2 Samuel 2:20

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.

American Standard Version (1901)

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it thou, Asahel? And he answered, It is I.

Bible in Basic English

Then Abner, looking back, said, Is it you, Asahel? And he said, It is I.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And Abner looked behind him, and said: Art thou Asael? And he answered: I am.

Free Bible Version

Abner looked back and asked, “Is that you, Asahel?” “Yes, it's me,” Asahel replied.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, Yea.

King James (Authorized) Version

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.

Translation for Translators

Abner looked behind him, and said “Is that you, Asahel?” Asahel replied, “Yes!”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you Asahel?” He answered, “It is I.”

Noah Webster Bible

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am .

World English Bible

Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is.”

Young's Literal Translation

And Abner looketh behind him, and saith, 'Art thou he — Asahel?' and he saith, 'I [am].'

Context

The Battle of Gibeon

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.

Summary

This verse recounts the tragic fate of Asahel, who was pursuing Abner in battle. Despite Abner's warnings and attempts to avoid conflict, Asahel continued to chase him relentlessly. In the end, Asahel's determination led to his own demise as Abner struck him down in self-defense. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of heeding wise counsel to prevent unnecessary harm and loss.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill
Tyndale

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

Then Abner turned round, asked him whether he was Asahel, and said to him, "Turn to thy right hand or to thy left, and seize one of the young men and take his armour for thyself," i.e., slay one of the common soldiers, and take his accoutrements as booty, if thou art seeking for that kind of fame. But Asahel would not turn back from Abner. Then he repeated his command that he would depart, and added, "Why should I smite thee to the ground, and how could I then lift up my face to Joab thy brother?" from which we may see that Abner did not want to put the young hero to death, out of regard for Joab and their former friendship.

2 Samuel 2:20

The Battle of Gibeon

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.