2 Samuel 18:25
2 Samuel 18:25 in Multiple Translations
So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near,
And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
And the watchman gave news of it to the king. And the king said, If he is coming by himself, then he has news. And the man was travelling quickly, and came near.
So he shouted down to tell the king. “If he's by himself then he's bringing good news,” the king replied. As the first runner got closer,
And the watchman cryed, and tolde ye king. And the King said, If he be alone, he bringeth tidings. And he came apace, and drew neere.
And the watchman calleth, and declareth to the king, and the king saith, 'If by himself, tidings [are] in his mouth;' and he cometh, coming on and drawing near.
The watchman shouted and told the king. The king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” He came closer and closer.
And the watchman called, and told the king. And the king said, If he is alone there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
And crying out he told the king: and the king said: If he be alone, there are good tidings in his mouth. And as he was coming apace, and drawing nearer,
The watchman called down and reported it to the king. The king said, “If he is alone, that indicates/means that he is bringing good news.” The man who was running continued to come closer.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:25
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 18:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
הַ/צֹּפֶה֙
וַ/יַּגֵּ֣ד
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
אִם
לְ/בַדּ֖/וֹ
בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה
בְּ/פִ֑י/ו
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
הָל֖וֹךְ
וְ/קָרֵֽב
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/צֹּפֶה֙
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
Art | V-Qal
וַ/יַּגֵּ֣ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לְ/בַדּ֖/וֹ
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה
bᵉsôwrâh
H1309
good news
N-fs
בְּ/פִ֑י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָל֖וֹךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Ptc
וְ/קָרֵֽב
qârêb
H7131
approaching
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:25
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
הַ/צֹּפֶה֙
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
Art | V-Qal
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
וַ/יַּגֵּ֣ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
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/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לְ/בַדּ֖/וֹ
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה
bᵉsôwrâh
H1309
"good news"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means 'good news' or 'glad tidings', and can also imply a reward for sharing good news.
Definition: 1) news, good news, tidings, reward for good news 1a) good tidings 1b) tidings, news 1c) reward for good tidings
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: reward for tidings. See also: 2 Samuel 4:10; 2 Samuel 18:25; 2 Kings 7:9.
בְּ/פִ֑י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הָל֖וֹךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Ptc
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/קָרֵֽב
qârêb
H7131
"approaching"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means to approach or come near, and is used in the Bible to describe drawing near to God or a physical location. In Psalm 69:18, it describes the psalmist's desire to draw near to God.
Definition: near, approaching
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: approach, come (near, nigh), draw near. See also: Numbers 17:28; 2 Samuel 18:25; Ezekiel 45:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 18:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:25
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
Context — David Mourns for Absalom
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,
26the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. 27The 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.”2 Samuel 18:25 Summary
In 2 Samuel 18:25, the king is waiting to hear news about his son Absalom, and when he sees a lone runner approaching, he hopes it is good news. This shows how much he wants things to go well, just like we do when we are waiting for important news. The king's reaction teaches us to trust in God's goodness, even when we are unsure of the outcome, as we see in Romans 8:28, where it says that all things work together for good for those who love God. By trusting in God's sovereignty, like King David, we can face uncertain situations with hope and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the runner being alone in 2 Samuel 18:25?
In this context, a lone runner typically brought good news, as seen in the king's response, whereas multiple runners might indicate a need for discussion or debate, as hinted in 2 Samuel 18:26, where another runner is spotted.
How does the king's reaction to the runner relate to his character in this situation?
The king's hopeful response, 'If he is alone, he bears good news,' shows his desire for a positive outcome, reflecting his emotional state as a father concerned about his son Absalom, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:33.
What role does the watchman play in this scene, and what can we learn from his actions?
The watchman's diligence in observing and reporting the approaching runners demonstrates his responsibility and attention to detail, traits that are essential for believers, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:8 to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives.
How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of David's life and reign?
This scene is part of the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion against King David, highlighting the king's emotional turmoil and his trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 51:1-19, where David expresses his repentance and trust in God's mercy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have anxiously awaited news, and how did you respond to the outcome?
- How can you, like the watchman, be more attentive to the details in your life and more diligent in your responsibilities?
- In what ways can you identify with King David's emotional state in this verse, and how can you apply his example of trust in God to your own life?
- What are some 'runners' in your life that bring you news, and how do you discern whether the news is good or bad?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:25
And the watchman cried and told the king,.... Called with a loud voice from the roof of the watchtower to the king, sitting between the gates, and informed him what he saw: and the king said, if he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:25
And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
There is tidings in his mouth; he is sent with some special message; which was a very probable conjecture; for if he had run or fled from the enemy, many others would have followed him.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
2 Samuel 18:25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he [be] alone, [there is] tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.Ver. 25. If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth.] Tidings of victory likely; for if an army be beaten they flee by troops; and it is seldom seen that the newsbearer hath cause to say, "I only am escaped alone to tell thee," as Job 1:15-16.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
Verse 25. If he be alone, there is tidings] That is, good tidings. For if the battle had been lost men would have been running in different directions through the country.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:25
25. If he be alone, &c.] If the army had been routed, a number of fugitives would have been seen coming together.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:25
25. If he be alone, there is tidings — For if many had been running together it would have indicated a flight.