2 Samuel 2:20
2 Samuel 2:20 in Multiple Translations
And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it thou, Asahel? And he answered, It is I.
Then Abner, looking back, said, Is it you, Asahel? And he said, It is I.
Abner looked back and asked, “Is that you, Asahel?” “Yes, it's me,” Asahel replied.
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, Yea.
And Abner looketh behind him, and saith, 'Art thou he — Asahel?' and he saith, 'I [am].'
Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is.”
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am .
And Abner looked behind him, and said: Art thou Asael? And he answered: I am.
Abner looked behind him, and said “Is that you, Asahel?” Asahel replied, “Yes!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:20
BAB
Word Study
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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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
אַבְנֵר֙
אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
זֶ֖ה
עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אָנֹֽכִי
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְנֵר֙
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Part | Pron
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל
ʻĂsâhʼêl
H6214
Asahel
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָנֹֽכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:20
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אַבְנֵר֙
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.
אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
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.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Part | 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.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל
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.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
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.
אָנֹֽכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
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. 22Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”2 Samuel 2:20 Summary
[This verse shows a moment of recognition between Abner and Asahel, where Abner asks if it's really Asahel pursuing him. Asahel confidently responds that it is him, demonstrating his determination and faith. This interaction is similar to the way Jesus recognized and addressed individuals, such as the woman at the well in John 4:7-26, and it teaches us about the importance of being aware of our surroundings and the people around us. By studying this verse, we can learn more about the importance of discernment and confidence in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:3 and Psalm 23:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abner ask if it was Asahel?
Abner asked if it was Asahel because he recognized Asahel's voice or perhaps his pursuit style, and he wanted to confirm the identity of his pursuer, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:20. This shows that Abner was aware of the abilities and characteristics of his opponents, much like the way Jesus knew the hearts of those around Him, as noted in John 2:25.
What can we learn from Abner's question to Asahel?
Abner's question to Asahel teaches us the importance of knowing our enemies and being aware of our surroundings, as stated in 2 Corinthians 2:11. This also highlights the value of discernment in our interactions with others, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:3.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of the narrative of the conflict between the houses of David and Saul, as described in 2 Samuel 2-4. It shows the personal aspect of this conflict, where individuals like Abner and Asahel interact and make decisions that impact the outcome of the war, much like the way individual choices can affect the course of our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19.
What does Asahel's response reveal about his character?
Asahel's simple response of 'It is' reveals his confidence and determination, as noted in 2 Samuel 2:20. This confidence is similar to the faith exhibited by the psalmist in Psalm 23:4, who trusted in God's presence and protection even in difficult situations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can apply Abner's discernment to our own lives, especially in situations where we need to be aware of potential dangers or risks?
- How can we balance confidence and humility, like Asahel's response, in our own pursuits and interactions with others?
- What can we learn from the way Abner and Asahel interact, and how can we apply those lessons to our own relationships and conflicts?
- In what ways can we demonstrate the same kind of determination and faith that Asahel showed in his pursuit of Abner, and how can we trust in God's presence and protection in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:20
Then Abner looked behind him,.... Perceiving one at his heels, and making haste up to him. And said, [art] thou Asahel?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:20
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:20
2 Samuel 2:20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, [Art] thou Asahel? And he answered, I [am].Ver. 20. Art thou Asahel?] Abner had no mind to meddle with any son of Zeruiah, David’ s sister: he therefore first turneth querist to this currist, - Luther’ s words, - and then twice adviseth him to retreat from pursuing his own peril. But quisque suos patitur manes.