2 Samuel 19:37
2 Samuel 19:37 in Multiple Translations
Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
Let your servant now go back again, so that when death comes to me, it may be in my town and by the resting-place of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham: let him go with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.
Then let your servant go back home, that I may die in my home town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant, my son Chimham. Let him cross over with Your Majesty, and treat him as you think best.”
I pray thee, let thy seruant turne backe againe, that I may die in mine owne citie, and be buryed in the graue of my father and of my mother: but beholde thy seruant Chimham, let him goe with my lorde the king, and doe to him what shall please thee.
Let, I pray thee, thy servant turn back again, and I die in mine own city, near the burying-place of my father and of my mother, — and lo, thy servant Chimham, let him pass over with my lord the king, and do thou to him that which [is] good in thine eyes.'
Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”
Let thy servant, I pray thee, return again, that I may die in my own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to thee.
But I beseech thee let thy servant return, and die in my own city, and be buried by the sepulchre of my father, and of my mother. But there is thy servant Chamaam, let him go with thee, my lord, the king, and do to him whatsoever seemeth good to thee.
Then please allow me to return to my home, because that is where I want to die, near my parents’ grave. But here is my son Chimham. Your Majesty, allow him to go with you and serve you, and do for him whatever seems good to you!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:37
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 19:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ/מְעַ֞ט
יַעֲבֹ֧ר
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֛
אֶת
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֖ן
אֶת
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וְ/לָ֨/מָּה֙
יִגְמְלֵ֣/נִי
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
הַ/גְּמוּלָ֖ה
הַ/זֹּֽאת
כִּ/מְעַ֞ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | N-ms
יַעֲבֹ֧ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֛
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֖ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/לָ֨/מָּה֙
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
יִגְמְלֵ֣/נִי
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הַ/גְּמוּלָ֖ה
gᵉmûwlâh
H1578
recompense
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
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 19:37
כִּ/מְעַ֞ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
יַעֲבֹ֧ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֛
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
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/יַּרְדֵּ֖ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
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.
וְ/לָ֨/מָּה֙
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | 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.
יִגְמְלֵ֣/נִי
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
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.
הַ/גְּמוּלָ֖ה
gᵉmûwlâh
H1578
"recompense"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means recompense or a reward for something done. It refers to dealing with someone in a certain way, either good or bad, and is translated as deed or recompense in the KJV.
Definition: dealing, recompense
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: deed, recompense, such a reward. See also: 2 Samuel 19:37; Isaiah 59:18; Jeremiah 51:56.
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 19:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:37
Context — David’s Kindness to Barzillai
35I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
36Your servant will go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward?
37Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”
38The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” 39So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 2:7 | But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 41:17 | And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:40 | Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king. |
| 4 | Genesis 49:29–31 | Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:6 | For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. |
| 6 | Genesis 48:21 | Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. |
| 7 | Joshua 23:14 | Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 13:22 | but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’” |
| 9 | Genesis 50:13 | They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 1:14 | because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. |
2 Samuel 19:37 Summary
In 2 Samuel 19:37, Barzillai is asking King David to let him return to his city and die near his family's tomb, and he is also asking the king to take care of his servant Chimham. This shows that Barzillai is trusting the king to do what is right and just, similar to how we can trust God to take care of us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Barzillai's request also demonstrates his humility and willingness to let go of things that are no longer his responsibility. We can learn from Barzillai's example by trusting God and being humble, as encouraged in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barzillai asking of King David in 2 Samuel 19:37?
Barzillai is requesting to return to his city and die near the tomb of his father and mother, and he is also asking the king to take care of his servant Chimham, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:37, similar to how God took care of the Israelites in Exodus 1:20-21.
Why does Barzillai want to return to his city?
Barzillai is eighty years old and feels that he can no longer keep up with the king, as stated in 2 Samuel 19:35, and he wants to spend his remaining days in his own city near his family's tomb, reminiscent of the importance of family and legacy in Genesis 25:9-11.
What does Barzillai mean by 'do for him what is good in your sight'?
Barzillai is leaving the care of his servant Chimham in the king's hands, trusting that the king will do what is right and just for him, similar to how God acts on behalf of those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of humility and trust in God?
Barzillai's request demonstrates his humility and trust in the king, and by extension, in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty, just like Barzillai trusted King David?
- How can I demonstrate humility and trust in my relationships with others, as Barzillai did with the king?
- What are some things that I am holding onto too tightly, and how can I release them to God, just like Barzillai released his servant Chimham to the king's care?
- How can I use my remaining days to serve and honor God, just like Barzillai wanted to spend his days in his own city near his family's tomb?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:37
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again,.... To his own city, after he is gone ever Jordan, and seen the king a little way on his journey: that I may die in my own city: the city of Rogelim,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:37
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
Chimham, Barzillai’ s son,
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
2 Samuel 19:37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.Ver. 37. That I may die in mine own city.] Where I may retire and rest me, prepare for death, lay hold on eternal life. This is, or ought to be, the old man’ s chief study.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
(37) Chimham.—It appears from 1 Kings 2:7, where David gives charge to Solomon to care for Barzillai’s sons, that Chimham was his son. This might be supposed from the narrative here, but is not expressly stated. In Jeremiah 41:17 mention is made of “the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem,” from which it is supposed that David conveyed to Chimham a house upon his own paternal estate.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
Verse 37. Thy servant Chimham] It is generally understood that this was Barzillai's son; and this is probable from 1Kg 2:7, where, when David was dying, he said, Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai: and it is very probable that this Chimham was one of them. In Jeremiah 41:17 mention is made of the habitation of Chimham, which was near to Bethlehem; and it is reasonably conjectured that David had left that portion, which was probably a part of his paternal estate, to this son of Barzillai.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:37
37. and be buried by the grave, &c.] The ancient affection for the family sepulchre is very remarkable. See Judges 8:32; 2 Samuel 2:32; 2 Samuel 17:23; 2 Samuel 21:14; 1 Kings 13:22. Chimham] Barzillai’s son, who with his brothers was specially commended to Solomon’s care (1 Kings 2:7). From the mention of “the habitation of Chimham which is by Bethlehem” in Jeremiah 41:17, it has been ingeniously inferred that Chimham received a grant of land from David’s patrimony at Bethlehem, which retained his name for at least four centuries. See Stanley’s Lect. II. 152.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:37
Chimham - From marginal references it appears that Chimham, having accepted David’s offer, came and settled near Bethlehem. His house was still called after him at the time of the captivity.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:37
37. By the grave of my father — The natives of a hill country generally have a tender desire to be buried among their kindred and their native hills.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) Bringing Back the King by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David's return to Jerusalem and the response of the people of Judah. He emphasizes the importance of using our resources for the |
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(Genesis) Genesis 23:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the politeness and civility of Abraham and the people of the land during a transaction. The speaker emphasizes that despite the common percept |
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Finishing the Course Well by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive observers. He compares our tendency to be "TV athletes" who watc |
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Here's My Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what |
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Four Essentials to Finishing Well by Jerry Bridges | This sermon emphasizes four essentials for standing firm and enduring to the end based on 2 Timothy chapter 4. It highlights the importance of daily communion with God, daily appro |
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The Great White Throne by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Great White Throne Judgment, a solemn event where all of mankind will be brought before God for review. The sermon explores the judge who |
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Forsaking the Ministry for the World by Walter Chantry | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not getting entangled in the affairs of this world as a soldier of Christ. He references Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" to |