2 Samuel 19:34

Verse

But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?

American Standard Version (1901)

And Barzillai said unto the king, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

Bible in Basic English

And Barzillai said to the king, How much of my life is still before me, for me to go up to Jerusalem with the king?

Douay-Rheims 1899

And Berzellai said to the king: How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

Free Bible Version

“How much longer do you think I have to live so I could go to Jerusalem and stay there with the king?” Barzillai replied.

Geneva Bible 1599

And Barzillai said vnto the king, Howe long haue I to liue, that I should goe vp with the king to Ierusalem?

King James (Authorized) Version

And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

Translation for Translators

But Barzillai replied, “I certainly do not have [RHQ] many more years to live. So ◄why should I go with you to Jerusalem?/there is certainly no reason for me to go with you to Jerusalem.► [RHQ]

Unlocked Literal Bible

Barzillai replied to the king, “How many days are left in the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

Noah Webster Bible

And Barzillai said to the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

World English Bible

Barzillai said to the king, “How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

Young's Literal Translation

And Barzillai saith unto the king, 'How many [are] the days of the years of my life, that I go up with the king to Jerusalem?

Context

David’s Kindness to Barzillai

³³The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”³⁴But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?³⁵I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Summary

In this verse, Barzillai expresses his old age and weakness as a reason for not being able to enjoy the pleasures of the king's court. Despite being offered a place of honor and comfort by King David, Barzillai humbly declines, showing his contentment with his current state. His loyalty and selflessness in supporting David during his time of need are evident, reflecting a heart of service and devotion. Barzillai's character serves as an example of humility and faithfulness, demonstrating that true honor comes from serving others rather than seeking personal gain.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Barzillai said unto the king,.... In answer to the grateful proposal he made: how long have I to live; that could not be said with exactness by any; but it might be probably conjectured from the age he was of, and the infirmities that attended him, that he could not live long; it was but a short time he had to be in the world: that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? take so long a journey as that, seeing he might die before he got thither; and if he did not, since it could not be thought he should live long, he could not think of it, or judge it advisable at such an age to take such a journey, change his place of abode, and manner of living.