2 Samuel 15:16
2 Samuel 15:16 in Multiple Translations
Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace.
And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, that were concubines, to keep the house.
So the king went out, taking with him all the people of his house, but for ten of his women, who were to take care of the house.
The king set off with his whole household following him, but he left behind ten concubines to look after the palace.
So the King departed and all his houshold after him, and the King left ten concubines to keepe the house.
And the king goeth out, and all his household at his feet, and the king leaveth ten women — concubines — to keep the house.
The king went out, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house.
And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women who were concubines to keep the house.
And the king went forth, and all his household on foot: and the king left ten women his concubines to keep the house:
So the king left ten of his slave wives there to take care of the palace, but all the other people in his palace went with him.
So David went away with his mob. He told 10 of his wives to stay behind to look after his house.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
וְ/כָל
בֵּית֖/וֹ
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑י/ו
וַ/יַּעֲזֹ֣ב
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ
אֵ֣ת
עֶ֧שֶׂר
נָשִׁ֛ים
פִּֽלַגְשִׁ֖ים
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר
הַ/בָּֽיִת
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בֵּית֖/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑י/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
וַ/יַּעֲזֹ֣ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֶ֧שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
נָשִׁ֛ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
פִּֽלַגְשִׁ֖ים
pîylegesh
H6370
concubine
N-fp
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:16
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
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.
בֵּית֖/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑י/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וַ/יַּעֲזֹ֣ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֵ֣ת
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.
עֶ֧שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
נָשִׁ֛ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
פִּֽלַגְשִׁ֖ים
pîylegesh
H6370
"concubine"
N-fp
A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Solomon. This word can also refer to a paramour, or a person's lover. The Bible mentions concubines in the context of polygamy and relationships.
Definition: 1) concubine, paramour 1a) concubine 1b) paramour
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: concubine, paramour. See also: Genesis 22:24; 2 Samuel 5:13; Ezekiel 23:20.
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 15:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:16
Context — David Flees Jerusalem
14And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”
15The king’s servants replied, “Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants.”
16Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace.
17So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, 18and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 16:21–22 | Ahithophel 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.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 20:3 | When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows. |
| 3 | Psalms 3:1 | O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! |
| 4 | Romans 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. |
| 5 | Judges 4:10 | where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:42 | So Abigail hurried and got on a donkey, and attended by five of her maidens, she followed David’s messengers and became his wife. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 12:11 | This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 25:27 | Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. |
2 Samuel 15:16 Summary
[King David had to make a tough decision to leave Jerusalem and flee from his son Absalom, and he took his whole household with him, except for ten concubines who stayed behind to take care of the palace, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:16. This shows that even in hard times, we have to trust in God and make difficult choices, like King David did, and prioritize our relationships and loyalties, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. We can learn from King David's example about leadership, trust, and loyalty, and apply those lessons to our own lives, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28 and Mark 10:43-45.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David leave behind ten concubines to take care of the palace?
King David left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace, possibly because they were not his primary wives and may not have had the same level of attachment or loyalty to him, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:16, similar to how Abraham left his concubines in Genesis 25:6.
What can we learn from King David's decision to flee Jerusalem?
King David's decision to flee Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:14, shows that even in difficult circumstances, we must trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and loyalty?
This verse highlights the complexities of family dynamics and loyalty, as King David's household follows him, but he leaves behind concubines, illustrating the challenges of relationships and priorities, as also seen in 1 Samuel 22:1-2 and 2 Samuel 2:2-3.
What does this verse reveal about King David's character?
This verse reveals King David's character as a leader who prioritizes the safety of his people and is willing to make difficult decisions, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:16, demonstrating his trust in God and his concern for others, as encouraged in Matthew 20:26-28 and Mark 10:43-45.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to difficult circumstances, and do I trust in God's sovereignty and provision like King David did?
- What are my priorities in times of crisis, and do I put the needs of others before my own, as King David did in 2 Samuel 15:14?
- How do I balance my relationships and loyalties, and do I prioritize my commitment to God and my family, as seen in Ephesians 5:25 and 6:1-4?
- What can I learn from King David's example about leadership and decision-making, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:16
And the king went forth,.... Which determined the case: and all his household after him family and his court; they followed his example, and attended him in his flight: and the king left ten women,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:16
And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
After him, or, on foot, by comparing , which the king chose to do rather than to ride; partly, to humble himself under the hand of God; partly, to encourage his companions in this hard and comfortless march; and partly, to move compassion in his people towards him. The king left ten women; for he supposed that their sex would protect them even among barbarians, and their relation to David would gain them some respect, and, at least, safety from his son. But it seems he did not now actually consider that clause of the threatening concerning his wives, (God diverting his mind to other things,) or he thought that would be accomplished some other way, conceiving that Absalom would abhor the thoughts of such incestuous converse, especially with persons which were now grown in years.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
2 Samuel 15:16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, [which were] concubines, to keep the house.Ver. 16. And all his household after him.] Heb., At his feet, or, On his feet. He stayed not so long till a mule could be made ready for him. See 2 Samuel 15:30. Fuga fuit pedestris et lugubris. And the king left ten women.] As hoping that they would not hurt those weak women: but God had a further hand in it, for the fulfilling of that threat in 2 Samuel 12:11. Egressus est pedibus.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:16
16. And the king went forth] “It was apparently early on the morning of the day after he had received the news of the rebellion that the king left the city of Jerusalem. There is no single day in the Jewish history of which so elaborate an account remains as that which describes this memorable flight. There is none, we may add, that combines so many of David’s characteristics—his patience, his high-spirited religion, his generosity, his calculation: we miss only his daring courage. Was it crushed, for the moment, by the weight of parental grief, or of bitter remorse?” Stanley’s Lect. II. 97. Who we may ask, was the eyewitness who has preserved the picture of the scene with such minute and life-like detail? May it not have been the prophet Nathan?
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
16. After him — Hebrew, as margin, at his feet; that is, in his train. Compare Judges 4:10, and references.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Dangers When We Are Blessed by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the dangers that come when the blessing of the Lord is upon our lives and labors. He highlights the risks of spiritual pride, unwillingness to receive cor |
|
Hindrances to Prevailing Prayer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor David encourages the congregation to seek God's touch and allow their lives to be changed. He emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's pr |
|
Peace in the Midst of the Storm by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 3, where David laments the increase of his enemies, including his own son Absalom. David is troubled by the lack of loyalty from those |
|
Psalm 32 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by believers in a hostile world. Despite the outnumbering of believers by their foes, the speaker assures that victory is |
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"The Lord Is With Him" (1 Samuel 16:18) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudenc |
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A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |
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When the World Is Against You by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the challenges Christians face when the world seems to be against them, emphasizing the pressure from society, culture, and even fellow believers. He draws |