2 Samuel 3:11
2 Samuel 3:11 in Multiple Translations
And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
And so great was Ish-bosheth's fear of Abner that he was not able to say a word in answer.
Ishbosheth didn't dare to say anything else to Abner because he was frightened of him.
And he durst no more answere to Abner: for he feared him.
And he is not able any more to turn back Abner a word, because of his fearing him.
He could not answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him.
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
And he could not answer him a word, because he feared him.
Ishbosheth was very afraid of Abner, so he did not say anything in reply to Abner.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:11
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 3:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
יָכֹ֣ל
ע֔וֹד
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
אֶת
אַבְנֵ֖ר
דָּבָ֑ר
מִ/יִּרְאָת֖/וֹ
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָכֹ֣ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ע֔וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַבְנֵ֖ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
מִ/יִּרְאָת֖/וֹ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:11
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.
יָכֹ֣ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
ע֔וֹד
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/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַבְנֵ֖ר
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.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
מִ/יִּרְאָת֖/וֹ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 3:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
Context — Abner Joins David
9May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him:
10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”
11And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.
12Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” 13“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”2 Samuel 3:11 Summary
This verse tells us that Ish-bosheth was too afraid to say anything else to Abner, which shows that Abner was a very powerful and respected man. It's like when someone is so respected or important that you feel nervous or intimidated around them, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8-9. This verse also reminds us that our words and actions have power, and we should use them wisely, as seen in Proverbs 10:19. Just like Abner, we can use our influence to bring people to God and fulfill His plans for our lives, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ish-bosheth afraid to speak to Abner?
Ish-bosheth was afraid to speak to Abner because Abner was a powerful and influential man in Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:11, and Ish-bosheth may have felt intimidated by him, much like Saul was intimidated by David in 1 Samuel 18:8-9.
What does this verse reveal about Abner's character?
This verse suggests that Abner was a man who commanded respect and possibly even fear, as Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him, which is consistent with his bold actions in 2 Samuel 3:6-10.
How does this verse fit into the larger context of 2 Samuel 3?
This verse is part of a larger narrative where Abner is switching his allegiance from Ish-bosheth to David, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:9-10, and Ish-bosheth's fear of Abner highlights the significance of Abner's decision to support David.
What can we learn from Ish-bosheth's silence in this verse?
Ish-bosheth's silence may teach us about the importance of discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, as seen in Proverbs 10:19 and Ecclesiastes 3:7, and the potential consequences of speaking out of fear or intimidation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel like Ish-bosheth, afraid to speak up or assert myself?
- How can I, like Abner, use my influence and position to bring people to God, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:12?
- What are some ways that fear and intimidation can hold me back from fulfilling God's plans for my life, and how can I overcome them, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:7?
- What can I learn from Abner's boldness and Ish-bosheth's silence about the importance of courage and humility in my own relationships and interactions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:11
And he could not answer Abner a word again,.... That is, he would not, he durst not; otherwise, if it was fact he charged him with, he could have insisted on the truth of it, and aggravated the crime
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:11
So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
He could not answer Abner, because he durst not provoke Abner further, lest he should really execute what he supposed as yet he only threatened. Because he feared him, as having a greater interest in, and power with, both the army and the rest of the people, than himself had.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
2 Samuel 3:11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.Ver. 11. And he could not answer Abner a word.] Wherein he showed himself to be no less timorous than timerarious. And the truth is he was overpowered and overawed by Abner.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
Verse 11. He could not answer Abner a word] Miserable is the lot of a king who is governed by the general of his army, who may strip him of his power and dignity whenever he pleases! Witness the fate of poor Charles I. of England and Louis XVI. of France. Military men, above all others, should never be intrusted with any civil power, and should be great only in the field.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:11
11. He could not answer Abner — “Miserable,” says Clarke, “is the lot of the king who is governed by the general of his army.” Ishbosheth was silenced and terrified at the fierce wrath of Abner, and