2 Samuel 16:19

2 Samuel 16:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”

King James Version KJV

And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence.

American Standard Version ASV

And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And more than this! where is my place as a servant? is it not before his son? as I have been your father's servant, so will I be yours.

Free Bible Version FBV

In any case, why shouldn't I serve his son? In the same way I served your father I will serve you.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And moreouer vnto whome shall I doe seruice? not to his sonne? as I serued before thy father, so will I before thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and secondly, for whom do I labour? is it not before his son? as I served before thy father so am I before thee.'

World English Bible WEB

Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn’t I serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so I will be in your presence.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Besides this, whom shall I serve? is it not the king’s son? as I have served thy father, so will I serve thee also.

Translation for Translators T4T

You are my master King David’s son; if I do not serve you, what other man should I serve [RHQ]? I will serve you as I served your father.”

Plain English Version PEV

This is the best way for me now. I will work for you, just like I worked for your father.” And Absalom believed him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:19

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 16:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הַ/שֵּׁנִ֗ית לְ/מִי֙ אֲנִ֣י אֶֽעֱבֹ֔ד הֲ/ל֖וֹא לִ/פְנֵ֣י בְנ֑/וֹ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָבַ֨דְתִּי֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י אָבִ֔י/ךָ כֵּ֖ן אֶהְיֶ֥ה לְ/פָנֶֽי/ךָ

וְ/הַ/שֵּׁנִ֗ית shênîy H8145 second Conj | Art | Adj

לְ/מִי֙ mîy H4310 who? Prep | Part

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

אֶֽעֱבֹ֔ד ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

הֲ/ל֖וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

בְנ֑/וֹ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

עָבַ֨דְתִּי֙ ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

אָבִ֔י/ךָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 right Part

אֶהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לְ/פָנֶֽי/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:19

וְ/הַ/שֵּׁנִ֗ית shênîy H8145 "second" Conj | Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.

Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.

לְ/מִי֙ mîy H4310 "who?" Prep | Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

אֶֽעֱבֹ֔ד ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

הֲ/ל֖וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | 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.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

בְנ֑/וֹ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | 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.

עָבַ֨דְתִּי֙ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

אָבִ֔י/ךָ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

אֶהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/פָנֶֽי/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:19
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:19
Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:19

Context — The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” 18“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.

19Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his 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 take care of 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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 15:34	But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’
2	Psalms 55:21	His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
3	1 Samuel 28:2	David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
4	1 Samuel 29:8	“But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”
5	Galatians 2:13	The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

2 Samuel 16:19 Summary

In 2 Samuel 16:19, Hushai is pretending to be loyal to Absalom in order to help King David. This verse shows that Hushai is a wise and loyal friend who is willing to take risks to help the king, much like the kind of friendship and loyalty described in Proverbs 17:17. Just like Hushai, we can demonstrate our loyalty and faithfulness to God by being honest, wise, and discerning in our relationships, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 10:16. By following God's will and being faithful to Him, we can trust that He will work all things out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of 2 Samuel 16:19 and why is Hushai speaking to Absalom in this way?

Hushai is speaking to Absalom in this way because he is pretending to be loyal to Absalom in order to gather information and help King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37 and 2 Samuel 16:16-19. This is an example of God using all things for good, as stated in Romans 8:28.

How can Hushai claim to serve Absalom when he has been loyal to King David?

Hushai's statement is an example of his cunning and loyalty to King David, as he is trying to deceive Absalom into trusting him, much like the wisdom and cunning of the men in Exodus 1:19-21 who feared God and did not follow the king of Egypt's orders.

What does this verse reveal about Hushai's character and his relationship with King David?

This verse reveals that Hushai is a loyal and wise friend to King David, who is willing to risk his own life to help the king, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37 and 2 Samuel 17:1-23. This is an example of the kind of friendship and loyalty described in Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 27:6.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of King David and his reign?

This verse is part of the larger story of King David's reign and his struggles with his son Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 13-18. It shows how God is working to fulfill His promises to David, despite the challenges and rebellions against him, as stated in 2 Samuel 7:1-17 and Psalm 89:3-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to God, like Hushai did to King David?
How can I balance being honest and transparent with being wise and discerning in my relationships, like Hushai was with Absalom?
What are some times in my life when I have had to make difficult choices or take risks to follow God's will, and how did I respond?
How can I cultivate the kind of wisdom and cunning that Hushai demonstrated in his interactions with Absalom, and use it to serve God and others?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of loyalty, friendship, and faithfulness in my relationships with others?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve?.... Or "secondly" (e), a second reason is here given for serving Absalom: the first was the choice of God and the people, the second follows: [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:19

And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:19

Thou art his son, and heir, and successor, and now in his place and stead; whereby my friendship which was due to him is devolved upon thee by right of inheritance; and I reckon that my friendship is not wholly alienated from him, when it is transferred upon one that came out of his bowels.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:19

2 Samuel 16:19 And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’ s presence, so will I be in thy presence.Ver. 19. Whom should I serve?] Here Hushai offereth Absalom his service, that he might dive into his secrets, and defeat his counsels.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:19

	Sermon	Description
	Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire
	Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys
	"Even Barnabas" by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks reflects on the troubling incident involving Barnabas in Galatians 2:13, where even a 'good man' succumbed to dissimulation and hypocrisy, leading to a painful sep
	I Will Take Heed to My Ways by C.H. Spurgeon	The preacher delves into the concept of hypocrisy, which originated from Greek theater as the act of putting on a mask and playing a part on stage. In the New Testament, hypocrisy