2 Samuel 19:6

2 Samuel 19:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You 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!

King James Version KJV

In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

American Standard Version ASV

in that thou lovest them that hate thee, and hatest them that love thee. For thou hast declared this day, that princes and servants are nought unto thee: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For your haters, it seems, are dear to you, and your friends are hated. For you have made it clear that captains and servants are nothing to you: and now I see that if Absalom was living and we had all been dead today, it would have been right in your eyes.

Free Bible Version FBV

You did this by loving those who hate you and hating those who love you. Today you have made it plain that the commanders and the men don't mean anything to you. Today I'm sure that you'd be quite happy if Absalom was alive and all of us were dead!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

In that thou louest thine enemies, and hatest thy friendes: for thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither thy princes nor seruants: therefore this day I perceiue, that if Absalom had liued, and we all had dyed this day, that then it would haue pleased thee well.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

to love thine enemies, and to hate those loving thee, for thou hast declared to-day that thou hast no princes and servants, for I have known to-day that if Absalom [were] alive, and all of us to-day dead, that then it were right in thine eyes.

World English Bible WEB

in that you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have declared today that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and we had all died today, then it would have pleased you well.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

In that thou lovest thy enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou lovest them that hate thee, and thou hatest them that love thee: and thou hast shewn this day that thou carest not for thy nobles, nor for thy servants: and I now plainly perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had been slain, then it would have pleased thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

It seems that you love those who hate you and that you hate those who love you. You have caused it to be clear today that your commanders and your officers are not at all important to you. I think that if Absalom were still alive and we were all dead today, you would be happy.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:6

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 19:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֥א יוֹאָ֛ב אֶל הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ הַ/בָּ֑יִת וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ הֹבַ֨שְׁתָּ הַ/יּ֜וֹם אֶת פְּנֵ֣י כָל עֲבָדֶ֗י/ךָ הַֽ/מְמַלְּטִ֤ים אֶֽת נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֙ הַ/יּ֔וֹם וְ/אֵ֨ת נֶ֤פֶשׁ בָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ וּ/בְנֹתֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ נָשֶׁ֔י/ךָ וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ פִּלַגְשֶֽׁי/ךָ

וַ/יָּבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יוֹאָ֛ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

הַ/בָּ֑יִת bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הֹבַ֨שְׁתָּ yâbêsh H3001 to wither V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

הַ/יּ֜וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עֲבָדֶ֗י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

הַֽ/מְמַלְּטִ֤ים mâlaṭ H4422 to escape Art | V-Piel

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֙ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

הַ/יּ֔וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

וְ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

נֶ֤פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs

בָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

וּ/בְנֹתֶ֔י/ךָ bath H1323 Bath (Shua) Conj | N-fp | Suff

וְ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Conj | N-cs

נָשֶׁ֔י/ךָ ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fp | Suff

וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Conj | N-cs

פִּלַגְשֶֽׁי/ךָ pîylegesh H6370 concubine N-fp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 19:6

וַ/יָּבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

יוֹאָ֛ב 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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ 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/בָּ֑יִת bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ 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.

הֹבַ֨שְׁתָּ yâbêsh H3001 "to wither" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.

Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.

הַ/יּ֜וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | 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.

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.

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

עֲבָדֶ֗י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | 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.

הַֽ/מְמַלְּטִ֤ים mâlaṭ H4422 "to escape" Art | V-Piel

This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.

Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֙ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

הַ/יּ֔וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

וְ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

נֶ֤פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs

בָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

וּ/בְנֹתֶ֔י/ךָ bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" Conj | N-fp | Suff

The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

וְ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Conj | N-cs

נָשֶׁ֔י/ךָ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fp | Suff

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Conj | N-cs

פִּלַגְשֶֽׁי/ךָ pîylegesh H6370 "concubine" N-fp | Suff

A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Solomon. This word can also refer to a paramour, or a person's lover. The Bible mentions concubines in the context of polygamy and relationships.

Definition: 1) concubine, paramour 1a) concubine 1b) paramour

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: concubine, paramour. See also: Genesis 22:24; 2 Samuel 5:13; Ezekiel 23:20.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:6

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Context — Joab Reproves David

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!

7Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!” 8So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 23:5	“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ”
2	2 Samuel 3:24–25	So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”
3	Proverbs 19:9–10	A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
4	Job 34:18	who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

2 Samuel 19:6 Summary

In 2 Samuel 19:6, Joab tells King David that he is acting like he loves those who hate him and hates those who love him, because he is so sad about his son Absalom's death, but not showing any appreciation for the soldiers who just saved his life. This is a reminder that our actions can show where our heart really is, and that we should be careful not to take for granted those who are loyal to us, as seen in Proverbs 17:17. We can learn from this verse to be mindful of how we treat others and to show gratitude to those who support us, just like we are encouraged to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joab rebuke King David in 2 Samuel 19:6?

Joab rebuked King David because the king's excessive grief over Absalom's death was seen as a disregard for the lives of his loyal soldiers who had just saved him, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:1-33, and this behavior could lead to the loss of their loyalty, as warned in 2 Samuel 19:7.

What does it mean that King David 'loved those who hated him and hated those who loved him'?

This phrase, found in 2 Samuel 19:6, means that King David's actions showed more affection and concern for his rebellious son Absalom than for his faithful soldiers who had risked their lives to protect him, which is a reversal of the love and loyalty expected between a king and his people, as expressed in Deuteronomy 23:5 and Proverbs 27:6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership and loyalty?

This verse highlights the importance of leaders showing appreciation and recognition to their loyal followers, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:24-25 and Matthew 10:42, for it is this mutual respect and gratitude that strengthens relationships and ensures continued loyalty and support.

What can we learn from Joab's boldness in speaking to King David?

Joab's boldness in speaking to King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:5-7, teaches us the importance of honest and timely communication, even with those in positions of authority, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:5-6 and Ephesians 4:15, in order to address issues and prevent further harm or division.

Reflection Questions

In what ways might I be showing favor to those who do not have my best interests at heart, while neglecting those who are truly loyal to me?
How can I, like Joab, speak the truth in love to those in authority over me, without fear of reprisal, and what are the potential consequences of remaining silent?
What are some practical ways I can demonstrate my appreciation and gratitude to those who have supported and helped me, as King David should have done with his soldiers?
In what areas of my life do I need to re-evaluate my priorities and show more love and concern for those who are truly on my side, rather than those who may be against me?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:6

In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends,.... Which though not strictly true, there was some appearance of it, which is here greatly exaggerated; in that he expressed so much grief

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:6

In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:6

This is not to be understood as exactly true in the rigour of it, but only comparatively and hyperbolically spoken; for David desired their preservation and Absalom’ s too: but it must be considered that Joab was now in a high transport of passion, which might easily hurry him into indecent expressions; and that David’ s carriage gave too much colour to such a suggestion; and that such sharpness of speech was in a manner necessary to awaken the king out of his lethargy, and to preserve him from the impendent mischiefs.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:6

2 Samuel 19:6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.Ver. 6. And hatest thy friends.] This was not true: neither did David love Absalom as an enemy, but as a son, through a nimium excessively of natural affection. Then it had pleased thee well.] But what, then, would have become of good David? and how would his darling son have served him? would he not have been forced, if he escaped with life, to supplicate Absalom in like sort as old Andronicus, the great emperor, to this effect did his young nephew? ‘ Reverence my miserable old age, which of itself promiseth unto me shortly death, but unto thee a rest after long cares; reverence the hands which have oftentimes most lovingly embraced thee, yet crying in thy swathing clothes; reverence those lips which have oftentimes most lovingly kissed thee and called thee mine other self; have pity upon a bruised reed cast down by fortune, and do not thou again tread upon it. And seeing thou art thyself a man, be not too proud of thy present condition, but consider the uncertainty and variety of worldly things, taking by me example. See in me the end of long life, and marvel how one might, having received me an emperor of many years, leave me now subject unto another man’ s power for ever.’ Thus he, and much more to the same purpose. Turk. Hist., fol. 172.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:6

6. neither princes nor servants] Neither the captains of the army (ch. 2 Samuel 18:1; 2 Samuel 18:5), nor the soldiers.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:6

6. Thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends — Certainly David’s conduct justified this charge.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:6

	Sermon	Description
	(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
	Colossians 1:15-18 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the exalted nature of Jesus Christ as the Image of the invisible God and the Firstborn of all creation. He emphasizes that Jesus, as God's Son, is th
	The Three Ananiases. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar explores the three Ananiases in the Bible, contrasting their lives and spiritual states. The first Ananias represents those who are religiously active yet spiritually
	(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal
	Lying Lips by Erlo Stegen	This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sp
	Some of the Mis Representations by Job Scott	In this sermon, the preacher exposes the misrepresentations contained in a pamphlet titled 'A Letter from a Friend in America to Luke Howard of Tottenham, near London.' The preache
	The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious - Part 3 by William Dool Killen	William Dool Killen preaches about the controversy surrounding the date of the martyrdom of Polycarp and its implications on the Ignatian Epistles. He discusses the arguments prese