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2 Samuel 16:20 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם אֶל־ אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל הָב֥וּ לָכֶ֛ם עֵצָ֖ה מַֽה־ נַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃

BSAThen AbsalomʼĂbîyshâlôwm [a son of King David] saidʼâmar toʼêl AhithophelʼĂchîythôphel [one of David's closest advisors] Give meyâhab [provide for me, offer] counselʻêtsâh [advice, guidance, wisdom] Whatmâh [in what manner, how] should we doʻâsâh [take action, make, perform]

Word
Listen & take away2 Samuel 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 20 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (na.'a.Seh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Samuel 16:20quick helps
In a sentenceAbsalom seeks advice from Ahithophel on what actions to take.
Who is speakingAbsalom, the son of King David.
Where we areAbsalom is in a moment of decision-making during his rebellion.
The hard wordעֵצָ֖ה
Take awayAbsalom is looking for guidance in a critical moment.
4 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Cambridge & more — read them › clause subjectאַבְשָׁלֹום verbאָמַר The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — 2 Samuel 16:20

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Absalom's Consultation with Ahithophelgenerated

19Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”
20Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”
21Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”
22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2 Samuel 16:20 captures a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Seeking strategic counsel, Absalom turns to Ahithophel, one of David's closest advisors, highlighting the tension and conflict within the royal family. This scene illustrates the political maneuvering and the weight of decisions made in moments of crisis, as Absalom seeks to solidify his position and gain the upper hand.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 1:10Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country. ”
2Psalm 2:2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
3Psalm 37:12–13The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,
4Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
5Isaiah 8:10Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word עֵצָ֖ה, 'e.Tzahgenerated

The Hebrew word עֵצָה ('e.Tzah) signifies counsel or advice, often implying a plan or purpose. It is derived from a root that conveys the act of advising or providing guidance, and it appears frequently in contexts related to decision-making. The parsing indicates that it is a feminine singular noun, emphasizing its role as a concept rather than a physical object.

In this verse, Absalom is actively seeking עֵצָה, showcasing the importance of wise counsel in leadership and decision-making. The request for advice underscores the gravity of the situation as he prepares to take action against his father.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is יֹּ֥אמֶר, and he said, which governs the entire sentence. It is followed by a direct address to Ahithophel and a request for counsel, creating a clear structure of inquiry.

The sentence flows from the subject, Absalom, to his request for advice, indicating a direct and urgent need for guidance in his actions. This structure emphasizes the importance of the counsel sought in the context of rebellion.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יֹּ֥אמֶר as εἶπεν (eipen), maintaining the direct speech format, which is consistent with the Hebrew. This choice reflects the translators' intent to preserve the conversational nature of the text.

For עֵצָ֖ה, the LXX uses βουλὴν (boulēn), a term that also means counsel or advice, indicating a similar understanding of the request for guidance in both the Hebrew and Greek traditions.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Samuel 16:20 shows Absalom asking Ahithophel for advice on what to do during his rebellion against King David. He seeks counsel to help him make important decisions as he navigates this conflict.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of Absalom asking for counsel?

Absalom's request for counsel highlights the importance of strategic advice in leadership, especially during times of conflict.

Who is Ahithophel?

Ahithophel was one of King David's closest advisors, known for his wisdom and counsel.

What does the word 'counsel' imply in this context?

'Counsel' implies guidance and advice that can influence decisions, particularly in a political and familial crisis.

Why is this moment critical in the narrative?

This moment is critical as it sets the stage for Absalom's actions against David, showcasing the turning point in their relationship and the unfolding of the rebellion.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does this passage teach about the importance of seeking wise counsel in difficult situations?
  2. How can I apply the principle of seeking advice to my own decision-making processes?
  3. What can we learn from Absalom's approach to leadership and conflict?
  4. In what ways can we ensure we are receiving sound counsel in our lives?

Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 16:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel,.... Having two such able counsellors as he and Hushai, he directs his speech to Ahithophel, as being his first and chief counsellor: give counsel among you what we

Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. Give counsel among you what we shall do.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

2 Samuel 16:20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.Ver. 20. Then said, Absalom to Ahithophel.] As president of his council: Hushai was present, but forced to dissemble at that time. Mentitur impiissimo tyranno. - Mart.

Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

20–23. Ahithophel’s counsel 21. And Ahithophel said, &c.] Ahithophel advised Absalom to make a decisive assumption of royal authority by publicly taking possession of the royal harem. This act was a claim of heirship and succession[101], and was not regarded with abhorrence by the Israelites, whose feelings on such matters were blunted by the practice of polygamy. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 3:7. Its object was to make the breach between Absalom and his father irreparable, and to strengthen the resolution of his followers, by proving that the rebellion was not to end in his securing a pardon from his father and leaving them to their fate, but that he was determined to run all risks. [101] A…

Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 16 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.”

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”

NETBNew English Translation2006

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Then spake Absalom to Ahithophel, Giue counsell what we shall doe.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Absalom said to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Absalom saith unto Ahithophel, 'Give for you counsel what we do.'

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Absalom says to Ahithophel, “Give counsel for yourself [for] what we do.”

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Then said Abshalom to Achithophel, Hold counsel among yourselves as to what we shall do.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice about what we should do.”

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Absalom said to Achitophel: Consult what we are to do.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Then Absalom asked Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What shall we do?”

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, Give your opinion now, what are we to do?

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbיֹּ֥אמֶרhe.saidsubjectאַבְשָׁל֖וֹםAbsalomprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtoאֲחִיתֹ֑פֶלAhithophelclauseclauseverbהָב֥וּgiveprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ(forכֶ֛םyourselvesobjectעֵצָ֖הcounselclauseobjectמַֽהwhat?verbנַּעֲשֶֽׂהwill.we.do

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint closely align in this verse, with 9 of the 9 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls also reflect this content, though one word is restored by an editor, indicating a high degree of textual consistency across these witnesses.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם אֶל־ אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל הָב֥וּ לָכֶ֛ם עֵצָ֖ה מַֽה־ נַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרεἶπενאַבְשָׁל֖וֹםαβεσσαλωμאֶל־πρὸςאֲחִיתֹ֑פֶלαξιτοφελהָב֥וּφέρετεלָכֶ֛םἑαυτοῖςעֵצָ֖הβουλὴνמַֽה־τίנַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃ποιήσωμεν

9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q51a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ויאמר] [אבשלום] [אל] [אחיתפל] הבו [ל׳כם] [עצה] [מה] [נעשה]

1 word on the leather — 8 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

2 Samuel 16:20אָמַרand he saidand he saidאָמַראֲבִישָׁלוֹםAbsalomAbsalomאֲבִישָׁלוֹםאֶלtotoאֶלאֲחִיתֹ֫פֶלAhithophelAhithophelאֲחִיתֹ֫פֶליָהַבgivegiveיָהַבכֶםfor yourselfor yourselvesכֶםעֵצָהcounselcounselעֵצָהמָהwhat?what?מָהעָשָׂהwill we dowill we doעָשָׂהיָעַץto adviseto adviseיָעַץאָבfatherfatherאָבאָחbrother: mbrother: male-sאָחחוּשַׁיHushaiHushaiחוּשַׁיאֲחִיתֹ֫פֶלAhithophelAhithophelאֲחִיתֹ֫פֶלכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫העֵצָהcounselcounselעֵצָהעֹזstrengthstrengthעֹזכָּ֫כָהthusthusכָּ֫כָהפָּעַלto workto workפָּעַלמְלָאכָהworkworkמְלָאכָהתּוֹעֵבַהabominatioabominationתּוֹעֵבַה
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in 2 Samuel 16:20

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרvai.Yo.mer and he said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם'av.sha.Lom Absalom H53 Noun proper masculine
111× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Amplified meaning
a son of King David
Tyndale gloss
Absalom
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (Abiyshalowm) means 'my father is peace.' It refers to Absalom, the third son of David, known for his revolt against his father and the murder of his half-brother Amnon. The name is also associated with his father-in-law, Rehoboam. The entries note that Absalom is sometimes called Abishalom.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲבִישָׁלוֹם n.pr.m. (my father is peace)

Rehob.’s father-in-law

3rd son of Dvd

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H53 אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (my father is peace) . Rehob.’s father-in-law

. 3rd son of Dvd

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

53 'Abiyshalowm ab-ee-shaw-lome'

or (shortened) bAbshalowm {ab-shaw- lome'}; from 1 and 7965;

father of peace (i.e. friendly); Abshalom, a son of David;

also (the fuller form) a later Israelite:--Abishalom,

Absalom.

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 07965

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (a.vi.sha.lom) — Absalom.

A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3;

son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I);

half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), 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);

father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10;

§ Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace"

1) father-in-law of Rehoboam

2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Absalom

Father of peace; i.e., “peaceful” David’s son by Maacah (2 Sam. 3:3; comp. 1 Kings 1:6). He was noted for his personal beauty and for the extra-ordinary profusion of the hair of his head (2 Sam. 14:25,26). The first public act of his life was the blood-revenge he executed against Amnon, David’s eldest son, who had basely wronged Absalom’s sister Tamar. This revenge was executed at the time of the festivities connected with a great sheep-shearing at Baal-hazor. David’s other sons fled from the place in horror, and brought the tidings of the death of Amnon to Jerusalem. Alarmed for the consequences of the act, Absalom fled to his grandfather at Geshur, and there abode for three years (

Only son of David by Maacah, 2Sa 3:3. He was remarkable for his beauty and for his fine head of hair, 2Sa 14:25, which being cut from time to time when it incommoded him, used to weigh 200 shekels by the king’s standard, that is, probable about thirty ounces, an extraordinary, but not incredible weight. Ammon, another of the king’s sons, having violated his sister Tamar, Absalom caused him to be slain, and then fled to Geshur, where Talmai his grandfather was king. After three years, at the intercession of Joab, David permitted him to return to Jerusalem, and at length received him again into favor, 2Sa 14:1-33. Absalom, however, grossly abused his father’s kindness; he soon began to play the demagogue, and by many artful…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

father of peace

and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל'a.chi.To.fel Ahithophel H302 Noun proper masculine
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Ahithophel was an Israelite who lived during King David's time and was one of his closest advisors. His name means 'my brother is foolish' and he is known for joining Absalom's rebellion against David. Ahithophel is also the grandfather of Bathsheba.
Amplified meaning
one of David's closest advisors
Tyndale gloss
Ahithophel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל (Achiythophel) means 'my brother is folly' and refers to a notable figure in the Old Testament. He was a counselor to King David and later betrayed him by supporting Absalom's rebellion. His story is primarily found in 2 Samuel, where he is described as the father of Eliam and the grandfather of Bathsheba.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל n.pr.m. (my brother is folly ?) David’s trusted & traitorous counsellor

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H302 אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

302 'Achiythophel akh-ee-tho'-fel

from 251 and 8602; brother of folly; Achithophel, an

Israelite:--Ahithophel.

see HEBREW for 0251

see HEBREW for 08602

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל (a.chi.to.phel) — Ahithophel.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.12;

father of: Eliam (H0463H)

§ Ahithophel = "my brother is foolish (folly)"

a counsellor of David, grandfather of Bathsheba (cf 2Sa 11:3, 23:34), who joined Absalom in revolt against David, and committed suicide when Absalom did not heed his counsel

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-hith'-o-fel ('achithophel, "brother of foolishness," perhaps): The real leader of the Absalom rebellion against David. He is described as "the king's counselor," in a context connected with events some of which are dated in the fortieth year of David (1Ch 27:33,34; compare 1Ch 26:31). Concerning him and his part in the rebellion we have rather full information (2Sa 15:12 ff).

Some hold that he was the grandfather of Bathsheba, and make much of this in forming their estimates of him. Does the evidence sustain this view? In the latter half of the list of David's mighty men, not among the older veterans with whom the list begins, appears "Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite" (

Ahithophel

Brother of insipidity or impiety, a man greatly renowned for his sagacity among the Jews. At the time of Absalom’s revolt he deserted David (Ps. 41:9; 55:12-14) and espoused the cause of Absalom (2 Sam. 15:12). David sent his old friend Hushai back to Absalom, in order that he might counteract the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 15:31-37). This end was so far gained that Ahithophel saw he had no longer any influence, and accordingly he at once left the camp of Absalom and returned to Giloh, his native place, where, after arranging his wordly affairs, he hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers (2 Sam. 17:1-23). He was the type of Judas (

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(brother of foolishness), a native of Giloh, was a privy councillor of David, whose wisdom was highly esteemed, though his name had an exactly opposite signification. (2 Samuel 16:23) (B.C. 1055-1023.) He was the grandfather of Bathsheba. Comp. (2 Samuel 11:3) with 2Sam 23:34 Ahithophel joined the conspiracy of Absalom against David, and persuaded him to take possession of the royal harem, (2 Samuel 16:21) and recommended an immediate pursuit of David. His advice was wise; but Hushai advised otherwise. When Ahithophel saw that Hushai’s advice prevailed, he despaired of success, and returning to his own home "put his household in order and hanged himself." (

and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
הָב֥וּha.Vu give H3051 Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine plural
34× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To give means to provide or put something, and can also mean to come or set something, as seen in the Bible. It is used in various contexts, including giving glory to God or providing for others.
Amplified meaning
provide for me, offer
Tyndale gloss
to give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָהַב (yahab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to give, with various nuances including to set, provide, and ascribe glory. It can also imply granting or permitting something. The entries highlight its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָהַב] vb. give

give

= set

with reflex. = provide

ascribe glory, etc.

= come now (orig. grant, permit)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3051 יָהַב give . give

. = set

. with reflex. = provide

. ascribe glory, etc.

. = come now (orig. grant, permit)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3051 yahab yaw-hab'

a primitive root; to give (whether literal or figurative);

generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come:--ascribe,

bring, come on, give, go, set, take.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָהַב (ya.hav) — to give.

1) to give, provide, ascribe, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give

1a2) to set, place

1a3) to provide (with reflexive)

1a4) to ascribe (glory)

1a5) to grant, permit, come now

Aramaic equivalent: ye.hav (יְהַב "to give" H3052)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine plural
HVqv2mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(nathan, yahabh, sum; didomi): "Give" is a very common word in the Old Testament. It is most frequently the translation of nathan, "to give" (Ge 1:29; 3:6; Ex 2:9; De 18,20, etc., over 800 instances); nathan is also translated "to give up" (De 23:14; Isa 43:6; Ho 11:8); of yahabh, "to give" (Ge 30:1; 1Ch 16:28 the King James Version). In Ps 55:22 we have the perfect with suffix, "Cast thy burden upon Yahweh," margin "what he hath given thee"; elsewhere it is…

and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
לָכֶ֛םla.Khem for yourselves H9036 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֶם (khem) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine plural

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp2mp — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2mp
and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
עֵצָ֖ה'e.Tzah counsel H6098 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
89× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Amplified meaning
advice, guidance, wisdom
Tyndale gloss
counsel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֵצָה (`etsah) refers to counsel or advice, and can also imply a plan or purpose. It is derived from a root meaning to advise or provide guidance. The entries consistently emphasize its use in contexts related to providing counsel or making decisions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵצָה n.f. counsel, advice

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6098 עֵצָה counsel, advice

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6098 `etsah ay-tsaw'

from 3289; advice; by implication, plan; also

prudence:--advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose.

see HEBREW for 03289

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵצָה (e.tsah) — counsel.

counsel, advice, purpose

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Pr 1:5; 9:9; 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 20:18; 24:6; 27:9

→ See PRUDENCE

→ REJECTED Pr 1:24-33

→ INSTANCES OF

By Rehoboam 1Ki 12:8-16

By the rich young ruler Mt 19:22

Thompson Chain Reference topics

(1) The importance of Seeking

Pr 11:14; 12:15; 13:10; 15:22; 20:18

--SEE Instruction (1), INSTRUCTION

Guidance, (3), GUIDANCE

Counsellors, COUNSELLORS

(2) Wise, Examples of

Ex 18:19; 1Ki 12:7; Da 4:27; Mt 27:19; Ac 5:35; Re 3:18

--SEE Exhortations, EXHORTATIONS

(3) Evil

Nu 31:16; 1Ki 12:10,28; 2Ch 10:10; 22:3;

and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
מַֽה־mah- what? H4100 Pronoun
753× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Amplified meaning
in what manner, how
Tyndale gloss
what?
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught

interrog. what?

Used adverbially

Indef. pron.

With preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?

. Used adverbially

. Indef. pron.

. With preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4100 mah maw

or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a

primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including

how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including

how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even

relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various

adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-

soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),

whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָה (mah) — what?.

interr pron

1) what, how, of what kind

1a) (interrogative)

1a1) what?

1a2) of what kind

1a3) what? (rhetorical)

1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what

1b) (adverb)

1b1) how, how now

1b2) why

1b3) how! (exclamation)

1c) (with prep)

1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?

1c2) because of what?

1c3) the like of what?

1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?

1c3b) for how long?

1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?

1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?

indef pron

2) anything, aught, what may

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Pronoun
HPi
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he said Absalom to Ahithophel give for yourselves counsel what? will we do
נַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃na.'a.Seh will we do H6213 Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common plural
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
take action, make, perform
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and

widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,

appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,

bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal

(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)

execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +

finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go

about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X

indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,

make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,

bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,

provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,

spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be

(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

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

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: 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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common plural
HVqi1cp
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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