2 Samuel 18:21
2 Samuel 18:21 in Multiple Translations
So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
Then said Joab to the Cushite, Go, tell the king what thou hast seen. And the Cushite bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
Then Joab said to the Cushite, Go and give the king word of what you have seen. And the Cushite, making a sign of respect to Joab, went off running.
So Joab said to a man from Ethiopia, “Go and tell the king what you have seen.” He bowed to Joab and ran off.
Then said Ioab to Cushi, Goe, tel the king, what thou hast seene. And Cushi bowed himselfe vnto Ioab, and ran.
And Joab saith to Cushi, 'Go, declare to the king that which thou hast seen;' and Cushi boweth himself to Joab, and runneth.
Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen!” The Cushite bowed himself to Joab, and ran.
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go, tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself to Joab, and ran.
And Joab said to Chusai: Go, and tell the king what thou hast seen. Chusai bowed down to Joab, and ran.
Then Joab said to David’s servant who was from Ethiopia, “You go and tell the king what you have seen.” So the man from Ethiopia bowed in front of Joab, and started to run.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:21
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 18:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יוֹאָב֙
לַ/כּוּשִׁ֔י
לֵ֛ךְ
הַגֵּ֥ד
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
רָאִ֑יתָה
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
כוּשִׁ֛י
לְ/יוֹאָ֖ב
וַ/יָּרֹֽץ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
לַ/כּוּשִׁ֔י
Kûwshîy
H3569
Cushite
Prep | Ngmsa
לֵ֛ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הַגֵּ֥ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
רָאִ֑יתָה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
כוּשִׁ֛י
Kûwshîy
H3569
Cushite
Ngmsa
לְ/יוֹאָ֖ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יָּרֹֽץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:21
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
יוֹאָב֙
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.
לַ/כּוּשִׁ֔י
Kûwshîy
H3569
"Cushite"
Prep | Ngmsa
A Cushite is a descendant of Cush, referring to someone from Ethiopia. They are mentioned as a distinct group in the Bible.
Definition: Someone from Cush Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Cush" H3568A) § Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness" one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people (TWOT) Ethiopian
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s). See also: 2 Samuel 18:21; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Jeremiah 13:23.
לֵ֛ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
הַגֵּ֥ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
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.
לַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | 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.
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.
רָאִ֑יתָה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
כוּשִׁ֛י
Kûwshîy
H3569
"Cushite"
Ngmsa
A Cushite is a descendant of Cush, referring to someone from Ethiopia. They are mentioned as a distinct group in the Bible.
Definition: Someone from Cush Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Cush" H3568A) § Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness" one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people (TWOT) Ethiopian
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s). See also: 2 Samuel 18:21; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Jeremiah 13:23.
לְ/יוֹאָ֖ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
Prep | 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/יָּרֹֽץ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 18:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
Context — David Mourns for Absalom
19Then 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.”
20But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”
21So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.
22Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” 23“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.2 Samuel 18:21 Summary
[In this verse, Joab tells a Cushite to go and tell King David what he has seen, which is a significant moment in the story. This shows that Joab is trying to be careful about how the news is delivered, and wants the king to hear it from someone who has actually seen what happened. This can teach us about the importance of being thoughtful and responsible when sharing news with others, as seen in the book of Ephesians 4:29. By being mindful of the impact of our words, we can seek to build each other up and promote love and kindness, rather than causing harm or division.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab choose a Cushite to deliver the news to the king?
Joab may have chosen the Cushite because he was a neutral party, not being an Israelite, and therefore might be seen as a more objective messenger, similar to how the prophet Jonah was sent to the non-Israelite city of Nineveh in the book of Jonah 1:1-2.
What was the significance of the Cushite bowing to Joab before taking off running?
The Cushite's bow was a sign of respect and obedience to Joab's authority, demonstrating that he acknowledged Joab's command and was submitting to it, as seen in other biblical accounts of respect and submission, such as in the book of Ruth 2:10.
Why did Joab instruct the Cushite to tell the king what he had seen, rather than giving him a specific message?
Joab may have wanted the king to hear a firsthand account of the events, allowing him to process the news in his own way, much like how the apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to seek wisdom and understanding in 1 Corinthians 14:20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewarding information and news?
This verse highlights the importance of being responsible and discerning when sharing news, as seen in the book of Proverbs 10:32, which encourages believers to speak wisely and thoughtfully.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to deliver difficult news to someone, and how did I handle it?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of respect and obedience, like the Cushite, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways that I can be more mindful of the impact of my words and actions on others, and seek to be a faithful steward of the information and news that I share?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with challenging or uncertain circumstances, like those presented in this verse and in the book of Psalms 27:14?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:21
Then said Joab to Cushi,.... The Ethiopian, or blackamoor; who either was an Ethiopian by birth and proselyted, or he was an Israelite of a black complexion, and therefore so called; and was judged a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:21
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. Then said Joab to Cushi , [ la-Kuwshiy (H3569)] - to the Ethiopian.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
To Cushi, or, to an Ethiopian; so he might be by birth, and yet by profession an Israelite.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
2 Samuel 18:21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.Ver. 21. Then said Joab to Cushi.] Cuidam Aethiopi; so Tremellius rendereth it; to a certain blackamoor, some slave that belonged to David’ s house, whose acceptance before the king Joab did not so much regard; and, because of his blackness, he might be the fitter messenger of such doleful tidings, as he knew it would be to David. Non est nomen proprium. - Vat.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
(21) Cushi.—Rather, the Cushite, probably an Ethiopian slave in Joab’s service, for whose falling under the king’s displeasure he had little care.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
Verse 21. Tell the king what thou hast seen] At this time the death of Absalom was not publicly known; but Joab had given Cushi private information of it. This Ahimaaz had not, for he could not tell the king whether Absalom were dead. To this Joab seems to refer, 2 Samuel 18:22: "Thou hast no tidings ready."
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:21
21. Cushi] Rather, the Cushite, an Ethiopian slave in Joab’s service, who would have little to lose by the king’s displeasure.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:21
Cushi - “The Cushite,” a foreign slave, perhaps of Joab’s, whom he did not scruple to expose to David’s anger. If, however, it is a name, it must be rendered “Haccushi.” In the title to Ps.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:21
21. Cushi — Supposed by some to have been an Ethiopian slave in the service of Joab. What thou hast seen — He was probably among those ten young men (2 Samuel 18:15) that smote Absalom.