2 Samuel 3:20

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2 Samuel 3:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.

King James Version KJV

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

American Standard Version ASV

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So Abner, with twenty men, came to Hebron, to David. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.

Free Bible Version FBV

Abner came with twenty of his men to see David at Hebron, and David prepared a feast for them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So Abner came to Dauid to Hebron, hauing twentie men with him, and Dauid made a feast vnto Abner, and to the men that were with him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Abner cometh in unto David, to Hebron, and with him twenty men, and David maketh for Abner, and for the men who [are] with him, a banquet.

World English Bible WEB

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So Abner came to David in Hebron, and twenty men with him: and David made Abner and the men that were with him, a feast.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he came to David in Hebron with twenty men: and David made a feast for Abner, and his men that came with him.

Translation for Translators T4T

When Abner came with 20 of his soldiers to see David at Hebron, David made a feast for all of them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:20

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 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֨א אַבְנֵ֤ר אֶל דָּוִד֙ חֶבְר֔וֹן וְ/אִתּ֖/וֹ עֶשְׂרִ֣ים אֲנָשִׁ֑ים וַ/יַּ֨עַשׂ דָּוִ֧ד לְ/אַבְנֵ֛ר וְ/לַ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים אֲשֶׁר אִתּ֖/וֹ מִשְׁתֶּֽה

וַ/יָּבֹ֨א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַבְנֵ֤ר ʼAbnêr H74 Abner N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

דָּוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

חֶבְר֔וֹן Chebrôwn H2275 Hebron (Valley) N-proper

וְ/אִתּ֖/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Conj | Prep | Suff

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Adj

אֲנָשִׁ֑ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

וַ/יַּ֨עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֧ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

לְ/אַבְנֵ֛ר ʼAbnêr H74 Abner Prep | N-proper

וְ/לַ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים ʼîysh H376 man Conj | Prep | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אִתּ֖/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

מִשְׁתֶּֽה mishteh H4960 feast N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:20

וַ/יָּבֹ֨א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אַבְנֵ֤ר 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.

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.

דָּוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

חֶבְר֔וֹן Chebrôwn H2275 "Hebron (Valley)" N-proper

Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.

Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.

וְ/אִתּ֖/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Conj | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים ʻesrîym H6242 "twenty" Adj

This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.

Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.

אֲנָשִׁ֑ים 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.

וַ/יַּ֨עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

דָּוִ֧ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

לְ/אַבְנֵ֛ר ʼAbnêr H74 "Abner" Prep | 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.

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.

וְ/לַ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | Prep | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אִתּ֖/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

מִשְׁתֶּֽה mishteh H4960 "feast" N-ms

A mishteh is a feast or banquet, often involving drinking and celebration, like the ones described in Esther and other biblical stories.

Definition: 1) feast, drink, banquet 1a) feast, banquet 1b) drink Aramaic equivalent: mish.teh (מִשְׁתֶּה "feast" H4961)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing). See also: Genesis 19:3; Esther 5:14; Proverbs 15:15.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 3:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:20
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:20
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20
Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:20

Context — Abner Joins David

18Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” 19Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.

20When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.

21Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace. 22Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, because David had sent him on his way in peace.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 31:54	Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.
2	Genesis 26:30	So Isaac prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank.
3	Esther 1:3	In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces.

2 Samuel 3:20 Summary

[In 2 Samuel 3:20, we see David showing kindness and generosity to Abner, a former enemy, by holding a feast for him and his men. This act of hospitality was a significant step towards building trust and peace between them. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of extending love and kindness to those around us, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39. By doing so, we can help create a more harmonious and peaceful community, just like David did as he became king of Israel.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Abner coming to David with twenty of his men?

Abner's visit with twenty of his men indicates his willingness to submit to David's authority and potentially broker a peace between David and the rest of Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:19 where Abner speaks to the Benjamites on David's behalf.

Why did David hold a feast for Abner and his men?

David held a feast for Abner and his men as a sign of hospitality and to build trust, which was a common practice in ancient times, similar to how Jesus would often eat with tax collectors and sinners, as seen in Luke 15:2.

What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?

We can learn that David was a gracious and generous leader, willing to extend kindness to those who were formerly his enemies, which is in line with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:44 to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's life?

This verse marks a significant turning point in David's life, as he begins to transition from being a leader of a small group of followers to becoming the king of all Israel, which was prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13 when Samuel anointed David as king.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can extend hospitality and build trust with others, just like David did with Abner?
How can I apply the principle of loving my enemies, as seen in David's actions towards Abner, in my own life?
What are some areas where I need to trust God's sovereignty and timing, just like David did as he waited for the right moment to become king?
In what ways can I be a peacemaker, like Abner, and help bring people together in my own community?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:20

So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him,.... Before he went privately to him, and conferred with him, but now, having gained so many of the Israelites in favour of David, he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:20

Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20

Which in those times was customary when persons entered into covenant. See 31:44,46.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20

2 Samuel 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that [were] with him a feast. Ver. 20. And David made Abner … a feast] Which some think was not so well done, and the end of this transaction was tragic. Pellican. Martyr.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20

(20) Twenty men.—These were doubtless representative men, selected by Abner from Israel and Benjamin to accompany him and confirm his report. The feast which David made for them is not to be understood of mere conviviality, but of a solemn sacrificial feast, such as was customary in ancient times in connection with important negotiations. (See Genesis 26:30; Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 3:15.)

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:20

20. twenty men with him] They formed the official escort sent by Ish-bosheth to convey Michal back to David, but were in all probability privy to the secret purpose of Abner’s visit.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:20

Twenty men - These were doubtless his official suite as Ish-bosheth’s envoy to conduct Michal to David, but privy and consenting to his intrigue with David.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:20

20. Twenty men with him — To guard his person and confirm his words. What was the basis of the league between them, and what it all comprehended and provided for, we are not told.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 3:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi