2 Samuel 18:15
2 Samuel 18:15 in Multiple Translations
And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.
And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
And ten young men that bare Joab’s armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
And ten young men, servants of Joab, came round Absalom and put an end to him.
Ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom and hacked him to death.
And tenne seruants that bare Ioabs armour, compassed about and smote Absalom, and slewe him.
And they go round — ten youths bearing weapons of Joab — and smite Absalom, and put him to death.
Ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded and struck Absalom, and killed him.
And ten young men that bore Joab's armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
Ten young men, armourbearers of Joab, ran up, and striking him slew him.
Then ten young men who carried weapons for Joab surrounded Absalom and finished killing him.
10 men went with Joab, and they finished Absalom properly.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:15
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 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּסֹ֨בּוּ֙
עֲשָׂרָ֣ה
נְעָרִ֔ים
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י
כְּלֵ֣י
יוֹאָ֑ב
וַ/יַּכּ֥וּ
אֶת
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
וַ/יְמִיתֻֽ/הוּ
וַ/יָּסֹ֨בּוּ֙
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עֲשָׂרָ֣ה
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
נְעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-mp
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
כְּלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
יוֹאָ֑ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וַ/יַּכּ֥וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
וַ/יְמִיתֻֽ/הוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:15
וַ/יָּסֹ֨בּוּ֙
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
עֲשָׂרָ֣ה
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.
נְעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-mp
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.
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כְּלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
יוֹאָ֑ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יַּכּ֥וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת
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.
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.
וַ/יְמִיתֻֽ/הוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 18:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
Context — Absalom Killed
13If I had jeopardized my own life —and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”
14But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
15And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.
16Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them. 17They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.2 Samuel 18:15 Summary
This verse tells us that ten young men who worked for Joab surrounded and killed Absalom, as Joab had instructed them to do, which was in line with the king's wishes, as expressed in 2 Samuel 18:5. This event shows that Joab was a man who took action and carried out justice, but it also reminds us that our actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8. We can learn from this event by remembering to respect authority and to seek justice, while also being mindful of the potential consequences of our actions, as warned in Proverbs 21:15. By considering these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and his desire for justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 37:28 and Isaiah 61:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab have ten young men with him to attack Absalom?
These young men were likely Joab's armor bearers, and they were tasked with surrounding and killing Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:15, to ensure the job was done quickly and efficiently, much like the instructions given in Deuteronomy 19:12 to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.
Was it right for Joab to have Absalom killed?
While it may seem harsh, Joab's actions were in line with the king's implicit wishes, as expressed in 2 Samuel 18:5, and also in accordance with the laws regarding treason, as outlined in Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which states that a rebellious son should be put to death.
What role did these ten young men play in the death of Absalom?
The ten young men who carried Joab's armor played a crucial role in the death of Absalom, as they surrounded him and struck him down, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:15, ultimately sealing his fate, much like the role of the servants in 2 Kings 9:7-10 who aided in the execution of God's judgment on the house of Ahab.
What does this event reveal about Joab's character?
This event shows that Joab was a man who took initiative and was willing to take drastic action to achieve his goals, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:14-15, but it also reveals a sense of obedience to the king and a desire to carry out justice, as expressed in Romans 13:1-4, which reminds us to submit to those in authority and to respect the rule of law.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Joab's willingness to take action and carry out the king's wishes, and how can we apply this to our own lives, especially in regards to Romans 13:1-7?
- How does this event relate to the concept of justice and punishment in the Bible, as seen in passages like Leviticus 24:17 and Deuteronomy 19:21?
- What role do you think the ten young men played in Absalom's death, and what does this reveal about the nature of loyalty and obedience, as discussed in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 and Hebrews 13:17?
- How does this event fit into the larger narrative of 2 Samuel, and what does it reveal about the characters and their motivations, especially in regards to the themes of rebellion and restoration found in 2 Samuel 15-20?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:15
And ten young men that bare Joab's armour,.... That waited upon him in the battle, to carry his armour, and supply him with it as he should have occasion; these, by his orders, compassed about, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:15
And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
Judging that there could be no safety to the king, nor peace to the kingdom, nor security to himself, and all David’ s friends and loyal subjects, and good men, if Absalom had lived, as may seem probable from , and yet perceiving that the king’ s heart was reconcilable to Absalom, notwithstanding his abominable crimes of lying with his father’ s concubines, and of horrid and unnatural rebellion; both which were capital crimes by the law of God; he adventured to save David’ s life against his will. But whether Joab did well in this, all things considered, I shall not here determine.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
2 Samuel 18:15 And ten young men that bare Joab’ s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.Ver. 15. And ten young men.] As he had defiled his father’ s ten concubines, so by these ten youngsters he hath that little breath that was left in him beaten out of his body. En admirandum Dei iudicium. See 2 Samuel 18:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
Verse 15. Ten young men - smote Absalom and slew him.] That is, they all pierced the body; but there could be no life in it after three darts had been thrust through the heart: but they added as much as would have killed him had he been alive.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:15
15. slew him] Absalom’s death was unquestionably the speediest and surest means of putting an end to the rebellion; and Joab probably took credit to himself for serving his country while he satisfied his private revenge (ch. 2 Samuel 14:30).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:15
15. Ten young men — These armour-bearers of Josh, of course, accompanied their chieftain when he went to smite Absalom, and after he had pierced him with his fatal darts they also wantonly abused his