2 Samuel 2:19
2 Samuel 2:19 in Multiple Translations
and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
Asahel went running after Abner, not turning to the right or to the left.
He chased after Abner with single-minded determination.
And Asahel followed after Abner, and in going he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from Abner.
And Asahel pursueth after Abner, and hath not turned aside to go to the right or to the left, from after Abner.
Asahel pursued Abner. He didn’t turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner.
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
And Asael pursued after Abner, and turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
Asahel started to pursue Abner. He ran straight toward Abner, without stopping.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:19
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 2:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף
עֲשָׂהאֵ֖ל
אַחֲרֵ֣י
אַבְנֵ֑ר
וְ/לֹֽא
נָטָ֣ה
לָ/לֶ֗כֶת
עַל
הַ/יָּמִין֙
וְ/עַֽל
הַ/שְּׂמֹ֔אול
מֵ/אַחֲרֵ֖י
אַבְנֵֽר
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲשָׂהאֵ֖ל
ʻĂsâhʼêl
H6214
Asahel
N-proper
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
אַבְנֵ֑ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נָטָ֣ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ/לֶ֗כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/יָּמִין֙
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
Art | N-fs
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
הַ/שְּׂמֹ֔אול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
Art | N-ms
מֵ/אַחֲרֵ֖י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Prep
אַבְנֵֽר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:19
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
עֲשָׂהאֵ֖ל
ʻĂsâhʼêl
H6214
"Asahel"
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.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
אַבְנֵ֑ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָטָ֣ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
לָ/לֶ֗כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
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/יָּמִין֙
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
Art | N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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/שְּׂמֹ֔אול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
Art | N-ms
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
מֵ/אַחֲרֵ֖י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
אַבְנֵֽר
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
17The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
18The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
19and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.
20And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. 21So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 2:21 | So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. |
| 2 | Joshua 1:7 | Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:27 | Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 22:2 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. |
| 5 | Joshua 23:6 | Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left. |
2 Samuel 2:19 Summary
This verse describes Asahel's determined pursuit of Abner, where he chases him without turning to the right or to the left. This means Asahel was completely focused on catching Abner and wasn't going to let anything distract him. We can learn from Asahel's example by being single-minded in our pursuit of God and His will for our lives, as encouraged in Philippians 3:14, where the apostle Paul writes about pressing on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. However, we must also remember to balance our determination with wisdom and discernment, considering the advice of others and being open to different perspectives, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, where it is written that where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Asahel so determined to chase Abner?
Asahel's determination to chase Abner was likely driven by his loyalty to King David and his desire to prove himself in battle, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:17-18, where the servants of David were fighting against the men of Israel led by Abner.
What does it mean that Asahel did not turn to the right or to the left?
This phrase indicates that Asahel was single-minded in his pursuit of Abner, not being distracted or deterred from his goal, much like the focus and determination encouraged in Psalm 119:10, where the psalmist seeks to follow God's commands without deviation.
Is Asahel's pursuit of Abner an example of good or bad behavior?
While Asahel's loyalty and determination are admirable, his refusal to listen to Abner's warning and turn aside, as suggested in 2 Samuel 2:21, may indicate a lack of wisdom and discernment, as cautioned against in Proverbs 12:1, where it is written that whoever loves discipline loves knowledge.
What can we learn from Asahel's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of balance between determination and wisdom, as well as the need to listen to advice and consider different perspectives, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:22, where it is written that plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am so focused on a goal that I might be neglecting other important considerations?
- How can I balance determination and perseverance with wisdom and discernment in my own pursuits?
- What are some distractions or temptations that might cause me to 'turn to the right or to the left' and lose sight of my goals or values?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of single-minded focus to my relationship with God, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:19
And Asahel pursued after Abner,.... Ambitious of the glory of taking or slaying the general of the army of Israel; trusting to his swiftness, not considering that the race is not always to the swift,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:19
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. Asahel pursued after Abner. To gain the general's armour was deemed the grandest trophy.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:19
2 Samuel 2:19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.Ver. 19. And Asahel pursued after Abner.] Too great a prize for him, who was impar conyressus Achilli: but he trusted too much to his own abilities-as being no less valiant of his hands, than swift of foot - and so perished. See Ecclesiastes 9:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:19
(19) Asahel pursued after Abner.—Asahel, the youngest of the three nephews of David, took part in the battle with his elder brothers, and well knowing how completely the cause of Ish-bosheth depended upon Abner, pertinaciously sought him out in the pursuit. His great fleetness enabled him to overtake Abner and, coming behind him, endanger his life. Abner was unwilling to injure him, and only after remonstrating with him, and urging him to seek the spoil of some warrior more nearly his equal (2 Samuel 2:20-22), did he unwillingly slay him “with the hinder end of his spear.” The spears were sharpened at the “hinder end” for the purpose of sticking them into the ground (1 Samuel 26:7). Abner’s reluctance to kill Asahel may have been partly on account of his extreme youth, but was chiefly through dread of the vengeance of Joab (2 Samuel 2:22). “The fifth rib” here, and wherever else it occurs (2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 4:6; 2 Samuel 20:10), should be translated abdomen.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Ultimate Test of Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel in Exodus. He highlights how they witnessed a great miracle when God saved them and led them through the |
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Joshua's Obedience by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying close to the word of God and one's conscience in order to prosper in life. The sermon highlights the folly of bein |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 1-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the excitement and importance of walking after the Spirit. He references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword near Jeric |
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Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests |
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Studies in Joshua 01 - Faith + Obedience = Success by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Joshua and its significance. He acknowledges that it is not possible to cover every verse of the 24 chapters, but he aims to conv |
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Joshua Series #1: Possessing Our Possessions by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker introduces a unique series on understanding how God has created each individual and their role in the world of work. The series will also touch on the g |
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High Time to Awake by Miles DeBenedictis | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the time and being aware of the nearness of salvation. He urges the church to cast off the works of darkness and pu |