2 Samuel 18:10 — Word Study
WLCוַיַּרְא֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֔ד וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְיוֹאָ֑ב וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּה֙ רָאִ֣יתִי אֶת־ אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם תָּל֖וּי בָּאֵלָֽה׃
BSAWhen oneʼechâd [a certain, specific] of the menʼîysh saw thisrâʼâh▸ [perceived, looked upon] he toldnâgad▸ [declared, informed] JoabYôwʼâb [Jehovah is father, King David's nephew] I justhinnêh sawrâʼâh■ [behold, looked upon] ◂AbsalomʼĂbîyshâlôwm [son of King David] hangingtâlâh [suspended, dangling] in an oak treeʼêlâh [strong, sturdy tree]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיַּרְא֙ | and he saw | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אִ֣ישׁ | a man | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אֶחָ֔ד | one | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וַיַּגֵּ֖ד | and he told | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לְיוֹאָ֑ב | to Joab | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
| וַיֹּ֗אמֶר | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הִנֵּה֙ | there! | Particle |
| רָאִ֣יתִי | I saw | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם | Absalom | Noun proper masculine |
| תָּל֖וּי | hung up | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) masculine singular |
| בָּאֵלָֽה׃ | in the oak | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” |
| KJV | And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. |
| ASV | And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak. |
| YLT | And one man seeth, and declareth to Joab, and saith, 'Lo, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.' |
| WEB | A certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.” |
| BBE | And a certain man saw it and said to Joab, I saw Absalom hanging in a tree. |
Where they part company is אֶחָ֔ד — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence structure is straightforward, with a main clause followed by a direct report of what the man saw and communicated.
5 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, AdamClarke & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאַבְשָׁלֹום
verbרָאָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 2 Samuel 18:10
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Death of Absalomgenerated
2 Samuel 18:10 describes a pivotal moment in the conflict between Absalom and his father, King David. As Absalom rides through the forest, he becomes ensnared in an oak tree, leading to a report made by one of David's men to Joab. This incident highlights the tension and the tragic fate of Absalom, who sought to usurp his father's throne.
Cross References
The Key Word — תָּל֖וּי, ta.Luigenerated
The word תָּלָה (talah) means 'to hang' and is a participle describing Absalom's state as he is suspended in the tree. This word captures the physical act of hanging, which can imply both a literal and a figurative sense of being caught or trapped.
In this context, the participle emphasizes Absalom's precarious situation, illustrating the consequences of his rebellion against David. The choice of this verb reflects the gravity of his predicament, as he is left vulnerable and exposed.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has hanging, which is consistent with the KJV and ASV, both of which also use 'hanging' to convey the same idea.
Where others part company with the BSB is in the rendering of אֶחָ֔ד. The BSB uses one, while the KJV and others opt for a certain, highlighting a difference in the specificity of the individual being referenced.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וַיַּרְא֙ (vai.yaR'), meaning 'and he saw', governs the entire verse. It introduces the subject, a man, who perceives a significant event, followed by a series of clauses detailing what he reports to Joab.
The structure emphasizes the sequence of actions: first the sighting, then the report, and finally the declaration of what was seen. This arrangement builds a narrative flow that captures the urgency of the situation.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַיַּרְא֙ as εἶδεν (eiden), which means 'he saw'. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew, maintaining the focus on the act of seeing.
The use of κρεμάμενον for תָּל֖וּי indicates a similar meaning of being suspended, which aligns with the Hebrew's implication of Absalom's state.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Samuel 18:10 tells us that a man saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree and reported this to Joab. This moment is crucial as it highlights Absalom's fate and the ongoing conflict with King David.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies Absalom's vulnerability and the consequences of his rebellion against his father, King David.
The man reported to Joab because he recognized the significance of Absalom's situation and felt compelled to inform the commander.
Joab expressed frustration that the man did not strike Absalom down when he had the chance, highlighting the conflict between loyalty to the king and personal morality.
This interaction illustrates the complexities of loyalty, duty, and the consequences of rebellion within the context of familial relationships.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does Absalom's fate teach us about the consequences of rebellion?
- How do loyalty and duty conflict in this narrative?
- In what ways can we apply the lessons of this story to our own lives?
- What does this passage reveal about the nature of power and its impact on relationships?
Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 18:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd a certain man saw [it],.... Saw him in the above posture, one of David's soldiers: and told Joab, and said, behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak; caught by the neck in one, out of which he
Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 18 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 18 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Samuel 18:10 And a certain man saw [it], and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.Ver. 10. Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.] Which oak, by the just judgment of God, this new king had for a throne, his twisted hair for a crown. He shall shortly have three darts in his heart for a sceptre, and Joab’ s ten armourbearers for a guard: but this in the text dared not meddle with him, because of the king’ s command to the contrary.
Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 18 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 10. I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.] He must have hung there a considerable time. this man saw him hanging; how long he had been hanging before he saw him, we cannot tell. He came and informed Joab; this must have taken up a considerable time. Joab went and pierced him through with three darts; this must have taken up still more time. It is therefore natural to conclude that his life must have been nearly gone after having been so long suspended, and probably was past recovery, even if Joab had taken him down.
Read AdamClarke on 2 Samuel 18 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible10. Saw Absalom hanged — Suspended by his head, hair, and arms, and probably struggling to disentangle himself.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Samuel 18 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”
A certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.”
When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”
When one of the men saw this, he reported it to Joab saying, “I saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.
Tyndale line
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.
And a certain man saw it , and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.
And one that sawe it, tolde Ioab, saying, Beholde, I sawe Absalom hanged in an oke.
Strictly literal
And a man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in a terebinth.
And one man seeth, and declareth to Joab, and saith, 'Lo, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.'
And one man sees, and declares [it] to Joab, and says, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.”
And a certain man saw, and told it to Joab, and said, Behold, I have seen Abshalom hanging on an oak.
Someone saw this and told Joab, “Look, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”
From the Latin
And one saw this and told Joab, saying: I saw Absalom hanging upon an oak.
Simplified
One of David's men saw what happened, so he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging from an oak tree!”
And a certain man saw it and said to Joab, I saw Absalom hanging in a tree.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with 11 out of 12 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment confirms the main elements of the verse, though some words are supplied by an editor due to damage.
וַיַּרְא֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֔ד וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְיוֹאָ֑ב וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּה֙ רָאִ֣יתִי אֶת־ אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם תָּל֖וּי בָּאֵלָֽה׃
11 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[וירא] איש ויגד [ליואב] [ויאמר] [הנה] [ראיתי] [את] [אבשלום] [תלוי] [באלה]
11 words of the verse are on this fragment — 9 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Samuel 18:10
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
so.
See TOOLS.
Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: 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)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
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)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
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)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
See ANTHROPOLOGY.
Man
(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).
(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;
Four Hebrew terms are rendered "man" in the Authorized Version: Adam, the name of the man created in the image of God. It appears to be derived from adam , "he or it was red or ruddy," like Edom. This was the generic term for the human race. Ish , "man," as distinguished from woman, husband. Geber , "a man," from gabar , "to be strong," generally with reference to his strength. Methim , "men," always masculine. Perhaps it may be derived from the root muth , "he died."
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Adj — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
נָגַד (nagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to declare or tell, with implications of being conspicuous or manifesting something. It covers a range of meanings including to announce, report, and make known, often through spoken word. The entries indicate that it can also mean to expose or predict, and in the Hophil form, it refers to something being told or reported.
[נָגַד] 363 vb. be conspicuous
Hiph. declare, tell
Hoph. be told, announced, reported
base
H5046 נָגַד be conspicuous . declare, tell
. be told, announced, reported
5046 nagad naw-gad'
a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out
opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest;
figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one
present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain,
praise:--bewray, X certainly, certify, declare(-ing),
denounce, expound, X fully, messenger, plainly, profess,
rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, X surely, tell, utter.
נָגַד (na.gad) — to tell.
1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known
1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare
1a1) to tell, announce, report
1a2) to declare, make known, expound
1a3) to inform of
1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim
1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess
1a5a) messenger (participle)
1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhw3ms
יוֹאָב (Yow'ab) means 'Jehovah is father' and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, primarily Joab, the nephew of King David and commander of his army. The name is built from elements meaning 'Jehovah' and 'father.' Joab is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6, and other references include genealogical mentions during and after the exile.
יוֹאָב n.pr.m. (י׳ is father)
David’s sister’s son & captain of host
a descendant of Judah
a family-name after exile
base
H3097 יוֹאָב
3097 Yow'ab yo-awb'
from 3068 and 1; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three
Israelites:--Joab.
see HEBREW for 03068
see HEBREW for 01
יוֹאָב (yo.av) — Joab.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; his mother was Zeruiah (H6870);
brother of: Abishai (H0052) and Asahel (H6214)
§ 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
יוֹאָב (yo.av) — Joab.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.14;
son of: Seraiah (H8304J)
§ 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
יוֹאָב (yo.av) — Joab.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.6;
son of: Pahath-moab (H6355);
brother of: Jeshua (H3442I)
§ Joab = "Jehovah is father"
1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army
2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculineHR/Npm
jo'-ab (yo'-abh, "Yahweh is father"; Ioab):
(1) Son of Zeruiah, David's sister. He was "captain of the host" (compare 2Sa 19:13) under David.
1. Joab and Abner:
(a) Joab is first introduced in the narrative of the war with Abner, who supported the claims of Ishbosheth to the throne against those of David (2Sa 2:8-3:1). The two armies met, and on Abner's suggestion a tournament took place between 12 men from each side; a general engagement follows, and in this Joab's army is victorious. Asahel, Joab's brother, is killed in his pursuit of Abner, but the latter's army is sorely pressed, and he appeals to Joab for a cessation of hostilities. Joab calls a halt, but declares that he would not cease had Abner not made his plea.
Joab
Jehovah is his father. (1.) One of the three sons of Zeruiah, David’s sister, and “captain of the host” during the whole of David’s reign (2 Sam. 2:13; 10:7; 11:1; 1 Kings 11:15). His father’s name is nowhere mentioned, although his sepulchre at Bethlehem is mentioned (2 Sam. 2:32). His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner (2 Sam. 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). He afterwards led the assault at the storming of the fortress on Mount Zion, and for this service was raised to the rank of “prince of the king’s army” (2 Sam. 5:6-10;
(whose father is Jehovah), the most remarkable of the three nephews of David, the children of Zeruiah, David’s sister. (B.C. 1053-1012.) Joab first appears after David’s accession to the throne at Hebron. Abner slew in battle Asahel, the youngest brother of Joab; and when David afterward received Abner into favor, Joab treacherously murdered him. [ABNER] There was now no rival left in the way of Joab’s advancement, and at the siege of Jebus he was appointed for his prowess commander-in-chief --"captain of the host." In the wide range of wars which David undertook, Joab was the acting general. He was called by the almost regal title of "lord," (2 Samuel 11:11) "the prince of the king’s army." (1 Chronicles 27:34) In the entangled relations which grew up in David’s domestic life…
Son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, and brother of Abishai and Asahel, was the commander of David’s army during almost the whole of his reign, 2Sa 5:6-10. He was a valiant warrior, and an able general; and his great influence on public affairs was often exerted for good, as in the rebellion of Absalom, and the numbering of Israel, 2Sa 18:1-19:42 24:1-25. But as a man he was imperious, revengeful, and unscrupulous: witness his treacherous assassination of Abner, and of his cousin Amasa, 2Sa 3:27 20:9-10; his bearing towards David, 2Sa 3:39 19:5, and connivance with him in the matter of Uriah; his slaying Absalom, and conspiring with Adonijah against the divinely appointed heir to…
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
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)
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.
הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!
base
H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!
2009 hinneh hin-nay'
prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.
see HEBREW for 02005
הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.
behold, lo, see, if
Part — ParticleHTj
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
so.
See TOOLS.
Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (Abiyshalowm) means 'my father is peace.' It refers to Absalom, the third son of David, known for his revolt against his father and the murder of his half-brother Amnon. The name is also associated with his father-in-law, Rehoboam. The entries note that Absalom is sometimes called Abishalom.
אֲבִישָׁלוֹם n.pr.m. (my father is peace)
Rehob.’s father-in-law
3rd son of Dvd
base
H53 אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (my father is peace) . Rehob.’s father-in-law
. 3rd son of Dvd
53 'Abiyshalowm ab-ee-shaw-lome'
or (shortened) bAbshalowm {ab-shaw- lome'}; from 1 and 7965;
father of peace (i.e. friendly); Abshalom, a son of David;
also (the fuller form) a later Israelite:--Abishalom,
Absalom.
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 07965
אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (a.vi.sha.lom) — Absalom.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3;
son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I);
half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N);
father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10;
§ Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace"
1) father-in-law of Rehoboam
2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Absalom
Father of peace; i.e., “peaceful” David’s son by Maacah (2 Sam. 3:3; comp. 1 Kings 1:6). He was noted for his personal beauty and for the extra-ordinary profusion of the hair of his head (2 Sam. 14:25,26). The first public act of his life was the blood-revenge he executed against Amnon, David’s eldest son, who had basely wronged Absalom’s sister Tamar. This revenge was executed at the time of the festivities connected with a great sheep-shearing at Baal-hazor. David’s other sons fled from the place in horror, and brought the tidings of the death of Amnon to Jerusalem. Alarmed for the consequences of the act, Absalom fled to his grandfather at Geshur, and there abode for three years (
(father of peace),third son of David by Maachah, daughter of Tamai king of Geshur, a Syrian district adjoining the northeast frontier of the Holy Land. (Born B.C. 1050.) Absalom had a sister, Tamar, who was violated by her half-brother Amnon. The natural avenger of such an outrage would be Tamar’s full brother Absalom. He brooded over the wrong for two years, and then invited all the princes to a sheep-shearing feast at his estate in Baalhazor, on the borders of Ephraim and Benjamin. Here he ordered his servants to murder Amnon, and then fled for safety to his grandfather’s court at Geshur, where he remained for three years. At the end of that time he was brought back by an artifice of Joab. David, however, would not see Absalom for two more years; but at length Joab brought about a reconciliation. Absalom now began at once to prepare for rebellion. He tried to supplant his father by…
Only son of David by Maacah, 2Sa 3:3. He was remarkable for his beauty and for his fine head of hair, 2Sa 14:25, which being cut from time to time when it incommoded him, used to weigh 200 shekels by the king’s standard, that is, probable about thirty ounces, an extraordinary, but not incredible weight. Ammon, another of the king’s sons, having violated his sister Tamar, Absalom caused him to be slain, and then fled to Geshur, where Talmai his grandfather was king. After three years, at the intercession of Joab, David permitted him to return to Jerusalem, and at length received him again into favor, 2Sa 14:1-33. Absalom, however, grossly abused his father’s kindness; he soon began to play the demagogue, and by many artful…
father of peace
תָּלָה (talah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to hang. It encompasses various usages, including hanging objects, putting someone to death by hanging, and displaying items. The entries indicate its forms in different stems, such as Qal (to hang), Niphal (to be hanged), and Piel (to hang up for display).
תָּלָה vb. hang
Qal hang
Niph. princes have been hung up by their hands
Pi. hang up for display
base
H8518 תָּלָה hang
8518 talah taw-law'
a primitive root; to suspend (especially to gibbet):--hang
(up).
תָּלָה (ta.lah) — to hang.
1) to hang
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hang
1a1a) to hang up (any object)
1a1b) to put to death by hanging
1b) (Niphal) to be hanged
1c) (Piel) to hang, hang up (for display)
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singularHVqsmsa
אֵלָה (elah) refers to a terebinth tree or a strong tree like an oak. It is a feminine noun derived from another Hebrew word, and it also denotes the valley where David killed Goliath. The entries consistently identify this word with strong trees, particularly the terebinth and oak.
אֵלָה n.f. terebinth
base
H424 אֵלָה terebinth
424 'elah ay-law'
feminine of 352; an oak or other strong tree:--elm, oak,
teil-tree.
see HEBREW for 0352
אֵלָה (e.lah) — oak.
1) terebinth, terebinth tree
2) valley where David killed Goliath
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
ok: Several Hebrew words are so translated, but there has always been great doubt as to which words should be translated "oak" and which "terebinth." This uncertainty appears in the Septuagint and all through English Versions of the Bible; in recent revisions "terebinth" has been increasingly added in the margin. All the Hebrew words are closely allied and may originally have had simply the meaning of "tree" but it is clear that, when the Old Testament was written, they indicated some special kind of tree.
Oak
There are six Hebrew words rendered “oak.”
(1.) ‘El occurs only in the word El-paran (Gen. 14:6). The LXX. renders by “terebinth.” In the plural form this word occurs in Isa. 1:29; 57:5 (A.V. marg. and R.V., “among the oaks”); 61:3 (“trees”). The word properly means strongly, mighty, and hence a strong tree.
(Heb. strong). There is much difficulty in determining the exact meanings of the several varieties of the term mentioned above. Sometimes, evidently, the terebinth or elm is intended and at others the oak. There are a number of varieties of oak in Palestine. (Dr. Robinson contends that the oak is generally intended, and that it is a very common tree in the East. Oaks grow to a large size, reach an old age and are every way worthy the venerable associations connected with the tree. --ED.) Two oaks, Quercus pseudo-coccifera and Q. aegilops , are well worthy of the name of mighty trees; though it is equally true that over a greater part of the country the oaks of Palestine are at present merely bushes.
As many as six varieties of the oak are found in Palestine. Dr. Robinson speaks of one at Hebron which had a trunk twenty-two and a half feet in circumference; and saw the crests and sides of the hills beyond the Jordan still clothed, as in ancient times, with magnificent oaks, Isa 2:13 Zec 11:2. The oak is often referred to in Scripture, Ge 35:8 Isa 44:14 Am 2:9. There is, however, a second Hebrew word often translated "oak," which is supposed to denote the terebinth or turpentine-tree, called butm by the Arabs, Ge 35:4