Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “No, my son,” the king replied. “All of us should not go; we would only be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he still refused to go but gave him his blessing. New Living Translation The king replied, “No, my son. If we all came, we would be too much of a burden on you.” Absalom pressed him, but the king would not come, though he gave Absalom his blessing. English Standard Version But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. Berean Standard Bible “No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. King James Bible And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. New King James Version But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him. New American Standard Bible But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, so that we will not be a burden to you.” Though he urged him, he would not go; but he blessed him. NASB 1995 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, for we will be burdensome to you.” Although he urged him, he would not go, but blessed him. NASB 1977 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” Although he urged him, he would not go, but blessed him. Legacy Standard Bible But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, for we will be burdensome to you.” Although he urged him, he was not willing to go, but blessed him. Amplified Bible But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, for we will be a burden to you.” Although Absalom [strongly] urged David, still he would not go, but he gave him his blessing. Christian Standard Bible The king replied to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he wasn’t willing to go, though he did bless him. Holman Christian Standard Bible The king replied to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he wasn’t willing to go, though he did bless him.” American Standard Version And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. Contemporary English Version David answered, "No, my son, we won't go. It would be too expensive for you." Absalom tried to get him to change his mind, but David did not want to go. He only said that he hoped they would have a good time. English Revised Version And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. GOD'S WORD® Translation "No, Son," the king answered Absalom. "If we all go, we'll be a burden to you." Even when Absalom continued to urge him, David did not want to go, though he did give Absalom his blessing. Good News Translation "No, my son," the king answered. "It would be too much trouble for you if we all went." Absalom insisted, but the king would not give in, and he asked Absalom to leave. International Standard Version But King David declined, saying to Absalom, "No, my son, we won't all go, since that would be too much trouble for you." Although Absalom begged David, he would not go, even though he did give his blessing. NET Bible But the king said to Absalom, "No, my son. We shouldn't all go. We shouldn't burden you in that way." Though Absalom pressed him, the king was not willing to go. Instead, David blessed him. New Heart English Bible The king said to Absalom, "No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you." But he pleaded with him; however he would not go, but blessed him. Webster's Bible Translation And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable to thee. And he pressed him: yet he would not go, but blessed him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. World English Bible The king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let’s not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him; however he would not go, but blessed him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king says to Absalom, “No, my son, please let us not all go, and we are not too heavy on you”; and he presses on him, and he has not been willing to go, and he blesses him. Young's Literal Translation And the king saith unto Absalom, 'Nay, my son, let us not all go, I pray thee, and we are not too heavy on thee;' and he presseth on him, and he hath not been willing to go, and he blesseth him. Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say to Absalom, No, my son, not now will we all go, and we will not be heavy upon thee. And he will press upon him, and he would not go, and he will bless him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said to Absalom: Nay, my son, do not ask that we should all come, and be chargeable to thee. And when he pressed him, and he would not go, he blessed him. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king said to Absalom: “Do not, my son, do not choose to ask that we may all come and be a burden to you.” Then, after he urged him, and he had refused to go, he blessed him. New American Bible But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, all of us should not go lest we be a burden to you.” And though Absalom urged him, he would not go but began to bid him good-bye. New Revised Standard Version But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, or else we will be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king said to him, No, my son, let us not all now go lest we be burdensome to you. And he pressed him, but he would not go with him, but he blessed him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He said to him: “No, my son, we will not all come, lest we will have a chilling effect on you.” And he urged him, and he was unwilling to go with him, and he blessed him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king said to Absalom: 'Nay, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome unto thee.' And he pressed him; howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said to Abessalom, Nay, my son, let us not all go, and let us not be burdensome to thee. And he pressed him; but he would not go, but blessed him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Revenge on Amnon…24And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” 25“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. 26“If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked.… Cross References 2 Samuel 14:24 But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king. 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. 1 Kings 1:6 (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) 1 Kings 2:24-25 And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. Genesis 37:3-4 Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. / When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 45:1-2 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. 1 Samuel 2:22-25 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. / No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. ... 1 Samuel 20:5-6 So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. / If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’ 1 Kings 12:24 that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD. 1 Kings 13:33-34 Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. / And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 29:15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. Matthew 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; Matthew 22:2-4 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ Luke 14:16-20 But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ / But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ ... Treasury of Scripture And the king said to Absalom, No, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable to you. And he pressed him: however, he would not go, but blessed him. pressed Genesis 19:2,3 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night… Judges 19:7-10 And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again… Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. blessed 2 Samuel 14:22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. Ruth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom Although Blessed Blessing Burden Burdensome Chargeable Heavy Howbeit However Over-Great Pressed Presseth Refused Request UrgedJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom Although Blessed Blessing Burden Burdensome Chargeable Heavy Howbeit However Over-Great Pressed Presseth Refused Request Urged2 Samuel 13 1. Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.15. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away 19. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose 23. At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon 31. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab 37. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur “No, my son,” the king replied, This phrase highlights King David's response to his son Absalom's invitation. David's use of "my son" reflects a personal and familial relationship, emphasizing the intimacy and authority he holds as both father and king. In the context of ancient Israel, the king was seen as a father figure to the nation, and this familial language underscores the personal nature of the interaction. David's response also indicates a decision-making process that considers the implications of his actions, a common theme in his reign. “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel, father of Absalom, and a central figure in the account. His decision not to attend Absalom's feast is significant in the unfolding events. 2. Absalom Son of King David, known for his beauty and charisma. He invites the king and his brothers to a feast, which is part of his larger scheme. 3. The Feast A gathering organized by Absalom, ostensibly to shear sheep, but with ulterior motives. It is a pivotal event leading to further family conflict. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel and the location from which David and his family operate. It serves as the backdrop for much of the political and familial drama. 5. The Blessing David's blessing to Absalom, despite not attending the feast, signifies a form of approval or goodwill, which contrasts with the underlying tension. Teaching Points The Burden of LeadershipDavid's reluctance to attend the feast reflects the weight of leadership and the need to consider the impact of one's presence and decisions on others. Discernment in Relationships Absalom's invitation and David's response highlight the importance of discernment in familial and social relationships, recognizing underlying motives. The Power of Blessing Even when not physically present, David's blessing carries weight, reminding us of the power of words and blessings in our relationships. Consequences of Inaction David's decision not to attend may seem minor, but it plays a role in the unfolding tragedy, teaching us about the potential consequences of inaction. Family Dynamics and God's Sovereignty The complex dynamics within David's family remind us of the need to trust in God's sovereignty amidst human failings and conflicts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 13:25?2. Why did King David decline Absalom's invitation in 2 Samuel 13:25? 3. How does David's response reflect his relationship with Absalom? 4. What can we learn about discernment from David's decision in this passage? 5. How does this verse connect to themes of family dynamics in Scripture? 6. How should we respond to invitations that may lead to potential conflict? 7. Why did King David refuse to go with Absalom in 2 Samuel 13:25? 8. What does 2 Samuel 13:25 reveal about David's relationship with his sons? 9. How does 2 Samuel 13:25 reflect the theme of family dynamics in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13? 11. 2 Kings 13:25 - Are there any external historical or archaeological sources that verify Jehoash's repeated conquests against Ben-Hadad, or does the Bible alone provide this narrative? 12. How could Absalom have turned the hearts of all Israel against David so quickly (2 Samuel 15:6, 13)? 13. Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness? 14. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that supports the specific distress described in Psalm 13? What Does 2 Samuel 13:25 Mean “No, my son,”– David responds with fatherly intimacy, addressing Absalom not as a prince but as a beloved child. – The short refusal echoes earlier patriarchal protectiveness (Genesis 42:38, “My son shall not go down with you”; see also 1 Samuel 20:2). – It reminds us that authority in God’s design is clothed in tenderness: leadership is relational before it is positional (Ephesians 6:4). “the king replied,” – David speaks as monarch, the covenant head of Israel. His word carries weight both as father and king (2 Samuel 13:21; cf. 1 Samuel 8:7). – The narrative shows how personal family choices intertwine with national consequences—highlighting the Bible’s seamless weave of private life and public duty. – God’s Word portrays kingship as answerable to divine authority; David instinctively measures the situation by what is prudent for the realm. “we should not all go,” – Absalom had invited the entire royal household to his sheep-shearing celebration (2 Samuel 13:23–24). – David foresees the logistical challenge: moving the royal entourage would disrupt governance and put everyone at risk (compare 1 Samuel 25:13, where David’s men travel armed). – Scripture often depicts wise leaders limiting their own presence for the good of others (Mark 6:31; Acts 20:16). “or we would be a burden to you.” – True humility: the king does not wish to tax his son’s resources—time, food, security arrangements (2 Samuel 19:35, “Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?”). – This mirrors Paul’s later ministry principle: “We were not a burden to any of you” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). – Godly leadership considers the load placed on others, reflecting Christ’s yoke that is easy and light (Matthew 11:30). “Although Absalom urged him,” – Absalom’s insistence signals ulterior motives; verse 28 shows his plan to kill Amnon. – Scripture warns about repeated urging that masks deceit (Proverbs 26:24-26). – The episode anticipates Absalom’s future manipulations at the city gate (2 Samuel 15:2-6), teaching vigilance against flattery. “he was not willing to go,” – David holds his ground despite pressure—an example of steadfast decision-making (James 1:8 contrasts double-mindedness). – Divine providence is at work: the king’s absence keeps him from being entangled in Absalom’s bloody plot, preserving the Davidic line (Psalm 37:23). – Sometimes God protects by restraining our good desires; here a father’s presence would have seemed honorable yet proved disastrous. “but gave him his blessing.” – A formal benediction conveys royal approval; in ancient culture a blessing carried legal and spiritual weight (Genesis 27:4; Ruth 3:10). – Tragically, David’s blessing equips Absalom with credibility for evil. The passage underscores that blessings must be paired with discernment (Philippians 1:9-10). – Even so, the integrity of David’s word stands, underscoring that human misuse of granted favor never nullifies the righteousness of the giver (Romans 3:4). summary 2 Samuel 13:25 portrays a tender but pivotal exchange: David lovingly refuses Absalom’s invitation, mindful of burdens on his son and kingdom, yet he still extends a fatherly blessing. The verse showcases wise restraint, humble leadership, and the danger of hidden sin operating beneath polite insistence. God’s inerrant record reminds us that prudent decisions, grounded in love and humility, often serve as unseen shields against schemes we cannot yet perceive. Verse 25. - But blessed him. These words, in the courtly language of the East, not only mean that David parted from Absalom with kindly feelings and good wishes, but that he made him a rich present (see note on 1 Samuel 25:27, where the same word occurs; and observe the nature of Abigail's blessing described there). David's court had evidently become lavish, when thus a visit from him to his son's farm would be too costly for the young prince's means; but had he so increased his present as to have made it reasonable for himself and his chief officers to go, Absalom must have deferred his crime. As it was, the invitation put David off his guard, and, forgetting the fatal consequences of his good nature in permitting Tamar's visit to Amnon, he allowed his sons to go to the festival. Nor must we blame him for his compliance. He had probably at first been full of anxiety as to the course Absalom might pursue, but his silence and forbearance made him suppose that Tamar's wrong had not caused her brother any deep sorrow. Himself a man of warm feelings, he had expected an immediate outburst of anger, but such stern rancour persevered in for so long a time with such feline calmness of manner was beyond the range of his suspicions; and the invitation, first to himself and then to all his sons, made him suppose that Absalom had nothing but affectionate feelings toward them all.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “No,אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not my son,” בְּנִי֙ (bə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son the king הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king replied, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “we should not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not all כֻּלָּ֔נוּ (kul·lā·nū) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every go, נֵלֵךְ֙ (nê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk or וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no we would be a burden נִכְבַּ֖ד (niḵ·baḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome to you.” עָלֶ֑יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Although Absalom urged וַיִּפְרָץ־ (way·yip̄·rāṣ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6555: To break through him, בּ֛וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew he was not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no willing אָבָ֥ה (’ā·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 14: To breathe after, to be acquiescent to go, לָלֶ֖כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk but gave him his blessing. וַֽיְבָרֲכֵֽהוּ׃ (way·ḇā·ră·ḵê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse Links 2 Samuel 13:25 NIV2 Samuel 13:25 NLT 2 Samuel 13:25 ESV 2 Samuel 13:25 NASB 2 Samuel 13:25 KJV 2 Samuel 13:25 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 13:25 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 13:25 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 13:25 French Bible 2 Samuel 13:25 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 13:25 The king said to Absalom No my (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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