2 Samuel 20:20
2 Samuel 20:20 in Multiple Translations
“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!
And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
And Joab, answering her, said, Far, far be it from me to be a cause of death or destruction;
“Certainly not!” Joab answered. “It's not what I want—to destroy or tear down this town!
And Ioab answered, and said, God forbid, God forbid it me, that I should deuoure, or destroy it.
And Joab answereth and saith, 'Far be it — far be it from me; I do not swallow up nor destroy.
Joab answered, “Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
And Joab answering said: God forbid, God forbid that I should, I do not throw down, nor destroy.
Job replied, “I would certainly never want to ruin or destroy your town!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:20
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 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
יוֹאָ֖ב
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
חָלִ֨ילָ/ה֙
לִ֔/י
אִם
אֲבַלַּ֖ע
וְ/אִם
אַשְׁחִֽית
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֖ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
forbid
Part | Suff
חָלִ֨ילָ/ה֙
châlîylâh
H2486
forbid
Part | Suff
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֲבַלַּ֖ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
אַשְׁחִֽית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
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 20:20
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
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.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
"forbid"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.
Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.
חָלִ֨ילָ/ה֙
châlîylâh
H2486
"forbid"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.
Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֲבַלַּ֖ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אַשְׁחִֽית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 20:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:20
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:20
Context — Sheba’s Rebellion
18Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.
19I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”
20“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!
21That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” 22Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 10:29 | But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? |
| 4 | Job 22:18 | But it was He who filled their houses with good things; so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked. |
| 5 | Job 21:16 | Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 23:17 | saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 20:10 | Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. |
2 Samuel 20:20 Summary
In 2 Samuel 20:20, Joab is saying that he does not want to destroy the city or hurt its people, which is in line with the biblical value of preserving life and promoting peace, as seen in Genesis 9:6 and Matthew 5:9. He wants to find a peaceful solution to the problem, which is a great example for us to follow in our own lives. By seeking to resolve conflicts peacefully, we can avoid causing harm to others and instead work towards reconciliation and healing, as encouraged in Romans 12:18. This approach can help us build stronger, more loving relationships with those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Joab mean by 'Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy' in 2 Samuel 20:20?
Joab is expressing his strong objection to destroying the city, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:20, and instead seeks to resolve the conflict peacefully, similar to the approach encouraged in Matthew 5:9, where Jesus teaches about being peacemakers.
Is Joab's statement in 2 Samuel 20:20 a genuine expression of his intentions?
Joab's statement appears to be sincere, as he is willing to spare the city if Sheba son of Bichri is handed over, demonstrating a desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, in line with the value of preserving life found in Genesis 9:6.
How does Joab's response in 2 Samuel 20:20 relate to the woman's words in 2 Samuel 20:19?
Joab's response is a direct reaction to the woman's plea to spare the city, as she reminds him that destroying it would be equivalent to swallowing up the LORD's inheritance, a concept also found in Deuteronomy 4:20, where the Israelites are reminded of their special status as God's people.
What can we learn from Joab's words in 2 Samuel 20:20 about conflict resolution?
Joab's statement highlights the importance of seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, as also taught in Romans 12:18, where believers are encouraged to live at peace with everyone, if possible, and to avoid violence whenever feasible.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Joab, seek to resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid causing harm to others?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of preserving life and avoiding unnecessary destruction, as seen in Joab's response, to my own life and relationships?
- What role can wise and faithful counsel, like that of the woman in 2 Samuel 20:19, play in helping me navigate difficult situations and make godly decisions?
- How can I balance the need to stand up for what is right with the importance of avoiding violence and promoting peace, as seen in Joab's words and actions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:20
And Joab answered and said, far be it from me, far be it from me,.... He repeats these words, to show how detestable it was to him to do what she suggested: that I should swallow up or destroy; any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:20
And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
A man of Mount Ephraim. Quest. How can this be so when he is called a Benjamite, ? Answ, Either he was a Benjamite by birth, but dwelt in the tribe of Ephraim, as many did upon several occasions dwell out of their own tribes; or Mount Ephraim was a place in Benjamin, which might be so called, either because it was upon the borders of Ephraim, and looked towards it; or from some notable action or event of the Ephraimites in that place. Compare . Hath lift up his hand, i.e. taken up arms, or raised rebellion. His head shall be thrown, to thee over the wall; which she undertook, because she knew the present temper and great fears of the citizens, and soldiers too; and that considering their evident and extreme danger, they were generally desirous of peace, from which they were restrained only by Sheba’ s authority and interest; and therefore did not doubt by God’ s blessing upon her wise counsel to effect it, as indeed she did. And it is not unlikely that this woman might be a governess in that city for though this office was commonly performed by men, yet were not the women wholly excluded, but sometimes employed in the government; as we see in Deborah, who judged Israel, ; and queen Athaliah, 2 Kings 11.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
2 Samuel 20:20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.Ver. 20. Far be it, far be it from me.] He utterly disclaimeth and disavoweth all such bloodthirstiness as wherewith she chargeth him. He affected not the title of Poliorcetes or city-destroyer: but rather of Euergetes, a preserver of his country, a general benefactor.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
(20) Far be it from me.—Joab strongly disclaims the idea of any further harm to any one than the necessary destruction of the rebel Sheba. Joab’s character “is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive, or even revengeful. No life is safe that stands in his way, but from policy he never sacrifices the most insignificant life without a purpose.”—Speaker’s Commentary.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:20
Joab’s character is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive, or even revengeful.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Bless the Earth, Oh My Soul! by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking God for the power to convey His word to those gathered who hunger for truth. The sermon is based on Luke chapter 10, where a lawyer te |
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The Sin of Being Unloving (Telugu) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in God, highlighting the need to abstain from wickedness and run away from sin as a mark of being God's people. |
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Christian Charity (Or the Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the duty of charity to the poor, emphasizing the importance of giving bountifully and willingly to those in need, regardless of their circumstances |
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Lincoln and the Bible by Elton Trueblood | Abraham Lincoln's deep reverence for the Bible is evident in his speeches and actions, acknowledging it as the best gift from God and the source of all that is good and desirable f |
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The Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the story of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as oursel |
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The Master Teacher by Harris Franklin Rall | Harris Franklin Rall preaches about Jesus as a teacher, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to teaching throughout his ministry, from his interactions with crowds to his devoted |
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A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |