2 Samuel 2:14
2 Samuel 2:14 in Multiple Translations
Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men, I pray thee, arise and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men give a test of their strength before us. And Joab said, Let them do so.
Abner said to Joab, “Let's have some of the men fight in hand-to-hand combat before us.” “Fine,” Joab agreed.
Then Abner saide to Ioab, Let the yong men nowe arise, and play before vs. And Ioab said, Let them arise.
And Abner saith unto Joab, 'Let the youths rise, I pray thee, and they play before us;' and Joab saith, 'Let them rise.'
Abner said to Joab, “Please let the young men arise and compete before us!” Joab said, “Let them arise!”
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
And Abner said to Joab: Let the young men rise, and play before us. And Joab answered: Let them rise.
Abner said to Joab, “Let’s tell some of our young men to fight each other!” Joab replied, “Okay!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:14
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 2:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אַבְנֵר֙
אֶל
יוֹאָ֔ב
יָק֤וּמוּ
נָא֙
הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
וִֽ/ישַׂחֲק֖וּ
לְ/פָנֵ֑י/נוּ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יוֹאָ֖ב
יָקֻֽמוּ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְנֵר֙
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
יָק֤וּמוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
נָא֙
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-mp
וִֽ/ישַׂחֲק֖וּ
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לְ/פָנֵ֑י/נוּ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֖ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
יָקֻֽמוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:14
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
אַבְנֵר֙
ʼAbnêr
H74
"Abner"
N-proper
Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.
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.
יוֹאָ֔ב
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.
יָק֤וּמוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
נָא֙
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וִֽ/ישַׂחֲק֖וּ
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
לְ/פָנֵ֑י/נוּ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יוֹאָ֖ב
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.
יָקֻֽמוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 2:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:14
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
12One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
13So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool.
14Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.
15So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. 16Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 2:17 | The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:23 | The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:14 | To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:18 | Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. |
| 5 | Proverbs 26:18–19 | Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 2:26–27 | Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?” “As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 25:8 | do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? |
2 Samuel 2:14 Summary
In 2 Samuel 2:14, Abner suggests a competition between the young men of the two groups, and Joab agrees. This verse shows us how quickly things can escalate from a seemingly harmless idea to a violent conflict, as seen in the following verses. It reminds us of the importance of seeking peace and avoiding strife, as encouraged in Psalm 34:14 and Romans 12:18. By considering the motivations and actions of Abner and Joab, we can learn valuable lessons about wise decision-making, humility, and the pursuit of peace, as seen in Proverbs 24:6 and Matthew 5:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Abner trying to accomplish by suggesting a competition between the young men?
Abner was trying to ease the tension between the two groups and possibly to show the strength of his side, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:14, but this attempt at peace ultimately led to further conflict, highlighting the deep divisions between the followers of David and those of Ish-bosheth, as noted in 2 Samuel 2:12-13.
Why did Joab agree to Abner's proposal?
Joab agreed to Abner's proposal, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:14, possibly because he was confident in the abilities of David's men, or perhaps he wanted to test their strength against the followers of Ish-bosheth, which can be understood in the context of 2 Samuel 2:13 and the overall situation.
What can we learn from the interaction between Abner and Joab in this verse?
The interaction between Abner and Joab in 2 Samuel 2:14 teaches us about the importance of wise decision-making and the potential consequences of our actions, as seen in Proverbs 24:6, which emphasizes the value of guidance and counsel in times of uncertainty.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of 2 Samuel, which explores the transition of power from Saul to David, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13, and the conflicts that arose during this period, highlighting themes of leadership, loyalty, and God's sovereignty, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:1-7 and Psalm 75:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can apply the principle of wise decision-making, as seen in the interaction between Abner and Joab, to our own lives and relationships?
- How can we balance confidence in our abilities with humility and a recognition of our limitations, as seen in Joab's agreement to Abner's proposal?
- What role does pride play in conflict and competition, and how can we cultivate humility and a desire for peace, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18?
- In what ways can we, like Abner and Joab, be instruments of peace or conflict in our relationships and communities, and what are the consequences of our choices, as noted in Proverbs 10:12 and James 3:18?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:14
And Abner said to Joab,.... Perceiving he made no motion towards an engagement with him, his orders from David being only to act on the defensive, and avoid as much as possible the effusion of blood:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:14
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
Abner trusting to his greater numbers, offers battle. Play before us, i.e. show their prowess and dexterity in managing their weapons, and fighting together. He speaks like a vain-glorious and cruel man, and a soldier of fortune, that esteemed it a sport to see men wounding and killing one another. So this he designed, partly for their mutual recreation, and trial of skill and valour; and partly that by this occasion they might be engaged in a battle.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
2 Samuel 2:14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.Ver. 14. Let the young men now arise, and play before us,] i.e., Spectaculi causa pugnent, let them hack and hew one another, to make us sport; as the sword players did among the Romans, till good Theodosius forbade that bloody pastime, as hateful to God, and abhorred of all good men. At the taking of Tripolis in Barbary, the Turks, having in their hands one John de Chabis, a Frenchman, brought him into the town, and when they had cut off his hands and his nose, put him quick into the ground to the waist, and there, for their pleasure, shot at him with their arrows; and afterwards cut his throat. The Spaniards day by day, for their pleasure, whip the poor Indians with cords, and drop their naked bodies with burning bacon; this being one of the least cruelties they exercise upon those wretches, to make themselves merry in the others’ misery. Let them arise.] Joab was true touch, as they call it, and soon accepted the challenge: but better he had not; for the issue was bloody. Many martialists, fleshed with such horrid acts and aspects, make little reckoning of bloodshed. O formosum spectaculum! Oh, brave sight! said Hannibal, when he saw a pit full of men’ s blood. O rem regiam!
Oh, kingly act! said Valesus, when he had slain three hundred men. Turk. Hist., p. 756.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
(14) Let the young men.—To avoid unnecessary bloodshed between the tribes of a common parentage, and also, perhaps, to prevent the weakening of the nation in the face of their common Philistine foe, Abner proposes that the struggle should be decided by a combat between a few champions chosen on either side, and Joab immediately accepts the proposal. Hervey (Speaker’s Commentary) aptly compares this combat to that of the Horatii and Curiatii, under strikingly similar circumstances and with similar results, as described by Livy (I., 100 10:25).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
Verse 14. Let the young men - play before us.] This was diabolical play, where each man thrust his sword into the body of the other, so that the twenty-four (twelve on each side) fell down dead together! But this was the signal for that sanguinary skirmish which immediately took place.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:14
14. Let the young men now arise] “Young men” here means “servants” or “soldiers.” Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 4:12. Desirous to avoid the horrors of a civil war, which would weaken the whole nation in the face of its common enemy the Philistines, perhaps also prompted by friendly relations with Joab, Abner proposes to decide the day by a combat between two bodies of picked men. The combat of the Horatii and Curiatii, which decided the war between Alba and Rome, affords a parallel in classical story. Livy represents the Alban dictator, Mettius Fuffetius, as urging this plan of ending the war, lest both nations, weakened by the losses of a general battle, should fall into the hands of their common enemy the Etruscans. See Livy I. 23–25. and play before us] The word “play” is used euphemistically in reference to fighting. There is no indication that a bloodless tournament was intended. Livy calls the combat above referred to “minime gratum spectaculum,” “an exhibition which was by no means an amusement.”
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:14
Play - (Compare Judges 16:25; 1 Samuel 18:7). Here, the word is applied to the serious game of war, to be played by twelve combatants on each side, with the two armies for spectators.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14
14. Let the young men now arise, and play before us — Implying that the contest between the house of Saul and the house of David should be decided by this action of the young warriors.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Samuel 4:13 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin a |
|
The Fool's Bauble, the Fool's Fiddle by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of indulging in sin, describing it as the 'fool's bauble' and 'fool's fiddle.' He emphasizes that fools take delight in wickedness, treating s |
|
c.j. Mahaney: Faith Works in Humility by Adrian Warnock | In this sermon, CJ Mahaney introduces himself and expresses his gratitude for the support and prayers of the congregation. He emphasizes the importance of peacemaking and resolving |
|
How to Organize an Underground Church - Part 2 by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of brainwashing, particularly in the context of communist prisons. He describes the intense methods used in these prisons, where p |
|
Proverbs 25- Anger Destroys Families" by Nofo Eletise | This sermon emphasizes the importance of key virtues in the Christian life, focusing on patience, privacy, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. It highlights the need fo |
|
|
Words to Live by (Prov + John 12) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of allowing God to work in each individual's heart, recognizing that people may respond differently to His presence—some rejoicing while ot |