2 Samuel 17:3

2 Samuel 17:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.”

King James Version KJV

And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

American Standard Version ASV

and I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I will make all the people come back to you as a bride comes back to her husband: it is the life of only one man you are going after; so all the people will be at peace.

Free Bible Version FBV

and bring everybody else back to you. When everybody returns apart from the one man you're after, the whole country will be at peace.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I will bring againe all the people vnto thee, and when all shall returne, (the man whome thou seekest being slaine) all the people shalbe in peace.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and I bring back all the people unto thee — as the turning back of the whole [is] the man whom thou art seeking — all the people are peace.

World English Bible WEB

and I will bring back all the people to you. The man whom you seek is as if all returned. All the people shall be in peace.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I will bring back all the people to thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will bring back all the people, as if they were but one man: for thou seekest but one man: and all the people shall be in peace.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then we will bring back all his soldiers to you, like [SIM] a ◄bride/woman comes to her husband when she is married►. You are wanting to kill only one man; so the other people will not be harmed.”

Plain English Version PEV

I will gather all the other men together and bring them back here to you. They will see that their boss is dead, and then you will be their boss. We will not hurt any of them. They will all be safe.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 17:3

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 17:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אָשִׁ֥יבָה כָל הָ/עָ֖ם אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ כְּ/שׁ֣וּב הַ/כֹּ֔ל הָ/אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתָּ֣ה מְבַקֵּ֔שׁ כָּל הָ/עָ֖ם יִהְיֶ֥ה שָׁלֽוֹם

וְ/אָשִׁ֥יבָה shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

כְּ/שׁ֣וּב shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הַ/כֹּ֔ל kôl H3605 all Art | N-ms

הָ/אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

מְבַקֵּ֔שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 Peace N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 17:3

וְ/אָשִׁ֥יבָה shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" 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.

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

כְּ/שׁ֣וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הַ/כֹּ֔ל kôl H3605 "all" Art | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָ/אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | 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.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" 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.

אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

מְבַקֵּ֔שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

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.

שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" N-ms

This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.

Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 17:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 17:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:3
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 17:3
Sermons on 2 Samuel 17:3

Context — Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice

1Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. 2I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king

3and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.”

4This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 5Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Thessalonians 5:3	While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
2	Isaiah 48:22	“There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”
3	Isaiah 57:21	“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
4	2 Samuel 3:21	Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

2 Samuel 17:3 Summary

This verse, 2 Samuel 17:3, is talking about how Ahithophel is advising Absalom to attack his father, King David, and then the people of Israel will come back to Absalom and be at peace. It's like when a bride returns to her husband, and everything is happy and peaceful again. But this verse is also showing us that true peace comes from God, as promised in John 14:27 and Philippians 4:7, and that we should trust in Him, not in our own plans or efforts. By trusting in God, we can find peace and stability, even in difficult times, just like David did in Psalm 55:22.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of 2 Samuel 17:3?

This verse is part of a conversation between Ahithophel and Absalom, where Ahithophel is advising Absalom on how to defeat his father, King David, and take the throne for himself, as seen in 2 Samuel 17:1-2.

Who is Ahithophel and why is his advice important?

Ahithophel was a wise and experienced counselor who had previously advised King David, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 16:23, but he had defected to Absalom's side, making his advice significant in this context.

What does the phrase 'as a bride returning to her husband' mean in this verse?

This phrase is a metaphor that suggests the people of Israel will return to their rightful king, Absalom, in a joyful and peaceful manner, much like a bride reunites with her husband, similar to the imagery used in Isaiah 54:5 and Hosea 2:16.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of David and Absalom?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as Ahithophel's advice sets in motion the events that will lead to the ultimate confrontation between David and Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:1-33, and serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of sin, as warned in Proverbs 28:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like the people of Israel, may be seeking peace and stability in my own life, and how can I find true peace in God, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11?
How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and turmoil, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 6:25-34?
What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking to 'bring back' or restore something that is lost or broken, and how can I trust God to work in those situations, as seen in Joel 2:25 and Romans 8:28?
In what ways can I, like Ahithophel, be tempted to take matters into my own hands and try to control the outcome of events, and how can I instead trust in God's plan and timing, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:3

And I will bring back all the people unto thee,.... Meaning not the people only that were with David, that he would make them prisoners, and bring them with him; for he before proposed to let them

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:3

And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace. I will bring back all the people ... the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3

The man whom thou seekest is as if all returned, i. e. the death of that man whom thou seekest to destroy is no less considerable to thee, than if all the people that follow him should desert him and return unto thee.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3

2 Samuel 17:3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest [is] as if all returned: [so] all the people shall be in peace.Ver. 3. The man whom thou seekest.] Ah, lewd lowly! could Absalom hear his dear father’ s death thus contrived and endeavoured, and approve of the plot? Certe tu non occidisti patrem, Certainly you did not kill your father, said Augustus to one that was brought before him for parricide. Lycurgus would make no law against it, as holding it impossible. But the devil had filled this man’ s heart from corner to corner, as Acts 5:2, and torn out thence all childlike affection.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3

(3) Bring back all the people.—This evil counsellor, with artful flattery, assumes that Absalom is the rightful king, and that the people who have gone off after David only need to be brought back to their allegiance.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:3

Verse 3. The man whom thou seekest is as if all returned] Only secure David, and all Israel will be on thy side. He is the soul of the whole; destroy him, and all the rest will submit.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:3

3. the man, &c.] Lit. As the returning of all is the man whom thou seekest. The return of all the people to thee will be ensured by the removal of David. If that is effected, there will be no civil war. Ahithophel’s use of the term “return” is a subtle flattery, implying that David’s followers were deserting their lawful sovereign. But the true text is not improbably preserved by the Sept.: “And I will cause all the people to return unto thee, as the bride returneth to her husband. Only one man’s life dost thou seek, and unto all the people there shall be peace.” The defection of the people is compared to the momentary desertion of a bride, who speedily returns to her husband.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 17:3

The man whom thou seekest - namely, David. Ahithophel means to say: “If I can only smite David, there will be no civil war, all the people will peaceably submit.”

Sermons on 2 Samuel 17:3

	Sermon	Description
	Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the corruption and violence present in the world today. He criticizes the politicians in Washington for their involvement in financial scand
	Death, and After This, the Judgment by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the certainty of death and the judgment that follows. He mentions significant events in recent history, such as the televised funeral servi
	Daniel as a Type of Godly Remnant by Reggie Kelly	Reggie Kelly delves into the critical and timely revelations found in the book of Daniel, emphasizing the importance of understanding prophetic interpretations and the significance
	Twelfth Lesson. ‘Have Faith in God;’ Or, the Secret of Believing Prayer by Andrew Murray	Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'asphales,' which signifies security, safety, and certainty, describing something unshakeable and immovable. This term is used in vari
	The World War and What Followed by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned
	Signs of the Coming of Christ by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the signs of Christ's imminent return amidst the world's turmoil, reminding believers that while many may cry 'peace and safety,' sudden destruction is c
	The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of undertaking great endeavors for our own salvation, using Noah's obedience in building the ark as an example. He emphasizes the tho