2 Samuel 2:28
2 Samuel 2:28 in Multiple Translations
So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
So Joab had a horn sounded, and all the people came to a stop, and gave up going after Israel and fighting them.
Joab blew the horn so all the men stopped—they didn't continue chasing or fighting the Israelites.
So Ioab blew a trumpet, and all the people stoode still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
And Joab bloweth with a trumpet, and all the people stand still, and pursue no more after Israel, nor have they added any more to fight.
So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still and pursued Israel no more, and they fought no more.
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and all the army stood still, and did not pursue after Israel any farther, nor fight any more.
So Joab blew a trumpet to signal that they should stop fighting. So all his men did that. They did not pursue the soldiers of Israel any more, and they stopped fighting.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:28
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 2:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְקַ֤ע
יוֹאָב֙
בַּ/שּׁוֹפָ֔ר
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
כָּל
הָ/עָ֔ם
וְ/לֹֽא
יִרְדְּפ֥וּ
ע֖וֹד
אַחֲרֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וְ/לֹֽא
יָסְפ֥וּ
ע֖וֹד
לְ/הִלָּחֵֽם
וַ/יִּתְקַ֤ע
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
בַּ/שּׁוֹפָ֔ר
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִרְדְּפ֥וּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָסְפ֥וּ
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לְ/הִלָּחֵֽם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:28
וַ/יִּתְקַ֤ע
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
יוֹאָב֙
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.
בַּ/שּׁוֹפָ֔ר
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
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.
יִרְדְּפ֥וּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
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.
יָסְפ֥וּ
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לְ/הִלָּחֵֽם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
26Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?”
27“As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.”
28So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.
29And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim. 30When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s servants were missing,2 Samuel 2:28 Summary
[In 2 Samuel 2:28, Joab blew the ram's horn to signal his troops to stop fighting, and they immediately obeyed, showing the importance of listening to and following leadership, as seen in Romans 13:1-2. This verse teaches us that sometimes we need to stop pursuing conflict and instead seek peace, just like Joab did. By being obedient to authority and seeking peace, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and promote harmony, as God teaches us to do in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18. This is an important lesson for us to remember in our own lives, as we strive to follow God's commands and live at peace with those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Joab blowing the ram's horn in 2 Samuel 2:28?
The ram's horn was a signal for the troops to stop fighting, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:28, and is similar to the way God used trumpets to signal important events in Numbers 10:1-10, such as the movement of the Israelites or the start of war.
Why did Joab's troops stop pursuing Abner's men after Joab blew the ram's horn?
Joab's troops stopped pursuing Abner's men because Joab had given the signal to cease fighting, as stated in 2 Samuel 2:28, and they were obedient to his command, much like the Israelites were to obey God's commands in Deuteronomy 11:27-28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to authority?
This verse shows that Joab's troops were obedient to his authority, as they immediately stopped fighting when he blew the ram's horn, demonstrating the importance of submitting to those in leadership positions, as taught in Romans 13:1-2 and Hebrews 13:17.
What can we learn from Joab's decision to stop the pursuit of Abner's men?
We can learn that sometimes it is necessary to stop pursuing conflict and instead seek peace, as Joab did in 2 Samuel 2:28, and as God teaches us to do in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'stop pursuing' conflict and instead seek peace?
- How can I be more obedient to the authorities in my life, just like Joab's troops were to him?
- What are some ways I can use my position or influence to promote peace and stop conflict, as Joab did in this verse?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of listening to wise counsel, as Joab did when Abner spoke to him in 2 Samuel 2:26-27?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:28
So Joab blew a trumpet,.... Or caused one to be blown as a signal of a retreat: and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more; as soon as they heard the trumpet sound, the meaning
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:28
Either, first, at that time; or rather, secondly, in any pitched battle.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:28
2 Samuel 2:28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.Ver. 28. So Joab blew a trumpet.] After that Abner had first excused unto him the killing of his brother Asahel, as saith Josephus.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:28
(28) Neither fought they any more—i.e., in this present campaign. In 2 Samuel 3:1, it is said that “there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David.”
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:28
28. neither fought they any more] For the time being only. It was not the final end of the war, which lasted for a long time afterwards (ch. 2 Samuel 3:1).