2 Samuel 19:4
2 Samuel 19:4 in Multiple Translations
But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
And the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
But the king, covering his face, gave a great cry, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
The king held his face in his hands and sobbed loudly, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”
So the King hid his face, and the King cryed with a loude voyce, My sonne Absalom, Absalom my sonne, my sonne.
and the king hath covered his face, yea, the king crieth — a loud voice — 'My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son.'
The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!”
But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
And the king covered his head, and cried with a loud voice: O my son Absalom, O Absalom my son, O my son.
The king covered his face with his hands and kept crying loudly, “O, my son Absalom! O, Absalom, my son! My son!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:4
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 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְגַּנֵּ֥ב
הָ/עָ֛ם
בַּ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/ה֖וּא
לָ/ב֣וֹא
הָ/עִ֑יר
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יִתְגַּנֵּ֗ב
הָ/עָם֙
הַ/נִּכְלָמִ֔ים
בְּ/נוּסָ֖/ם
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
וַ/יִּתְגַּנֵּ֥ב
gânab
H1589
to steal
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
בַּ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
לָ/ב֣וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יִתְגַּנֵּ֗ב
gânab
H1589
to steal
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/נִּכְלָמִ֔ים
kâlam
H3637
be humiliated
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-c
בְּ/נוּסָ֖/ם
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 19:4
וַ/יִּתְגַּנֵּ֥ב
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בַּ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לָ/ב֣וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
יִתְגַּנֵּ֗ב
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/נִּכְלָמִ֔ים
kâlam
H3637
"be humiliated"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-c
To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.
Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.
בְּ/נוּסָ֖/ם
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 19:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:4
Context — Joab Reproves David
2And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.”
3So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle.
4But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. 6You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 18:33 | The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 15:30 | But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. |
2 Samuel 19:4 Summary
This verse shows how much King David loved his son Absalom, even though Absalom had rebelled against him. King David's cry for Absalom is a picture of God's love for us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. Just like King David, we can experience great sorrow and still trust in God's love and care for us, as stated in Psalm 34:18. We can learn from King David's example to love unconditionally and express our emotions in a healthy way, just as he did in his cry for Absalom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David cry out for Absalom despite his rebellion?
King David's cry for Absalom shows the depth of his love and sorrow as a father, despite Absalom's rebellion against him, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:4, and this is similar to God's love for us as described in Jeremiah 31:3.
What does King David's reaction reveal about his character?
King David's reaction reveals a complex character, capable of both great love and great sorrow, as seen in his cry for Absalom, and this is consistent with his actions in other parts of the Bible, such as in Psalm 51:1-19 where he repents of his sins.
How does this verse relate to the concept of unconditional love?
This verse illustrates unconditional love, as King David loves Absalom despite his rebellion, just as God loves us unconditionally, as stated in Romans 5:8 and seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
What can we learn from King David's emotional response to Absalom's death?
We can learn that it is okay to express our emotions and grieve, just like King David did, and that God is near to the brokenhearted, as stated in Psalm 34:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show unconditional love to those around me, just like King David showed to Absalom?
- How can I balance my emotions, like King David, and still make wise decisions in difficult situations?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of expressing my emotions and not bottling them up?
- In what ways can I identify with King David's sorrow and apply that to my own life when facing difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:4
But the king covered his face,.... And would not see his generals, and thank them for their services: but wrapped himself in his mantle, after the manner of mourners: and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:4
But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! The king covered his face - one of the usual signs of mourning (see the notes at 2 Samuel 15:30).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
The king covered his face, as a deep mourner, as one that desired neither to see, nor to be seen by any others.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
2 Samuel 19:4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!Ver. 4. But the king covered his face.] After the manner of mourners. See 2 Samuel 15:20. Aut prae pudore, ne flere videtur, saith Vatablus, - for shame, lest he should be seen to weep. O my son Absalom,] He had never done with this doleful ditty. How much sweeter sang David, when - like a bird that having got a note by the end, recordeth it over and over - he so oft repeateth in one psalm, "For his mercy endureth for ever!"
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
Verse 4. The king covered his face] This was the custom of mourners. O my son Absalom] Calmet has properly remarked that the frequent repetition of the name of the defunct, is common in the language of lamentation. Thus VIRGIL, act. v., ver. 51: - _____ Daphnin que team tollemus ad astra; Daphnin ad astra feremus: amavit nos quoque Daphnis. "With yours, my song I cheerfully shall join, To raise your Daphnis to the powers Divine. Daphnis I'll raise unto the powers above, For dear to me was Daphnis' well tried love." See the notes on the preceding chapter (2 Samuel 18).
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:4
4. covered his face] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 15:30.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:4
4. Covered his face — After the manner of mourners. 2 Samuel 15:30.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha |
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(2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Absalom's crime and his ultimate fate. The preacher mentions that some ancient rabbis believed that Absalom's crime was so sever |
|
O America, America by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the urgency for prayer, repentance, and seeking God's intervention in the face of societal decline and moral decay. It draws parallels from biblical stories |
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Anguish of Parents at the Perverseness of Children by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the grief of King David upon hearing of his son Absalom's death, emphasizing the anguish of a parent fearing for the eternal fate of their unprepared c |
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Deep Calleth Unto Deep by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being caught in a storm on a boat. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the preacher and his companion prayed and eventual |
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(2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the character of Absalom and his cunning tactics to win the hearts of the people of Israel. Absalom would sympathize with anyone who came to |