Menu

2 Samuel 18:19

2 Samuel 18:19 in Multiple Translations

Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”

¶ Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that Jehovah hath avenged him of his enemies.

Then Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, said, Let me go and give the king news of how the Lord has done right in his cause against those who took up arms against him.

Then Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, said, “Please let me run and take the good news to the king that the Lord has vindicated him over his enemies.”

Then said Ahimaaz the sonne of Zadok, I pray thee, let me runne, and beare the King tidings that the Lord hath deliuered him out of the hande of his enemies.

And Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, 'Let me run, I pray thee, and I bear the king tidings, for Jehovah hath delivered him out of the hand of his enemies;'

Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me now run and carry the king news, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and inform the king, how the LORD hath avenged himself of his enemies.

And Achimaas the son of Sadoc said: I will run and tell the king, that the Lord hath done judgment for him from the hand of his enemies.

After Absalom had been killed, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz said to Joab, “Allow me to run to the king to tell him the good news that Yahweh has rescued him from the power of his enemies!”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:19

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 18:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/אֲחִימַ֤עַץ בֶּן צָדוֹק֙ אָמַ֔ר אָר֣וּצָה נָּ֔א וַ/אֲבַשְּׂרָ֖ה אֶת הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ כִּי שְׁפָט֥/וֹ יְהוָ֖ה מִ/יַּ֥ד אֹיְבָֽי/ו
וַ/אֲחִימַ֤עַץ ʼĂchîymaʻats H290 Ahimaaz Conj | N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
צָדוֹק֙ Tsâdôwq H6659 Zadok N-proper
אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אָר֣וּצָה rûwts H7323 to run V-Qal-1cs
נָּ֔א nâʼ H4994 please Part
וַ/אֲבַשְּׂרָ֖ה bâsar H1319 to bear tidings Conj | V-Piel-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
שְׁפָט֥/וֹ shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מִ/יַּ֥ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
אֹיְבָֽי/ו ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:19

וַ/אֲחִימַ֤עַץ ʼĂchîymaʻats H290 "Ahimaaz" Conj | N-proper
Ahimaaz means my brother is anger, the name of three Israelites, including a supply officer of Solomon and Zadok's son who aided David. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:15. Ahimaaz was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.15; married to Basemath (H1315) § Ahimaaz = "my brother is anger (wrath)" 1) father-in-law of Saul 2) Zadok's son who aided David during Absalom's rebellion 3) a supply officer of Solomon
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Ahimaaz. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 18:23; 1 Chronicles 6:38.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
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.
צָדוֹק֙ Tsâdôwq H6659 "Zadok" N-proper
Zadok was a high priest in Israel who supported King David and anointed Solomon as king. His name means righteous and he is mentioned in 1 Kings and Nehemiah. Zadok was a key figure in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.13.13 § Zadok = "righteous" 1) the high priest, son of Ahitub of the house of Eleazar the son of Aaron, and 11th in descent from Aaron; joined David after Saul's death and supported him against Absalom and Adonijah; anointed Solomon as king 2) a priest, son of Meraioth, father of Meshullam of the house of Ahitub; apparently a nephew of 1 3) father of Jerusha, the wife of king Uzziah and mother of king Jotham of Judah 4) son of Baana and repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 5) son of Immer and repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 6) a leader of the people in the time of Nehemiah 7) a scribe appointed by Nehemiah as one of the treasurers over the storehouse 8) a valiant warrior of the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Hebron. Same as 1?
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Zadok. See also: 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 5:34; Ezekiel 48:11.
אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-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.
אָר֣וּצָה rûwts H7323 "to run" V-Qal-1cs
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
נָּ֔א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
וַ/אֲבַשְּׂרָ֖ה bâsar H1319 "to bear tidings" Conj | V-Piel-1cs
Basar means to bear tidings or announce good news, often used to describe preaching or publishing glad news. It is used in the Bible to describe the spread of salvation or joyful messages.
Definition: 1) to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to gladden with good news 1a2) to bear news 1a3) to announce (salvation) as good news, preach 1b) (Hithpael) to receive good news
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 40:10.
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.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שְׁפָט֥/וֹ shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/יַּ֥ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֹיְבָֽי/ו ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 15:36 Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.”
2 2 Samuel 18:31 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!”
3 Psalms 9:4 For You have upheld my just cause; You sit on Your throne judging righteously.
4 Psalms 10:14 But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.
5 2 Samuel 18:27–29 The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.” Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.” The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.”
6 Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah
7 Psalms 7:8–9 The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.
8 Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
9 Psalms 10:18 to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.
10 Psalms 7:6 Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment.

2 Samuel 18:19 Summary

This verse tells us that Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, wanted to run and tell King David the good news that the Lord had avenged him of his enemies, which means God had helped David win the battle against his son Absalom. Ahimaaz was excited to share this news because he knew it was a big deal and he wanted to be the one to tell the king. This reminds us that God is always working on our behalf, just like He did for David, and we can trust in His love and sovereignty, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, just like David did, and we can share the good news of God's love with others, just like Ahimaaz did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ahimaaz want to run and tell King David the news?

Ahimaaz wanted to share the good news with King David because he believed it was a victory from the Lord, as stated in 2 Samuel 18:19, and he wanted to be the one to tell the king that the Lord had avenged him of his enemies, similar to how messengers were sent to David in 1 Samuel 31:9 to inform him of Saul's death.

What is the significance of the phrase 'the LORD has avenged him of his enemies'?

The phrase 'the LORD has avenged him of his enemies' signifies God's intervention and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:41 and Psalm 94:1, where God is described as a God of vengeance, and it shows that David's victory is not just a human achievement but a divine act.

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

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of David and Absalom, as it marks the end of Absalom's rebellion and the beginning of David's restoration, as foretold in 2 Samuel 15:6 and 2 Samuel 17:14, and it highlights David's trust in the Lord's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.

What can we learn from Ahimaaz's enthusiasm to share the news?

Ahimaaz's enthusiasm teaches us the importance of sharing the good news of God's work in our lives, as seen in Psalm 96:2-3 and Matthew 28:19-20, and it reminds us to be faithful messengers of God's love and redemption, just like the apostles in Acts 4:20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have seen God avenge me or bring justice, and how can I give Him thanks and praise for those moments?
  2. How can I, like Ahimaaz, be a faithful messenger of God's love and redemption to those around me, and what are some ways I can share the good news with others?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty, just like David did, and how can I surrender those areas to Him today?
  4. What can I learn from Ahimaaz's enthusiasm and eagerness to share the news, and how can I apply that same enthusiasm to my own walk with God?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:19

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok,.... To Joab; for it seems he stayed with the army when he with Jonathan brought the message from Hushai to David: let me now run, and bear the king tidings how

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:19

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies. Then said Ahimaaz ... Let me now run and bear the king tidings.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:19

2 Samuel 18:19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.Ver. 19. And bear the king tidings.] Who could not but much long to hear the issue of the battle.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:19

19–32. The news carried to David 19. hath avenged him of his enemies] Lit. judged him out of the hand of his enemies: pronounced a favourable verdict in his cause and delivered him. Cp. 1 Samuel 24:15; Psalms 43:1.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:19

Ahimaaz was a well-known runner 2 Samuel 18:27. Speed was a heroic virtue in those simple times (compare 2 Samuel 2:18).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:19

19. Then said Ahimaaz — This son of the high priest had already performed valuable service as messenger for the king, (2 Samuel 15:36; 2 Samuel 17:21,) and thereby he had gained the confidence and esteem of David. 2 Samuel 18:27.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:19

SermonDescription
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 10 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, delving into the deep meanings behind the verses. He discusses the consequences of sin, the anger of the Lord towards the ungodly, and the imp
Warren Wiersbe The Question 'Why?': Part 2 by Warren Wiersbe Warren Wiersbe delves into Psalms 10:14-18, exploring the stages of asking 'Why?' The second stage focuses on commitment, shifting attention from the wicked to God who sees our tro
James Bourne Letter 198. by James Bourne James Bourne emphasizes the importance of waiting upon the Lord, sharing personal experiences of carrying burdens and finding solace in God's promises. Through meditating on Psalms
David Guzik (2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and his trusted advisors during a time of conflict with Absalom. Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to gather informati
Robert Wurtz II Memoirs of the Revivalist by Robert Wurtz II In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man who was transformed by God. The man had previously come with a gun to harm the preacher, but after encountering Go
Samuel Logan Brengle The Terror of the Lord by Samuel Logan Brengle Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of
St. John Chrysostom Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate