2 Samuel 22:42
2 Samuel 22:42 in Multiple Translations
They looked, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer.
They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
They looked, but there was none to save; Even unto Jehovah, but he answered them not.
They were crying out, but there was no one to come to their help: even to the Lord, but he gave them no answer.
They cried out for help, but no one came to rescue them. They even called out to the Lord, but he did not answer them.
They looked about, but there was none to saue them, euen vnto the Lord, but he answered them not.
They look, and there is no saviour; Unto Jehovah, and He hath not answered them.
They looked, but there was no one to save; even to the LORD, but he didn’t answer them.
They looked, but there was none to save; even to the LORD, but he answered them not.
They shall cry, and there shall be none to save: to the Lord, and he shall not hear them.
They ◄looked for/wanted► someone to rescue them, but no one did. They cried out to you, Yahweh, for help, but you did not answer them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:42
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 22:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁע֖וּ
וְ/אֵ֣ין
מֹשִׁ֑יעַ
אֶל
יְהוָ֖ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
עָנָֽ/ם
יִשְׁע֖וּ
shâʻâh
H8159
to gaze
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מֹשִׁ֑יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
עָנָֽ/ם
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:42
יִשְׁע֖וּ
shâʻâh
H8159
"to gaze"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To gaze means to look carefully or intensely at something, often seeking help or guidance, like the Psalmist in Psalm 121:1-2.
Definition: 1) to look at or to, regard, gaze at or about 1a) (Qal) to gaze at, regard, behold, look about 1b) (Hiphil) to look away, cause gaze to turn away 1c) (Hithpael) to look in dismay, gaze about (in anxiety)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn. See also: Genesis 4:4; Psalms 119:117; Psalms 39:14.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מֹשִׁ֑יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָנָֽ/ם
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Song of Deliverance
40You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.
41You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.
42They looked, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer.
43I ground them as the dust of the earth; I crushed and trampled them like mud in the streets. 44You have delivered me from the strife of my people; You have preserved me as the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 28:6 | He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. |
| 3 | Micah 3:4 | Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:28 | Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. |
| 5 | Matthew 7:22–23 | Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ |
| 6 | Ezekiel 20:3 | “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 7 | Job 27:9 | Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him? |
| 8 | Luke 13:25–26 | After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ |
2 Samuel 22:42 Summary
This verse means that David's enemies were looking for someone to save them from their troubles, but no one was able to help them, not even God, because He was judging them for their actions (as in Psalm 9:17). It's a reminder that God is powerful and just, and He will deal with those who oppose Him and His people (like in Deuteronomy 32:4). We can trust in God's goodness and justice, even when things seem scary or uncertain, and we can bring our prayers and concerns to Him, knowing that He hears and answers us when we seek Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:12-13).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that they looked but there was no one to save them?
This phrase suggests that David's enemies were desperate for rescue, but none was available, highlighting the extent of their defeat, as seen in similar contexts like Exodus 14:13-14 where God fought for the Israelites and Deuteronomy 32:39 where God declares His power over all.
Why did the LORD not answer their cries for help?
The LORD's silence in response to their pleas indicates His judgment and displeasure with their actions, much like in Psalm 18:41 where David says his enemies cried out but were not saved, and Isaiah 1:15 which notes that God will not hear the prayers of the wicked.
Is this verse saying that God ignores some people's prayers?
This verse is specifically talking about David's enemies, who were opposed to God and His people, and it is not a general statement about God ignoring prayers, as seen in Jeremiah 29:12-13 where God promises to hear the prayers of those who seek Him with their whole heart.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of David's song of praise to God for delivering him from his enemies, as described in 2 Samuel 22:40-41, and it emphasizes God's power and justice in dealing with those who oppose Him and His people, much like in Romans 11:22 which talks about the kindness and severity of God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like I had no one to turn to, and how did God provide for me?
- How do I respond when I see people opposing God or His people, and what can I learn from David's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and justice, even when I don't understand what's happening around me?
- What are some prayers or cries for help that I've been ignoring or neglecting, and how can I bring them before God today?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:42
They looked, but [there was] none to save; [even] unto the Lord, but he answered them not. [See comments on Psalms 18:41].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:42
They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:42
(42) They looked.—By the change of a letter this becomes in the psalm “They cried,” and it is so translated here in the LXX., “they shall cry.” One of the readings is doubtless a mere clerical error.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:42
42. They looked] They looked for help. Cp. Isaiah 17:7-8. The Sept. and Psalms 18:41 read, they cried. There is only the difference of a single letter between the words, as far as the consonants are concerned (ιωςε–ιωεςε). even unto the Lord] In their extremity even the heathen might cry for mercy to the “unknown God” of their enemies. Cp. 1 Samuel 5:12; Jonah 3:7 ff.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:42
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God |
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Blessed Are the Pure in Heart by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psal |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
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The Giver's Hand by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of offering gifts to the Lord with clean hands, highlighting that God looks at the heart of the giver rather than the gift itself. He st |
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(Demonology) Wizards Witches Sorcery Spiritism by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and informs them that there are books available for purchase. However, these books are specifically made for the audience and not |
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Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the consequences of forsaking God, using the example of a man who was once anointed by the Holy Spirit but tragically ended his life in suicide. It emphasiz |