2 Samuel 17:18
2 Samuel 17:18 in Multiple Translations
But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
But a lad saw them, and told Absalom: and they went both of them away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down thither.
But a boy saw them, and gave word of it to Absalom: so the two of them went away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim who had a water-hole in his garden, and they went down into it.
But a boy did see them and he told Absalom. So the two left immediately and went to the house of a man in the town of Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed into it.
Neuerthelesse a yong man sawe them, and tolde it to Absalom. therefore they both departed quickely, and came to a mans house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court, into the which they went downe.
And a youth seeth them, and declareth to Absalom; and they go on both of them hastily, and come in unto the house of a man in Bahurim, and he hath a well in his court, and they go down there,
But a boy saw them, and told Absalom. Then they both went away quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down there.
Nevertheless, a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; into which they descended.
But a certain boy saw them, and told Absalom: but they making haste went into the house of a certain man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court, and they went down into it.
But a young man saw them, and went and reported it to Absalom. They found out what the young man had done, so both of them left quickly and went to stay in the house of a man in Bahurim. That man had a well in his courtyard; so the two men went down into the well to hide.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 17:18
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 17:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
אֹתָ/ם֙
נַ֔עַר
וַ/יַּגֵּ֖ד
לְ/אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם
וַ/יֵּלְכוּ֩
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֨ם
מְהֵרָ֜ה
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
אֶל
בֵּֽית
אִ֣ישׁ
בְּ/בַחוּרִ֗ים
וְ/ל֥/וֹ
בְאֵ֛ר
בַּ/חֲצֵר֖/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֥רְדוּ
שָֽׁם
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
נַ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
וַ/יַּגֵּ֖ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יֵּלְכוּ֩
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֨ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
מְהֵרָ֜ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
haste
N-fs
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּֽית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בְּ/בַחוּרִ֗ים
Bachurîym
H980
Bahurim
Prep | N-proper
וְ/ל֥/וֹ
Conj | Prep | Suff
בְאֵ֛ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
N-fs
בַּ/חֲצֵר֖/וֹ
châtsêr
H2691
court
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יֵּ֥רְדוּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 17:18
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
נַ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וַ/יַּגֵּ֖ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יֵּלְכוּ֩
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֨ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מְהֵרָ֜ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
"haste"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) haste, speed 1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb) 1b) in haste (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly. See also: Numbers 17:11; 2 Kings 1:11; Psalms 31:3.
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
בֵּֽית
bayith
H1004
"place"
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.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/בַחוּרִ֗ים
Bachurîym
H980
"Bahurim"
Prep | N-proper
Bahurim is a place in the Bible, a town in the region of Benjamin, located between Jerusalem and Jericho, near the Mount of Olives.
Definition: § Bahurim = "young men's village" a town in Benjamin between Jerusalem and Jericho beyond the Mount of Olives on the way to Jericho
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Bahurim. See also: 2 Samuel 3:16; 2 Samuel 17:18; 1 Kings 2:8.
וְ/ל֥/וֹ
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
בְאֵ֛ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
בַּ/חֲצֵר֖/וֹ
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
וַ/יֵּ֥רְדוּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 17:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 17:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:18
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:18
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 17:18
Context — Hushai’s Warning Saves David
16Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’”
17Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.
18But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.
19Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. 20When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 3:16 | Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 16:5 | As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:16 | Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, |
2 Samuel 17:18 Summary
In this verse, we see Jonathan and Ahimaaz, two men who are trying to help King David, having to hide in a well to avoid being caught by their enemies. This shows us that sometimes, we have to take risks and trust God to keep us safe, just like David did when he was on the run from King Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:14. The man's wife in Bahurim helps them by covering the well, demonstrating the importance of kindness and quick thinking in times of need, similar to the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. We can learn from this story by trusting God in our own times of danger and uncertainty, and by being willing to help others in need, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jonathan and Ahimaaz have to hide in a well?
Jonathan and Ahimaaz had to hide in a well to avoid being caught by Absalom's servants, as they were trying to get information to King David in secret, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:17-18, similar to how Rahab hid the spies in Joshua 2:4-7.
Who was the young man that saw Jonathan and Ahimaaz?
The Bible does not specifically mention the young man's name, but it is clear that he reported their presence to Absalom, highlighting the danger and risk that Jonathan and Ahimaaz faced in their mission to inform King David, much like the risks faced by the prophets in 1 Kings 18:4.
What can we learn from the actions of the man's wife in Bahurim?
The man's wife in Bahurim showed quick thinking and loyalty by covering the well and scattering grain over it, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:19, demonstrating the importance of cleverness and faithfulness in times of crisis, as also seen in the story of the midwives in Exodus 1:15-22.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of King David?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of King David's flight from Absalom, as told in 2 Samuel 15-18, and highlights the challenges and dangers that David faced as he tried to reclaim his throne, much like the trials faced by other leaders in the Bible, such as Moses in Exodus 32:1-35.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in Jonathan and Ahimaaz's situation, and how would you trust God in the midst of danger?
- How can you apply the example of the man's wife in Bahurim to your own life, using your resources and abilities to help others in need?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of secrecy and discretion in certain situations, and how can we balance this with the need for honesty and transparency?
- How does this verse fit into the larger story of God's sovereignty and protection over King David, and what can we learn from this about God's care for us in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:18
Nevertheless, a lad saw them, and told Absalom,.... Saw them conversing with the girl, and departing for David's army; according to Josephus (o), they were some horsemen that saw them about two
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:18
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:18
A lad saw them, who knew them to be favourers of David, and observed them to wait there upon design, and to gain intelligence, and possibly saw the wench speaking privately to them. They went both of them away quickly; suspecting by this lad’ s observation and carriage that they were discovered. Wither they went down; either to some hole in the side of the pit; or to the bottom of the pit, it being then dry, as pits often were in those hot countries. And this being in so open a place, they concluded none would imagine them to be hid there. And besides, they relied upon God’ s good providence, which they knew watched over David, and them for his sake.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:18
2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’ s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.Ver. 18. Nevertheless a lad saw them.] As the devil never wanteth instruments in such cases to work mischief. Who this lad was, it mattereth not: but sure he was none of Absalom’ s horsemen, as Josephus writeth.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:18
18. a well] A cistern, dry at the time. The existence of numerous rock-cut cisterns with narrow mouths at Almît, the probable site of Bahurim, illustrates the incident. See Pal. Expl. Fund Quarterly Statement, Jan. 1881, p. 45.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 17:18
Bahurim - See the marginal reference. They were not all Shimeis in Bahurim.