2 Samuel 3:39), and now since he had murdered Absalom, was determined to be rid of him. He therefore took advantage of the opportunity by this means to win over to himself what remained of the military organisation of Absalom.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:13
13. Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh] Art thou not my bone and my flesh, exactly as in 2 Samuel 19:12. Amasa was David’s nephew, the son of his sister or step-sister Abigail. See ch. 2 Samuel 17:25. Of course the message was to be privately conveyed to Amasa through the priests. It was a bold stroke of policy to promise the post of commander-in chief to the general of the rebel army. By so doing, David designed at once to secure the allegiance of that army, and to punish Joab for killing Absalom in defiance of his command. But it was hardly prudent. Joab was certain not to submit to it tamely: Amasa’s military skill was probably inferior, and his loyalty remained to be proved. God do so, &c.] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 3:9. in the room of Joab] i.e. instead of.
Room = place, space, from A.-S. rúm, Germ. Raum. Cp. Matthew 2:22.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:13
Of my bone ... - Render as in preceding verse, “art thou not my bone and my flesh?” It is curious to note how the phrase is used in 2 Samuel 5:1 of common descent from Israel, in 2 Samuel 19:12 of
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:13
13. Say ye to Amasa — Amasa had been captain of the rebel hosts, (2 Samuel 17:25,) and David hoped by honouring him to secure fully the allegiance of his disaffected subjects who had taken up arms
Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:6 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | The video is promoting Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a helpful resource for families during the holiday season. It highlights the breakdown of the family |
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Look for the Anointing of God and the Grace of God Upon a Man by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of recognizing and following God's anointing, using the example of those who stood by David during his most difficult times. He emphasizes the |