2 Samuel 18:23
2 Samuel 18:23 in Multiple Translations
“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.
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.
Whatever may come of it, he said, I will go. Then he said to him, Go. So Ahimaaz went running by the lowland road and overtook the Cushite.
“Doesn't matter, I want to run anyway,” he said. “Fine, start running!” Joab told him. Ahimaaz took the route over flatter ground and overtook the Ethiopian.
Yet what if I runne? Then he saide vnto him, Runne. So Ahimaaz ranne by the way of the plaine, and ouerwent Cushi.
'And, whatever it be, [said he,] let me run.' And he saith to him, 'Run;' and Ahimaaz runneth the way of the circuit, and passeth by the Cushite.
“But come what may,” he said, “I will run.” He said to him, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.
But however, said he , let me run. And he said to him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran Cushi.
He answered: But what if I run? And he said to him: Run. Then Achimaas running by a nearer way passed Chusai.
But Ahimaaz replied, “That does not matter, I want to go.” So Joab said, “Okay, go.” So Ahimaaz ran along another road through the Jordan Valley and arrived where David was before the man from Ethiopia arrived.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:23
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 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִ/יהִי
מָ֣ה
אָר֔וּץ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ל֖/וֹ
ר֑וּץ
וַ/יָּ֤רָץ
אֲחִימַ֨עַץ֙
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
הַ/כִּכָּ֔ר
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֖ר
אֶת
הַ/כּוּשִֽׁי
וִ/יהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אָר֔וּץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
ר֑וּץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וַ/יָּ֤רָץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲחִימַ֨עַץ֙
ʼĂchîymaʻats
H290
Ahimaaz
N-proper
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הַ/כִּכָּ֔ר
kikkâr
H3603
talent
Art | N-cs
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/כּוּשִֽׁי
Kûwshîy
H3569
Cushite
Art | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:23
וִ/יהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-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.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אָר֔וּץ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
ר֑וּץ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
וַ/יָּ֤רָץ
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.
אֲחִימַ֨עַץ֙
ʼĂchîymaʻats
H290
"Ahimaaz"
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.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הַ/כִּכָּ֔ר
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
Art | N-cs
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.
וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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/כּוּשִֽׁי
Kûwshîy
H3569
"Cushite"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 18:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:23
Context — David Mourns for Absalom
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.
24Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. 25So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 20:4 | The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. |
2 Samuel 18:23 Summary
In 2 Samuel 18:23, Ahimaaz shows great enthusiasm and determination to run and bring news to King David, even when initially discouraged by Joab. This verse teaches us about the importance of perseverance and trust in God's plan (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). Ahimaaz's story encourages us to be eager to serve others and please God, just like the apostle Paul's desire to please Jesus in Galatians 1:10. By trusting in God's sovereignty and being obedient to those in authority, we can demonstrate our loyalty to Him and serve others with joy and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahimaaz want to run so badly in 2 Samuel 18:23?
Ahimaaz wanted to run to bring news to King David, despite Joab's initial hesitation, showing his eagerness to serve and please the king, much like the disciples' enthusiasm to serve Jesus in Matthew 20:20-28.
What can we learn from Joab's response to Ahimaaz in this verse?
Joab's response teaches us to sometimes let go of our reservations and allow others to take initiative, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:23, and trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 19:21.
How does Ahimaaz's running relate to our spiritual lives?
Ahimaaz's determination to run, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:23, can be compared to our own spiritual race, where we are called to persevere and trust in God's strength, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:1-3 and Philippians 3:12-14.
What role does obedience play in this verse?
Ahimaaz's obedience to Joab's eventual command to run demonstrates the importance of obeying authority, as taught in Romans 13:1-2 and Hebrews 13:17, while also showing his loyalty to King David.
Reflection Questions
- What motivates you to serve others, and how can you apply that motivation to your daily life?
- In what ways can you demonstrate perseverance and determination in your spiritual journey, just like Ahimaaz running in 2 Samuel 18:23?
- How do you respond when faced with hesitation or opposition, and what can you learn from Joab's response to Ahimaaz?
- What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in your decision-making, and how can you apply that trust in your life, as seen in Proverbs 19:21?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:23
But howsoever ([said he]) let me run,.... Be it as it may, I beg I may have leave; and being so very importunate, it was granted: and he said unto him, run; since he would take no denial: then
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:23
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. By the way of the plain - or 'ciccar,' circle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
The way of the plain was the smoother and easier, though the longer way.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, [said he], let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.Ver. 23. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain.] Which was the nearest way, though farthest about.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
(23) By the way of the plain.—The word used here is generally applied to the valley of the Jordan and hence it has been argued that the battle could not have been fought on the eastern side of the river, since, in that case, Ahimaaz could not have reached Mahanaim by the Jordan valley except by a long and tedious detour. But the word simply means circuit, or surrounding country, and is used in Nehemiah 12:28 for the country about Jerusalem. Here it means that Ahimaaz ran “by the way of the circuit,” i.e., in all probability, by a longer but smoother road than that taken by the Cushite, so that he was able to outrun him.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:23
23. by the way of the plain] “The plain” (Heb. kikkar) is the technical term for the floor of the valley through which the Jordan runs. In our ignorance of the exact position of the battlefield, we cannot trace the routes taken by the rival runners with certainty. But in all probability what is meant is that Ahimaaz struck down into the Jordan valley, and ran by a longer but easier route to Mahanaim, while the Cushite took the direct but more difficult route over the hills.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:23
The plain - The floor of the valley through which the Jordan runs. The Cushite did not run by that road, but took the road over the hills, which may well have been the shorter but also the more difficult road.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:23
23. Ran by the way of the plain — He seems to have understood the routes better than Cushi, and also to have been a swifter runner. What plain is here intended is not clear.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
All Types by George Matheson | George Matheson emphasizes the distinct types of boldness exhibited by Peter and John, both of whom derived their courage from their time with Jesus. While Peter's boldness is char |