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2 Samuel 2:18

2 Samuel 2:18 in Multiple Translations

The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,

¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

There were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel: and Asahel was as quick-footed as a roe of the fields.

The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, like a gazelle racing across the open countryside.

And there were three sonnes of Zeruiah there, Ioab, and Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as light on foote as a wilde roe.

And there are there three sons of Zeruiah, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel, and Asahel [is] light on his feet, as one of the roes which [are] in the field,

The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.

And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

And there were the three sons of Sarvia there, Joab, and Abisai, and Asael: now Asael was a most swift runner, like one of the roes that abide in the woods.

Zeruiah’s three sons were there on that day: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was able to run very fast; he could run as fast as a wild gazelle/antelope.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:18

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 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּֽהְיוּ שָׁ֗ם שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ בְּנֵ֣י צְרוּיָ֔ה יוֹאָ֥ב וַ/אֲבִישַׁ֖י וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵל֙ קַ֣ל בְּ/רַגְלָ֔י/ו כְּ/אַחַ֥ד הַ/צְּבָיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּ/שָּׂדֶֽה
וַ/יִּֽהְיוּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׁ֗ם shâm H8033 there Adv
שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
צְרוּיָ֔ה Tsᵉrûwyâh H6870 Zeruiah N-proper
יוֹאָ֥ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
וַ/אֲבִישַׁ֖י ʼĂbîyshay H52 Abishai Conj | N-proper
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל ʻĂsâhʼêl H6214 Asahel Conj | N-proper
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵל֙ ʻĂsâhʼêl H6214 Asahel Conj | N-proper
קַ֣ל qal H7031 swift Adj
בְּ/רַגְלָ֔י/ו regel H7272 foot Prep | N-fd | Suff
כְּ/אַחַ֥ד ʼechâd H259 one Prep | Adj
הַ/צְּבָיִ֖ם tsᵉbîy H6643 beauty Art | N-cp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בַּ/שָּׂדֶֽה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:18

וַ/יִּֽהְיוּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
שָׁ֗ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
צְרוּיָ֔ה Tsᵉrûwyâh H6870 "Zeruiah" N-proper
Zeruiah was an Israelite woman, sister of David, and mother of three leading heroes in his army. Her name means balsam and she is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6. Zeruiah was the daughter of Jesse and Nahash.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; daughter of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); sister of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J), Shimeah (H8093) § Zeruiah = "balsam" sister of David and mother of the 3 leading heroes of David's army-Abishai, Joab, and Asahel
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Zeruiah. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 21:17; 1 Chronicles 27:24.
יוֹאָ֥ב Yôwʼâb H3097 "Joab" N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/אֲבִישַׁ֖י ʼĂbîyshay H52 "Abishai" Conj | N-proper
Abishai was an Israelite and nephew of King David, first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6, his name means my father is Jesse or my father is a gift. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel. Abishai played a significant role in the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6 and Zeruiah (H6870); brother of: Joab (H3097) and Asahel (H6214) § Abishai = "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift" grandson of Jesse, nephew of David via his sister Zeruiah, brother of Joab
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Abishai. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 19:15.
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל ʻĂsâhʼêl H6214 "Asahel" Conj | N-proper
Asahel was a man in the Bible whose name means 'God-made'. He was the nephew of King David and was known for his speed, but was tragically killed by Abner in battle, as told in 2 Samuel 2:23.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.15; father of: Jonathan (H3129I) § Asahel = "God-made" 1) nephew of David, son of David's sister Zeruiah, and brother of Joab and Abishai; swift of foot he was killed by Abner when he pursued him in battle and caught him 2) a Levite in the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah who went through the kingdom giving instruction in the law 3) a Levite in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah in charge of the tithes and dedicated things in the temple 4) a priest, father of Jonathan, in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Asahel. See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; 2 Samuel 3:27; Ezra 10:15.
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵל֙ ʻĂsâhʼêl H6214 "Asahel" Conj | N-proper
Asahel was a man in the Bible whose name means 'God-made'. He was the nephew of King David and was known for his speed, but was tragically killed by Abner in battle, as told in 2 Samuel 2:23.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.15; father of: Jonathan (H3129I) § Asahel = "God-made" 1) nephew of David, son of David's sister Zeruiah, and brother of Joab and Abishai; swift of foot he was killed by Abner when he pursued him in battle and caught him 2) a Levite in the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah who went through the kingdom giving instruction in the law 3) a Levite in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah in charge of the tithes and dedicated things in the temple 4) a priest, father of Jonathan, in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Asahel. See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; 2 Samuel 3:27; Ezra 10:15.
קַ֣ל qal H7031 "swift" Adj
This word means swift or light, describing something or someone that moves quickly, like the swift horses in Solomon's chariots in 1 Kings 4:26.
Definition: 1) swift, light, fleet 1a) swift 1b) one who is swift
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: light, swift(-ly). See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 5:26.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֔י/ו regel H7272 "foot" Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
כְּ/אַחַ֥ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
הַ/צְּבָיִ֖ם tsᵉbîy H6643 "beauty" Art | N-cp
A gazelle is a beautiful animal, known for its splendor and speed, described in the Bible as a symbol of beauty and glory. The word also means something or someone that is pleasant and lovely to look at.
Definition: 1) beauty, glory, honour 1a) beauty, decoration 1b) honour
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck). See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Isaiah 13:19; Proverbs 6:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶֽה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 12:8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:
2 Habakkuk 3:19 GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments.
3 Song of Solomon 8:14 Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.
4 Song of Solomon 2:17 Before the day breaks and shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.
5 Psalms 18:33 He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.
6 Ecclesiastes 9:11 I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.
7 1 Samuel 26:6 And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai.
8 Psalms 147:10–11 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
9 1 Chronicles 2:15–16 Ozem sixth, and David seventh. Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.
10 Amos 2:14 Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life.

2 Samuel 2:18 Summary

This verse tells us about three brothers, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, who were part of King David's army. Asahel was very fast, like a wild gazelle, which helped him in battle. We can learn from Asahel's example by using our own unique gifts and abilities to serve others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Romans 12:6-8. Just as Asahel's speed was important in his pursuit of Abner, our own strengths and talents can be used to pursue God's purposes and plans, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the three sons of Zeruiah mentioned in this verse?

The three sons of Zeruiah were Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, who were prominent figures in King David's army, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:18 and 1 Chronicles 11:6.

What does it mean that Asahel was 'fleet of foot like a wild gazelle'?

This phrase suggests that Asahel was exceptionally fast and agile, much like the swift and nimble wild gazelle, which is also mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:9 and 8:14 as a symbol of speed and gentleness.

Why is Asahel's speed important in this context?

Asahel's speed is significant because it allowed him to chase after Abner, as described in 2 Samuel 2:19, and it also highlights his bravery and determination in battle, as seen in other accounts of his military exploits.

What can we learn from the introduction of the sons of Zeruiah in this verse?

The introduction of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel in 2 Samuel 2:18 reminds us of the importance of family and loyalty, as seen in the story of David and his loyal followers, such as in 1 Samuel 23:16 and 30:1-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, like Asahel, use my unique gifts and abilities to serve God and others?
  2. What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and dedication to my family and community, just as the sons of Zeruiah did for King David?
  3. In what ways can I balance speed and agility with wisdom and discernment, as Asahel's story may illustrate the importance of both?
  4. How can I, like the sons of Zeruiah, be brave and courageous in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as encouraged in Psalm 27:1 and Joshua 1:9?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:18

And there were three sons of Zeruiah there,.... In the battle, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel; Joab was the general of the array, Abishai was he who went into Saul's host at night, and took away his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:18

And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18

2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.Ver. 18. Light of foot as a wild roe.] Josephus saith he could make as much speed as a horse. Achilles was ποδαςωκυς, swift of foot; so was Jonathan. Harold, son of Canutus, the Dane, king of England, was surnamed Harefoot, for his agility and swiftness. This is excellent in a soldier.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18

Verse 18. Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe] To be swift of foot was deemed a great accomplishment in the heroes of antiquity; ποδαςωκυςΑχιλλευς, the swift-footed Achilles, is an epithet which Homer gives to that hero no less than thirty times in the course of the Ilias. It has a qualification also among the Roman soldiers; they were taught both to run swiftly, and to swim well.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:18

18–23. The Death of Asahel 18. three sons of Zeruiah] The standing designation of David’s nephews, to shew their relationship to him (1 Chronicles 2:16). as a wild roe] The wild roe or gazelle, which still abounds in Palestine, is celebrated for its swiftness, grace, beauty, and gentleness. Cp. 1 Chronicles 12:8; Proverbs 6:5. See Tristram’s Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 127.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18

18. Three sons of Zeruiah — Zeruiah was their mother, and a sister of David. “Their father is unknown, but seems to have resided at Beth-lehem, and to have died before his sons, as we find mention of his sepulchre at that place.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:18

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the need for Christians to have a mature understanding of the spiritual battle they face. He uses the example of a young man in military tra
Peter Hammond Bible Survey - 1 & 2 Chronicles by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of understanding the times and knowing what God's people ought to do, drawing insights from the Books of Chronicles compiled by Ezra. Chron
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Habakkuk by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker expresses sadness over the careless behavior of people who litter and leave debris on the ground. He reflects on the corruption that man has brought upo
C.H. Spurgeon Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers
Seth Rees The Conquest of Canaan (Joh. Xiii: 1) by Seth Rees Seth Rees preaches about the importance of fully possessing the land of our Christian inheritance, drawing parallels to the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. He emphasi
Charles E. Cowman The Lord Is My Strength by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the strength that the Lord provides in various aspects of our lives. He emphasizes that this strength is continuous and comes from the Spirit, enab
Mack Tomlinson Do Not Faint by Mack Tomlinson This sermon focuses on the theme of spiritual weariness and fainting, drawing from Isaiah 40:28-31. It emphasizes the reality of weariness in the Christian life, the various challe

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