2 Samuel 16:20
2 Samuel 16:20 in Multiple Translations
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”
¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, Give your opinion now, what are we to do?
Then Absalom asked Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What shall we do?”
Then spake Absalom to Ahithophel, Giue counsell what we shall doe.
And Absalom saith unto Ahithophel, 'Give for you counsel what we do.'
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.”
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
And Absalom said to Achitophel: Consult what we are to do.
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “What do you advise that we should do?”
So Absalom said to that wise man, Ahithofel, “All right, tell us, what do we do first?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:20
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 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
אֶל
אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל
הָב֥וּ
לָ/כֶ֛ם
עֵצָ֖ה
מַֽה
נַּעֲשֶֽׂה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל
ʼĂchîythôphel
H302
Ahithophel
N-proper
הָב֥וּ
yâhab
H3051
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ/כֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
עֵצָ֖ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:20
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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'.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
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.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
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.
אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל
ʼĂchîythôphel
H302
"Ahithophel"
N-proper
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.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Ahithophel. See also: 2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 17:6; 1 Chronicles 27:34.
הָב֥וּ
yâhab
H3051
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ascribe, bring, come on, give, go, set, take. See also: Genesis 11:3; Ruth 3:15; Psalms 29:1.
לָ/כֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
עֵצָ֖ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
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.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
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.” 22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 8:10 | Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 2 | Psalms 37:12–13 | The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. |
| 3 | Isaiah 29:15 | Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?” |
| 4 | Matthew 27:1 | When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. |
| 5 | Exodus 1:10 | Come, 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. ” |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 7 | Acts 4:23–28 | On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. |
| 8 | Psalms 2:2 | The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: |
2 Samuel 16:20 Summary
In 2 Samuel 16:20, Absalom is asking for advice from Ahithophel on what to do next in his rebellion against his father, King David. This shows that even when we are doing something wrong, we often want to know that others agree with us, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:24. However, true wisdom and guidance come from God, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6. As we read this verse, we can reflect on our own desire for counsel and make sure that we are seeking guidance from the right sources, such as the Bible and prayer, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of 2 Samuel 16:20 and why is Absalom seeking counsel from Ahithophel?
Absalom is seeking counsel from Ahithophel because he has just been told by Hushai that he will remain loyal to King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:18-19. Absalom wants to know what to do next in his rebellion against his father, King David, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:10-12.
Who is Ahithophel and why is his counsel significant in this verse?
Ahithophel is one of King David's advisors who has defected to Absalom's side, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:31. His counsel is significant because he is known for giving wise advice, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 16:23, and his defection to Absalom's side is a significant blow to King David.
What can we learn from Absalom's desire for counsel in this verse?
We can learn that even in rebellion, people often seek guidance and approval from others, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:20. This desire for counsel can be a reflection of our own need for wisdom and direction, which should ultimately come from God, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6.
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 the rebellion of his son Absalom, as told in 2 Samuel 13-18. It highlights the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of sin, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:10-12 and Psalm 51:1-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have sought counsel from others, and what were the results?
- How can I discern whether the counsel I receive is from God or from human wisdom alone, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16?
- What are some ways that I can seek guidance from God, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I apply the lessons from Absalom's rebellion to my own relationships and decisions, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:1-18?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:20
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:20
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. Give counsel among you what we shall do.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:20
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.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:20
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 similar custom existed among the heathen Saxons. See Green’s Making of England, p. 246.
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|---|---|---|
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From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous final days of King Herod, who, afflicted with a severe and painful illness as a divine judgment for his sins, becomes increasingly tyrannic |
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Utmost Folly by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to read their Bibles regularly and emphasizes the importance of studying the Word of God. The speaker uses the analogy of a pott |
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Who Sees Us? Who Will Know? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the prevalence of atheism in the hearts of sinners, illustrating how various forms of idolatry replace God in their lives, such as wealth, pleasure, and amb |
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I Am Barabbas and So Are You by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the profound story of Barabbas and Jesus in Matthew 27, highlighting the choice between darkness and light, sin and salvation. It emphasizes the substitutio |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 76 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the events surrounding Jesus' trial and crucifixion, drawing lessons from how Jesus dealt with betrayal, false accusations, and suffering. It emphasizes the |
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Week of Meetings 1986-02 by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary Hill. He highlights the presence of a curious crowd that had gathered to witness this even |
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Ford at Southside-st.louis 01 Matt 27 by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker begins by talking about a hypothetical scenario where the world's greatest pianist sits down to play on a toy piano instead of a grand piano. He uses th |