2 Samuel 13:25
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.

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.

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.

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 Version
And 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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.

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 Urged
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Absalom Ab'salom Although Blessed Blessing Burden Burdensome Chargeable Heavy Howbeit However Over-Great Pressed Presseth Refused Request Urged
2 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














But the king replied
The phrase introduces King David's response, highlighting his role as a father and a monarch. In Hebrew, "king" is "melech," emphasizing authority and responsibility. David's reply reflects his wisdom and discernment, understanding the implications of his actions. Historically, kings were seen as God's representatives on earth, and their words carried weight and significance.

No, my son
David's use of "my son" (Hebrew: "beni") is tender and personal, showing his affection for Absalom. This familial term underscores the relational dynamics at play, where David balances his kingly duties with paternal love. The refusal "No" indicates a protective instinct, possibly foreseeing potential issues with the gathering Absalom proposed.

We should not all go
The phrase suggests logistical and practical concerns. David's decision not to bring the entire royal entourage reflects wisdom in leadership, avoiding unnecessary burdens on Absalom. In ancient times, royal visits were significant events requiring substantial resources and planning, often straining the host's capabilities.

we would be a burden to you
David's consideration for Absalom's capacity to host the royal family shows his empathy and understanding. The Hebrew root for "burden" (Hebrew: "tela") implies a weight or load, symbolizing the potential strain on Absalom's resources. This reflects David's humility and awareness of the impact of his presence.

Although Absalom urged him
Absalom's insistence reveals his determination and possibly ulterior motives. The Hebrew verb for "urged" (Hebrew: "patsar") conveys persistence and pressure. This interaction hints at the underlying tension and foreshadows Absalom's future rebellion, as he seeks to assert his influence and control.

he was not willing to go
David's unwillingness (Hebrew: "lo avah") indicates a firm decision, rooted in discernment and caution. This choice reflects his understanding of the situation's complexity and his desire to maintain peace and order. It also highlights David's autonomy and authority, even in familial matters.

but gave him his blessing
Despite declining the invitation, David's blessing (Hebrew: "barak") signifies goodwill and favor. In biblical times, a blessing was a powerful act, invoking God's protection and prosperity. David's blessing demonstrates his love and support for Absalom, even amidst potential conflict, embodying grace and reconciliation.

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


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OT History: 2 Samuel 13:25 The king said to Absalom No my (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 13:24
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