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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 2 Samuel 20  › 2 Samuel 20:4

2 Samuel 20:4

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2 Samuel 20:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.”

King James Version KJV

¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said the king to Amasa, Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be thou here present.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the king said to Amasa, Get all the men of Judah together, and in three days be here yourself.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the king ordered Amasa, “Call up the army of Judah. Have them come to me within three days, and you come too.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then sayde the King to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Iudah within three dayes, and be thou here present.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king saith unto Amasa, 'Call for me the men of Judah [in] three days, and thou, stand here,'

World English Bible WEB

Then the king said to Amasa, “Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be here present.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble to me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king said to Amasa: Assemble to me all the men of Juda against the third day, and be thou here present.

Translation for Translators T4T

One day the king said to Amasa, “Summon the soldiers of Judah to come here within three days, and you be here also.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:4

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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֶל עֲמָשָׂ֔א הַזְעֶק לִ֥/י אֶת אִישׁ יְהוּדָ֖ה שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֑ים וְ/אַתָּ֖ה פֹּ֥ה עֲמֹֽד
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עֲמָשָׂ֔א ʻĂmâsâʼ H6021 Amasa N-proper
הַזְעֶק zâʻaq H2199 to cry out V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לִ֥/י Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
יָמִ֑ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
פֹּ֥ה pôh H6311 here Adv
עֲמֹֽד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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 20:4

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.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 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.
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.
עֲמָשָׂ֔א ʻĂmâsâʼ H6021 "Amasa" N-proper
Amasa was a general in the army of Absalom and the son of Ithra or Jether by Abigail, David's sister. His name means burden and he is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 28:12.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.28.12; son of: Hadlai (H2311) § Amasa = "burden" 1) son of Ithra or Jether by Abigail the sister of David and general of the army of Absalom 2) son of Hadlai and a prince of Ephraim in the reign of king Ahaz
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Amasa. See also: 2 Samuel 17:25; 2 Samuel 20:10; 2 Chronicles 28:12.
הַזְעֶק zâʻaq H2199 "to cry out" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
לִ֥/י "" Prep | Suff
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.
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִ֑ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp
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.
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
פֹּ֥ה pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
עֲמֹֽד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 19:13 And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”
2 2 Samuel 17:25 Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.
3 1 Chronicles 2:17 Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.

2 Samuel 20:4 Summary

In this verse, King David is preparing for battle against a rebel named Sheba, and he asks Amasa to gather the men of Judah to join him. This shows that King David is still in charge and that he has the loyalty of the tribe of Judah, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:2. It's like when a leader asks for help from their most trusted friends or team members, as seen in Proverbs 27:9. King David is relying on the men of Judah to help him defeat the rebellion, just like we rely on God and our community for support, as mentioned in Psalm 23:4 and Hebrews 10:24-25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David ask Amasa to summon the men of Judah?

King David asked Amasa to summon the men of Judah to prepare for battle against Sheba, who had rebelled against him, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:4-6, and to show that he still had the loyalty of the tribe of Judah, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:2.

Who was Amasa and why was he chosen for this task?

Amasa was the son of Jether, an Ishmaelite, and Abigail, the sister of David, as seen in 1 Chronicles 2:17, and he was chosen for this task because he had been appointed as the commander of David's army, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 19:13.

What was the significance of the three-day time frame given to Amasa?

The three-day time frame given to Amasa to summon the men of Judah may have been a test of his loyalty and ability to follow orders, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:5, and it also shows that King David was eager to deal with the rebellion quickly, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:6.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of King David's reign?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of King David's reign, which includes his struggles with rebellion and his efforts to maintain control over Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 18-20, and it ultimately points to the importance of loyalty and obedience to God, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:1 and Matthew 22:37-38.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about King David's leadership style and his relationship with his people?
  2. How does Amasa's response to King David's command reflect his character and loyalty?
  3. What can we learn from King David's decision to summon the men of Judah, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
  4. How does this verse relate to the theme of loyalty and obedience in the Bible, and what are some other examples of this theme in Scripture?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:4

Then said the king to Amasa,.... Whom he had promised to make general of his army, 2 Samuel 19:13; and by the following order declared him such: assemble me the men of Judah within three days; which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:4

Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4

Assemble me the men of Judah, and march in the head of them as their general, as I have promised thee, . Within three days; which he supposed Amasa, having been their late general, could easily do; and the business required haste. Be thou here present within that time to receive orders and instructions from me.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4

2 Samuel 20:4 Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.Ver. 4. Within three days.] This task was long; the time short; but the necessity was pressing. Semper nocuit differre.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4

(4) To Amasa.—Thus David begins the fulfilment of his promise of 2 Samuel 19:13. It proved an act of very doubtful expediency at this crisis.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4

Verse 4. Then said the king to Amasa] Thus he invests him with the command of the army, and sends him to collect the men of Judah, and to come back to receive his orders in relation to Sheba, in three days. It appears that Amasa found more difficulty in collecting his country-men than was at first supposed; and this detaining him beyond the three days, David, fearing that Sheba's rebellion would get head, sent Abishai, who it appears was accompanied by Joab, to pursue after Sheba. Amasa, it seems, got up with them at Gibeon, 2 Samuel 20:8, where he was treacherously murdered by the execrable Joab.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:4

4–13. The pursuit of Sheba. Amasa murdered by Joab 4. to Amasa] The commission was given to Amasa in fulfilment of the promise privately made to him (ch. 2 Samuel 19:13). Assemble me the men of Judah] Clearly then “the men of Judah” in 2 Samuel 20:2 were only a small body of representatives.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:4

To Amasa ... - Evidently feeling his way toward fulfilling the promise to Amasa (marginal reference).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4

4. Said the king to Amasa — So he speedily carried out his pledge to this man. See 2 Samuel 19:13. But this rash purpose, conceived in anger, proved to Amasa fatally abortive.
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