2 Samuel 8:17
2 Samuel 8:17 in Multiple Translations
Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Seraiah was scribe;
And Zadok and Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, were priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
Zadok, son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech, son of Abiathar, were priests, while Seraiah was the secretary.
And Zadok the sonne of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the sonne of Abiathar were the Priestes, and Seraiah the Scribe.
and Zadok son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech son of Abiathar, [are] priests, and Seraiah [is] scribe,
Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, Seraiah was scribe,
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests: and Seraiah was the scribe;
And Sadoc the son of Achitob, and Achimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests: and Saraias was the scribe:
Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests; Seraiah was the official secretary;
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 8:17
BAB
Word Study
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2 Samuel 8:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/צָד֧וֹק
בֶּן
אֲחִיט֛וּב
וַ/אֲחִימֶ֥לֶךְ
בֶּן
אֶבְיָתָ֖ר
כֹּהֲנִ֑ים
וּ/שְׂרָיָ֖ה
סוֹפֵֽר
וְ/צָד֧וֹק
Tsâdôwq
H6659
Zadok
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲחִיט֛וּב
ʼĂchîyṭûwb
H285
Ahitub
N-proper
וַ/אֲחִימֶ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
Ahimelech
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֶבְיָתָ֖ר
ʼEbyâthâr
H54
Abiathar
N-proper
כֹּהֲנִ֑ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-mp
וּ/שְׂרָיָ֖ה
Sᵉrâyâh
H8304
Seraiah
Conj | N-proper
סוֹפֵֽר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 8:17
וְ/צָד֧וֹק
Tsâdôwq
H6659
"Zadok"
Conj | N-proper
Zadok was a high priest in Israel who supported King David and anointed Solomon as king. His name means righteous and he is mentioned in 1 Kings and Nehemiah. Zadok was a key figure in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.13.13 § Zadok = "righteous" 1) the high priest, son of Ahitub of the house of Eleazar the son of Aaron, and 11th in descent from Aaron; joined David after Saul's death and supported him against Absalom and Adonijah; anointed Solomon as king 2) a priest, son of Meraioth, father of Meshullam of the house of Ahitub; apparently a nephew of 1 3) father of Jerusha, the wife of king Uzziah and mother of king Jotham of Judah 4) son of Baana and repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 5) son of Immer and repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 6) a leader of the people in the time of Nehemiah 7) a scribe appointed by Nehemiah as one of the treasurers over the storehouse 8) a valiant warrior of the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Hebron. Same as 1?
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Zadok. See also: 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 5:34; Ezekiel 48:11.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
אֲחִיט֛וּב
ʼĂchîyṭûwb
H285
"Ahitub"
N-proper
Ahitub was a priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Chronicles as the son of Uzzi and father of Meraioth. His name means my brother is good, and he was part of the tribe of Levi, playing a role in the religious leadership of Israel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.6; son of: Uzzi (H5813); father of: Meraioth (H4812); also called Ahitub at 1Ch.9.11; 1x Another name of ze.rach.yah (זְרַחְיָה "Zerahiah" H2228G) § Ahitub = "my brother is good (goodness)" 1) a grandson of Eli 2) the father of Zadok the priest
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Ahitub. See also: 1 Samuel 14:3; 1 Chronicles 5:34; Nehemiah 11:11.
וַ/אֲחִימֶ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
"Ahimelech"
Conj | N-proper
Ahimelech was a priest and a friend of King David, who helped him when he was in need. He was tragically murdered by Doeg at the command of King Saul. His name means 'my brother is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: a.vi.me.lekh (אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0040J) § Ahimelech = "my brother is king" or "brother of Melek" 1) a priest murdered by Doeg at Saul's command, for supposedly assisting David 2) a Hittite warrior under David
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Ahimelech. See also: 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 52:2.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
אֶבְיָתָ֖ר
ʼEbyâthâr
H54
"Abiathar"
N-proper
Abiathar, an Israelite priest, was a faithful follower of David, but later rebelled with Adonijah, and is mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:20. His name means 'my father is great'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.20; son of: Ahimelech (H0288); father of: Ahimelech (H0288I), Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: Abiathar (Ἀβιαθάρ "Abiathar" G0008) § Abiathar = "my father is great" priest, son of Ahitub (Ahimelech), faithful to David, but later rebelled with Adonijah
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Abiathar. See also: 1 Samuel 22:20; 2 Samuel 20:25; 1 Chronicles 27:34.
כֹּהֲנִ֑ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וּ/שְׂרָיָ֖ה
Sᵉrâyâh
H8304
"Seraiah"
Conj | N-proper
Seraiah means Jehovah is ruler, the name of several Israelites, including a scribe of King David and a chief priest during King Zedekiah's reign. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 51:59 and is the brother of Baruch. Seraiah played important roles in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.51.59; son of: Neriah (H5374); brother of: Baruch (H1263J) § Seraiah = "Jehovah is ruler" 1) the scribe or secretary of David 2) son of Azariah, father of Jehozadak, and the chief priest in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah and at the time of the capture of Jerusalem 3) son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite and one of the men who went to Gedaliah, the governor over Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, and gave their oath to serve the king of Babylon 4) a Judaite, son of Kenaz, brother of Othniel, and father of Joab 5) a Simeonite, father of Josibiah and grandfather of Jehu 6) a people of the province who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 6a) maybe the same as 10 7) son of Azariah and father of Ezra the priest and scribe 8) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a priest, son of Hilkiah in the time of Nehemiah 10) a priest or Levite who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 10a) probably a priest and the head of a family of priests after the exile. Maybe same as 6 11) son of Meraiah and messenger sent by the prophet Jeremiah to Babylon with a book of his writings 12) son of Azriel and one of the 3 men commanded by king Jehoiakim of Judah to seize Jeremiah and Baruch
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Seraiah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:17; Nehemiah 10:3; Jeremiah 36:26.
סוֹפֵֽר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
N-ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 8:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 8:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 8:17
Context — David’s Officers
15Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
16Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
17Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;
18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 6:8 | Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz, |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 18:16 | Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe; |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 24:3–4 | With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 16:39 | And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 6:53 | Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son. |
2 Samuel 8:17 Summary
This verse shows us how David organized his team, with Zadok and Ahimelech as priests and Seraiah as a scribe. It reminds us that spiritual leadership and guidance are important, just like in Exodus 18:13-27, where Moses appoints leaders to help him. David's team helped him make good decisions and follow God's instructions, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist writes about the importance of God's word in guiding our steps. By prioritizing spiritual leadership, we can make wise decisions and follow God's plan for our lives, just like David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of Zadok and Ahimelech as priests in David's administration?
As priests, Zadok and Ahimelech were responsible for spiritual leadership and guidance, as seen in Leviticus 1:1, where God gives instructions to the priests on how to perform sacrifices and offerings.
Who was Seraiah and what was his role as a scribe?
Seraiah was a scribe, likely responsible for recording important documents and events, similar to Baruch in Jeremiah 36:4, who recorded the prophet's words.
How did David's organization of his administration reflect his faith?
David's organization, including the appointment of priests and scribes, reflects his commitment to following God's instructions, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18, where kings are instructed to write down a copy of God's law.
What can we learn from the way David structured his leadership team?
We can learn the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and wisdom in our decision-making, as well as the value of recording and preserving important information, as seen in Proverbs 15:22, which emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel.
Reflection Questions
- How do I prioritize spiritual leadership and guidance in my own life, just as David did with Zadok and Ahimelech?
- In what ways can I, like Seraiah, use my skills and talents to serve and support others in my community?
- What are some ways I can reflect God's character in my own leadership and decision-making, just as David did in his administration?
- How can I balance the need for spiritual guidance with the need for practical wisdom and advice in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests,.... Not high priests, as Josephus (i) suggests, for there was only one high priest at a time; indeed there was a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; Zadok ... and ... Ahimelech the son of Aniathar were the priests. There is a confusion in the text here (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
The son of Ahitub; not of that Ahitub, 1 Samuel 22; for that was of Ithamar’ s race, but this of Eleazar. Ahimelech the son of Abiathar; so Abiathar called his son by the name of his father, . The priests, i. e. the chief priest next under Abiathar, who fled to David, , and now was high priest, as may be gathered from ,35: under him these two were the next chief priests, or the second priests, each one being chief of the house of his father, Zadok of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of Ithamar. See ,4. Or these two are here mentioned, because they constantly attended upon the king, that he might consult with them in the matters of the Lord, as need required.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Seraiah [was] the scribe;Ver. 17. Were the priests.] Ahimelech, alias Abiathar, being the only high priest: till he was thrust out by Solomon for siding with Adonijah; and Zadek set in his room.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
(17) Ahimelech, the son of Abiathar.—So Ahimelech is also described in 1 Chronicles 18:16; 1 Chronicles 24:6; on the other hand, Abiathar is expressly said to be the son of Ahimelech in the narrative in 1 Samuel 22:20-23. This difficulty is increased by the further notices of the men bearing these names. Ahimelech was certainly the high priest who gave the shew-bread to David, and was slain in consequence by Saul (1 Samuel 21, 22), and Abiathar, who fled to David, and afterwards became high priest, and was finally put out of the high-priesthood by Solomon (1 Kings 1, 2) was certainly his son; but, on the other hand, in 1 Chronicles 24:3; 1 Chronicles 24:6; 1 Chronicles 24:31 Ahimelech. is said to have been the co-priest with Zadok during the reign of David, and our Lord says that David ate the shew-bread “in the days of Abiathar, the high priest” (Mark 2:26). These apparently conflicting facts have occasioned unnecessary perplexity. The simple solution of the difficulty seems to be that both names were borne alike by father and by son, so that both of them are spoken of sometimes under one name, sometimes under the other. On the double high-priesthood of Zadok and Abiathar, see Note at the beginning of 2 Samuel 6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
Verse 17. Seraiah - the scribe] Most likely the king's private secretary. See 1 Chronicles 24:3 (note).
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:17
17. Zadok the son of Ahitub] Zadok was of the house of Eleazar (1 Chronicles 6:4-8). He joined David at Hebron after Saul’s death (1 Chronicles 12:28), and remained faithful to him throughout his reign. In Absalom’s rebellion he left Jerusalem along with David, and only returned at his command (2 Samuel 15:24-29; 2 Samuel 17:15). Through him David communicated with the elders of Judah concerning his return (ch. 2 Samuel 19:11). Finally, when Abiathar joined the rebellion of Adonijah, Zadok remained faithful to David, took part in the anointing of Solomon, and was made sole high-priest (1 Kings 1:8; 1 Kings 1:44; 1 Kings 2:35), which office he held during some part of Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 4:4). Ahimelech the son of Abiathar] Since Zadok and Abiathar are elsewhere constantly mentioned together as the high-priests in David’s reign, and it is clear from 1 Samuel 22:20-23 that Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, and from 1 Kings 1; 1 Kings 2:26 that he held office throughout David’s reign, it seems necessary to emend the text and read Abiathar the son of Ahimelech. The error, if it is one, appears also in 1 Chronicles 18:16; 1 Chronicles 24:3; 1 Chronicles 24:6; 1 Chronicles 24:31, and must have existed in one of the original documents from which these books were compiled. It seems hardly probable, though not impossible, that the high-priesthood of Abiathar is assumed as known, and only the assistant priests mentioned, who stood in the same relation to him as Hophni and Phinehas to Eli (1 Samuel 1:3): or that Ahimelech officiated for a time as deputy for his father, who was incapacitated by illness or other cause. priests] Zadok officiated in the Tabernacle at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39), Abiathar probably before the Ark in Jerusalem. On the origin of this double high-priesthood, see preliminary note to ch. vi., p. 88.
Seraiah] Called in 1 Chronicles 18:16 Shavsha, and probably the same as Sheva or Sheya (2 Samuel 20:25) and Shisha (1 Kings 4:3). scribe] Secretary of state: an official mentioned several times in the course of the history: e.g. 2 Kings 12:10; 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Kings 18:37; 2 Kings 22:3, &c.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:17
17. Zadok… and Ahimelech… priests — The one officiating at Gibeon, the other at the new tabernacle in Jerusalem. See on 2 Samuel 6:17.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 8:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the Bible about a wise woman who saves her city from a siege. The woman approaches Joab, a military leader, and proposes a solut |
|
The Credentials of True Ministry by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about the significance of carrying the ark of God on the shoulders of anointed men, emphasizing the importance of walking in God's anointing and not delegat |