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2 Samuel 20:16

2 Samuel 20:16 in Multiple Translations

a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.”

¶ Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

Then a wise woman got up on the wall, and crying out from the town, said, Give ear, give ear; say now to Joab, Come near, so that I may have talk with you.

a wise woman from the town called out, “Listen! Please listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come over here so I can speak to you.’”

Then cried a wise woman out of the citie, Heare, heare, I pray you, say vnto Ioab, Come thou hither, that I may speake with thee.

And a wise woman calleth out of the city, 'Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, and I speak unto thee.'

Then a wise woman cried out of the city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come near here, that I may speak with you.’”

Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, to Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

And a wise woman cried out from the city: Hear, hear, and say to Joab: Come near hither, and I will speak with thee.

Then a wise woman who was in that town stood on the top of the wall and shouted down, “Listen to me! Tell Joab to come here, because I want to talk to him!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:16

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 20:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תִּקְרָ֛א אִשָּׁ֥ה חֲכָמָ֖ה מִן הָ/עִ֑יר שִׁמְע֤וּ שִׁמְעוּ֙ אִמְרוּ נָ֣א אֶל יוֹאָ֔ב קְרַ֣ב עַד הֵ֔נָּה וַ/אֲדַבְּרָ֖ה אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
וַ/תִּקְרָ֛א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אִשָּׁ֥ה ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs
חֲכָמָ֖ה châkâm H2450 wise Adj
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/עִ֑יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
שִׁמְע֤וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שִׁמְעוּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אִמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יוֹאָ֔ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
קְרַ֣ב qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
הֵ֔נָּה hênnâh H2008 here/thus Adv
וַ/אֲדַבְּרָ֖ה dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-1cs
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:16

וַ/תִּקְרָ֛א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אִשָּׁ֥ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
חֲכָמָ֖ה châkâm H2450 "wise" Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/עִ֑יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
שִׁמְע֤וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שִׁמְעוּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אִמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹאָ֔ב 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.
קְרַ֣ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הֵ֔נָּה hênnâh H2008 "here/thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
וַ/אֲדַבְּרָ֖ה dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.
2 Ecclesiastes 9:14–18 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
3 1 Samuel 25:32–33 Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.
4 1 Samuel 25:3 His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.

2 Samuel 20:16 Summary

In 2 Samuel 20:16, a wise woman from the city of Abel-beth-maacah calls out to Joab, the commander of the army, to speak with him. She wants to find a way to end the siege and bring peace to the city, much like the desire for peace expressed in Psalm 34:14. This verse shows us the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel in times of conflict, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14, and using our words to bring peace and resolution, as seen in the example of the wise woman. By listening to her words, Joab is able to consider a different approach and potentially avoid more bloodshed, demonstrating the value of humility and a willingness to listen, as emphasized in James 1:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the wise woman in 2 Samuel 20:16?

The wise woman in this verse is a key figure who intervenes to prevent further bloodshed, as seen in her conversation with Joab, and her words have a profound impact on the outcome of the siege, much like the wisdom of the woman in Proverbs 31:26 who opens her mouth with wisdom.

Why does the wise woman ask to speak with Joab specifically?

The wise woman requests to speak with Joab because, as the commander of the army, he has the authority to make decisions that could determine the fate of the city, as noted in 2 Samuel 20:15, and she seeks to persuade him to spare the city, much like the appeal of the prophet in 1 Samuel 15:30.

What does the phrase 'Listen! Listen!' convey in this verse?

The repetition of 'Listen!' emphasizes the urgency and importance of the wise woman's message, as she seeks to get Joab's attention and persuade him to hear her out, similar to the emphasis on listening in James 1:19, where we are called to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

How does this verse relate to other instances of wise women in the Bible?

This verse is reminiscent of other instances in the Bible where wise women play a crucial role in mediating conflicts, such as Deborah in Judges 4:4-5, and their wisdom and diplomacy help to resolve disputes and bring peace, as seen in the story of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:3, who also uses her wisdom to prevent bloodshed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some situations in my life where I need to seek wisdom and counsel, just like the people of Abel-beth-maacah did, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:18?
  2. How can I, like the wise woman, use my words to bring peace and resolution to conflicts, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1, which says that a soft answer turns away wrath?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate wisdom and discernment in my interactions with others, as the wise woman does in this verse, and how can I apply the principles of wisdom from Proverbs 10:31-32 to my daily life?
  4. What are some lessons I can learn from the wise woman's approach to conflict resolution, and how can I apply them to my own relationships, as guided by the principles of love and kindness in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:16

Then cried a wise woman out of the city,.... And such an one as the woman of Tekoah, supposed by some to be the governess of the city; but whoever she was, she well deserved the character of a wise

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:16

Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. Then cried a wise woman.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:16

2 Samuel 20:16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.Ver. 16. Then cried a wise woman out of the city.] There are wise women, then, as well as men: souls have no sexes. It was a foolish speech of him - “Mισωσοφηνγαναικα” God delighteth oft, by weak means, to effect great matters.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:16

Verse 16. A wise woman] She was probably governess.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:16

16. a wise woman] Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 14:2. out of the city] The Sept. reads “from the wall.”

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:16

16. A wise woman — And one that had great influence with the people, as the sequel shows. She may have been a prophetess, like Deborah. Judges 4:4.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:16

SermonDescription
Ian Paisley The Power of the Holy Spirit of God by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of the poor wise man from Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verses 14 to 18. The preacher emphasizes that although the world may see the po
Peter Bisset Nebuchadnezzars Dream by Peter Bisset In this sermon, the preacher draws parallels between the story of Daniel and the plight of sinners who are under the sentence of death. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter what me
Raymond Golsworthy The Little City by Raymond Golsworthy Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the profound message found in Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, using the analogy of a small city besieged by a great king to illustrate the essence of the gospe
David Wilkerson The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a

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