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2 Samuel 20:7

2 Samuel 20:7 in Multiple Translations

So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.

And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

So there went after Abishai, Joab and the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the fighting-men; they went out of Jerusalem to overtake Sheba, the son of Bichri.

So Joab's men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the experienced fighters, marched out of Jerusalem to chase down Sheba, son of Bichri.

And there went out after him Ioabs men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mightie men: and they departed out of Ierusalem, to follow after Sheba the sonne of Bichri.

And the men of Joab go out after him, and the Cherethite, and the Pelethite, and all the mighty men, and they go out from Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri;

Joab’s men went out after him with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri.

And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

So Joab’s men went out with him, and the Cerethi and the Phelethi: and all the valiant men went out of Jerusalem to pursue after Seba the son of Bochri.

So Abishai and Joab and the king’s bodyguards and the other soldiers left Jerusalem, to pursue Sheba.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:7

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 20:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּצְא֤וּ אַֽחֲרָי/ו֙ אַנְשֵׁ֣י יוֹאָ֔ב וְ/הַ/כְּרֵתִ֥י וְ/הַ/פְּלֵתִ֖י וְ/כָל הַ/גִּבֹּרִ֑ים וַ/יֵּֽצְאוּ֙ מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם לִ/רְדֹּ֕ף אַחֲרֵ֖י שֶׁ֥בַע בֶּן בִּכְרִֽי
וַ/יֵּצְא֤וּ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַֽחֲרָי/ו֙ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff
אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
יוֹאָ֔ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
וְ/הַ/כְּרֵתִ֥י Kᵉrêthîy H3774 Cherethite Conj | Art | Ngmsa
וְ/הַ/פְּלֵתִ֖י Pᵉlêthîy H6432 Pelethite Conj | Art | Ngmsa
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
הַ/גִּבֹּרִ֑ים gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Art | Adj
וַ/יֵּֽצְאוּ֙ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
לִ/רְדֹּ֕ף râdaph H7291 to pursue Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֲרֵ֖י ʼachar H310 after Prep
שֶׁ֥בַע shebaʻ H7652 Sheba Adj
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
בִּכְרִֽי Bikrîy H1075 Bichri N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:7

וַ/יֵּצְא֤וּ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אַֽחֲרָי/ו֙ 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.
אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
וְ/הַ/כְּרֵתִ֥י Kᵉrêthîy H3774 "Cherethite" Conj | Art | Ngmsa
The Cherethites were a group of foreign soldiers who served as bodyguards for King David. They are also known as executioners and may have originated from Crete or Philistia.
Definition: A group, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18; also called Carite at 2Ki.11.4,19; Also named: ka.ri (כָּרִי "Carite" H3746) § Cherethites = "executioners" 1) a group of foreign mercenary soldiers serving as a bodyguard for king David; also executioners 2) either Cretans or proto-Philistines (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Cherethims, Cherethites. See also: 1 Samuel 30:14; 1 Kings 1:38; Zephaniah 2:5.
וְ/הַ/פְּלֵתִ֖י Pᵉlêthîy H6432 "Pelethite" Conj | Art | Ngmsa
A Pelethite was a messenger or courier in King David's time, possibly a descendant of Pelath or a Philistine mercenary. They are mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18 as part of David's guard. The Pelethites played a key role in David's kingdom.
Definition: Someone descended from Pelath(?), first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18 § Pelethites = "couriers" 1) a collective name for the guardsmen of David 1a) probably descendants of an unknown person, perhaps Philistine mercenaries
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Pelethites. See also: 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23; 1 Chronicles 18:17.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | 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.
הַ/גִּבֹּרִ֑ים gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Art | Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
וַ/יֵּֽצְאוּ֙ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
לִ/רְדֹּ֕ף râdaph H7291 "to pursue" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אַחֲרֵ֖י 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.
שֶׁ֥בַע shebaʻ H7652 "Sheba" Adj
Sheba refers to a place in Palestine and two Israelites, one of whom was a Gadite living during the Divided Monarchy. It means seven and is also the name of a town in Simeon.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Gad living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.5.13; son of: Abihail (H0032I); brother of: Michael (H4317H), Meshullam (H4918I), Jorai (H3140), Jacan (H3275), Zia (H2127) and Eber (H5677H) § Sheba = "seven" a town in Simeon
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Sheba. See also: Joshua 19:2; 2 Samuel 20:10; 1 Chronicles 5:13.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בִּכְרִֽי Bikrîy H1075 "Bichri" N-proper
Bichri was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy, and his son Sheba is famous for rebelling against King David. The name Bichri means youthful, a characteristic of someone full of energy and life.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.20.1; father of: Sheba (H7652A) Also named: be.ri (בֵּרִים "Bichrite" H1276) § Bichri = "youthful" 1) a Benjamite, father of Sheba adj 2) (BDB) the Bichrites
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Bichri. See also: 2 Samuel 20:1; 2 Samuel 20:10; 2 Samuel 20:22.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 8:18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.
2 1 Kings 1:38 Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.
3 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
4 2 Samuel 15:18 and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.
5 1 Kings 1:44 And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king’s mule.
6 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
7 2 Samuel 23:22–23 These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name alongside the three mighty men. He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.

2 Samuel 20:7 Summary

[This verse tells us that Joab's men, along with some of King David's elite soldiers, went out to catch a man named Sheba who was rebelling against the king. They wanted to stop him before he could find a safe place to hide, as King David had instructed them in 2 Samuel 20:6. This shows us the importance of taking action against sin and rebellion, just like God tells us to in Romans 13:1-2. By trusting in God's power and guidance, we can overcome any challenge, just like King David did with God's help, as seen in Psalm 60:12.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Cherethites and the Pelethites mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:7?

The Cherethites and the Pelethites were elite groups of soldiers in King David's army, known for their bravery and loyalty, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:18 and 1 Kings 1:38. They played a significant role in protecting the king and carrying out his military campaigns.

Why did Joab's men and the mighty men march out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri?

They marched out to capture Sheba, who had rebelled against King David, as instructed by the king in 2 Samuel 20:6, to prevent him from finding fortified cities and eluding them.

What can we learn from the swift action taken by Joab's men in 2 Samuel 20:7?

We can learn the importance of prompt obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Psalm 119:60, and the need to take decisive action against rebellion and sin, as taught in Romans 13:1-2.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of King David's reign?

This verse is part of a larger narrative of King David's efforts to maintain order and stability in his kingdom, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:11-15, and to deal with the consequences of his own sin, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 12:10-12 and 1 Kings 12:16-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty and bravery in my own life, just like the Cherethites and the Pelethites?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of prompt obedience from this verse to my own walk with God?
  3. What are some 'fortified cities' in my life that I need to surrender to God, just like Sheba son of Bichri was trying to find?
  4. In what ways can I support and pray for my leaders, just like Joab's men supported King David?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:7

And there went out after him Joab's men,.... Who though he was removed from his post as general, yet might still have the command of a regiment: and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites; over whom

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:7

And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:7

Joab’ s men; the remainders of Joab’ s army who were there present, with whom also Joab might go as a reformade, watching an opportunity to do what he designed. Of the Cherethites and the Pelethites, See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:7

2 Samuel 20:7 And there went out after him Joab’ s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. Ver. 7. Joab’ s men.] Those that had lately been commanded by him: but he was now Officiperda, which yet held not long, for he would not be ousted.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:7

(7) Joab’s men.—The body of men who were usually under Joab’s immediate command, and who would readily follow his brother, whom they had been accustomed to see associated with him. On “the Che-rethites and the Pelethites,” see Note on 2 Samuel 8:18. “The mighty men” (see 2 Samuel 23:8) appear to have been an especial body of heroes, probably made up chiefly of those who had been with David in his life as an outlaw.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:7

7. the Cherethites, and the Pelethites] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 8:18. the mighty men] Or Gibbôrîm. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 15:18.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:7

7. Joab’s men — The body of soldiers that usually fought under Joab’s immediate command. From what follows we see that Joab also went with them, probably in command of his own body of men, but not as captain of the host.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:7

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the character of Absalom and his cunning tactics to win the hearts of the people of Israel. Absalom would sympathize with anyone who came to

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