2 Samuel 19:34
2 Samuel 19:34 in Multiple Translations
But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?
And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
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?
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?
“How much longer do you think I have to live so I could go to Jerusalem and stay there with the king?” Barzillai replied.
And Barzillai said vnto the king, Howe long haue I to liue, that I should goe vp with the king to Ierusalem?
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?
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?
And Barzillai said to the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
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?
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]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:34
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 19:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
אֶל
בַּרְזִלָּ֑י
אַתָּה֙
עֲבֹ֣ר
אִתִּ֔/י
וְ/כִלְכַּלְתִּ֥י
אֹתְ/ךָ֛
עִמָּדִ֖/י
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בַּרְזִלָּ֑י
Barzillay
H1271
Barzillai
N-proper
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אִתִּ֔/י
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/כִלְכַּלְתִּ֥י
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
Conj | V-l-1cs
אֹתְ/ךָ֛
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
עִמָּדִ֖/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 19:34
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
בַּרְזִלָּ֑י
Barzillay
H1271
"Barzillai"
N-proper
Barzillai means 'my iron' and was the name of three Israelites, including a Gileadite leader who helped David defeat Absalom's rebellion.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.61 § Barzillai = "my iron" 1) a Gileadite leader who helped David defeat Absalom's rebellion 2) a priest, son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite 3) an Israelite from Mahalath whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul's daughter
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Barzillai. See also: 2 Samuel 17:27; 2 Samuel 19:40; Nehemiah 7:63.
אַתָּה֙
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.
עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אִתִּ֔/י
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/כִלְכַּלְתִּ֥י
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
Conj | V-l-1cs
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
אֹתְ/ךָ֛
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
עִמָּדִ֖/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Kindness to Barzillai
32Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.
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? 36Your servant will go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 4:14 | You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 7:29 | What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; |
| 3 | Genesis 47:8–9 | “How many years have you lived?” Pharaoh asked. “My travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.” |
| 4 | Job 14:14 | When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes. |
| 5 | Psalms 39:5–6 | You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
2 Samuel 19:34 Summary
This verse shows us that Barzillai, an old man, is aware of his limitations and does not want to be a burden to the king. He is being honest about what he can and cannot do, which is a great example of humility. Just like Barzillai, we should be mindful of our own limitations and prioritize our time and energy wisely, as reminded in Psalm 90:12. By doing so, we can serve God and others more effectively, without becoming a burden to them, and that is a key part of being a good steward of the life God has given us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Barzillai's age in this verse?
Barzillai's age, eighty years, is significant because it highlights his advanced stage in life, which is why he questions the practicality of going to Jerusalem with the king, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:34 and 2 Samuel 19:35. This is reminiscent of Moses' life stages in Genesis 6:3 and Psalm 90:10.
Why does Barzillai decline the king's offer to go to Jerusalem?
Barzillai declines the king's offer because he feels his advanced age would make him a burden, as stated in 2 Samuel 19:35, and he is aware of his own limitations, much like what is written in Genesis 27:1-2 where Isaac's age and declining health are noted.
What can we learn from Barzillai's response to the king's offer?
We can learn the importance of humility and self-awareness from Barzillai's response, recognizing one's limitations and being honest about them, much like the apostle Paul's acknowledgment of his own weaknesses in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
How does Barzillai's decision relate to the concept of stewardship?
Barzillai's decision reflects a sense of stewardship, recognizing that his time and energy are limited, and he should prioritize his remaining years wisely, as taught in Psalm 90:12 and Ephesians 5:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I should acknowledge as limitations, and how can I humbly accept them?
- In what ways can I prioritize my time and energy to serve God and others, given my current stage in life?
- How can I, like Barzillai, be mindful of not becoming a burden to others, especially as I grow older?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the concept of stewardship in my daily life, considering my time, talents, and resources?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:34
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:34
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:34
Seeing my time of continuance in this world is but short, it is not advisable to change my habitation, or to give thee or myself any further trouble.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:34
2 Samuel 19:34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?Ver. 34. How long have I to live?] q.d., My breath is corrupt - or, my spirits are spent - my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me, as Job 17:1. Pedetentim morior, as that old poet Alexis said, I die piecemeal, sensim sine sensu, every day yielding somewhat to death. It is therefore high time for old people to make up their litte bundles, and prepare to begone hence, as Sturmius wrote to Zanchy.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:34
| Sermon | Description | |
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What Is Your Life? (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and seeking a meaningful relationship with God. He encourages the audience to prioritize their spirit |
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What Is Your Life? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus and the impact it had on the people who witnessed it. He emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and not |
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What Is Your Life? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "What Is Your Life?" Dr. McGee explores the brevity and uncertainty of human life. He emphasizes that life is a place of decision and preparation for eternity |
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Don't Waste Your Life - Part 1 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not wasting our lives and finding significance, power, and meaning in every moment, even in the midst of pain and suffering. It reflects on |
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Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2 by Melody Green | In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i |
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Here's My Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what |
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Important Questions by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the profound question posed in the text about the essence of life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of our existence and the critical personal reflection it |