Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, “Help me, Your Majesty!” New Living Translation When the woman from Tekoa approached the king, she bowed with her face to the ground in deep respect and cried out, “O king! Help me!” English Standard Version When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and paid homage and said, “Save me, O king.” Berean Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” King James Bible And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. New King James Version And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, “Help, O king!” New American Standard Bible Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, “Help, O king!” NASB 1995 Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Help, O king.” NASB 1977 Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Help, O king.” Legacy Standard Bible So the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, and she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Save, O king.” Amplified Bible When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she bowed with her face to the ground and lay herself down, and said, “Help, O king.” Christian Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell facedown to the ground, paid homage, and said, “Help me, Your Majesty! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell with her face to the ground in homage and said, “Help me, my king!"” American Standard Version And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. Contemporary English Version The woman from Tekoa went to David. She bowed very low and said, "Your Majesty, please help me!" English Revised Version And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. GOD'S WORD® Translation The woman from Tekoa came to the king and immediately bowed down with her face touching the ground. "Help [me], Your Majesty," she said. Good News Translation The woman went to the king, bowed down to the ground in respect, and said, "Help me, Your Majesty!" International Standard Version When the woman from Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, prostrating herself to address him, "Help, your majesty!" Majority Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, ?Help me, O king!? NET Bible So the Tekoan woman went to the king. She bowed down with her face to the ground in deference to him and said, "Please help me, O king!" New Heart English Bible And the woman of Tekoa went to the king, and she bowed down with her face to the ground and showed respect, and said, "Help, O king." Webster's Bible Translation And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. World English Bible When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, showed respect, and said, “Help, O king!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the woman of Tekoah speaks to the king, and falls on her face to the earth, and pays respect, and says, “Save, O king.” Young's Literal Translation And the woman of Tekoah speaketh unto the king, and falleth on her face to the earth, and doth obeisance, and saith, 'Save, O king.' Smith's Literal Translation And the woman, the Tekoite, will speak to the king and fall upon her face to the earth, and worship him, and say, Save, O king! Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the woman of Thecua was come in to the king, she fell before him upon the ground, and worshipped, and said: Save me, O king. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, when the woman of Tekoa had entered to the king, she fell before him on the ground, and she reverenced, and she said, “Save me, O king.” New American Bible So the woman of Tekoa went to the king and fell to the ground in homage, saying, “Help, O king!” New Revised Standard Version When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and did obeisance, and said, “Help, O king!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the woman of Tekoah came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance and said, Deliver me, O my lord the king. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Tequoan woman entered to the King, and she fell on her face on the ground, and she worshiped the King, and she said: “Save me, my Lord the King!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and prostrated herself, and said: 'Help, O king.' Brenton Septuagint Translation So the woman of Thecoe went in to the king and fell upon her face to the earth, and did him obeisance, and said, Help, O king, help. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Return to Jerusalem…3Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. 4 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” 5“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead.… Cross References 2 Samuel 12:1-7 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ... 1 Kings 3:16-28 At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ... 2 Samuel 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death. 2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 19:4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 13:1-2 After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. / Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her. 2 Samuel 13:21 When King David heard all this, he was furious. 2 Samuel 13:37-38 Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. 2 Samuel 15:1-6 Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ... 2 Samuel 20:9-10 “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. Matthew 18:23-35 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. / As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him. / Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. ... Luke 15:11-32 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ... John 8:3-11 The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them / and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. / In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” ... Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. Treasury of Scripture And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. fell on her 2 Samuel 1:2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 1 Samuel 20:41 And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. 1 Samuel 25:23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, Help [heb] Save 2 Kings 6:26-28 And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king… Job 29:12-14 Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him… Luke 18:3-5 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary… Jump to Previous Earth Face Falleth Falling Fell Ground Help Herself Honor Honour Obeisance Pay Prostrated Save Speaketh Tekoa Teko'a TekoahJump to Next Earth Face Falleth Falling Fell Ground Help Herself Honor Honour Obeisance Pay Prostrated Save Speaketh Tekoa Teko'a Tekoah2 Samuel 14 1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,21. brings him home to Jerusalem 25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children 28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab When the woman from Tekoa went to the king Tekoa was a town in Judah, located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It was known for its wise inhabitants, as seen in the prophet Amos, who was also from Tekoa. The woman from Tekoa was sent by Joab, David's military commander, to present a parable to King David. This reflects the use of intermediaries and parables in ancient Near Eastern cultures to convey messages to rulers. The choice of a woman from Tekoa highlights the strategic use of wisdom and diplomacy in addressing the king. she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” Persons / Places / Events 1. The Woman from TekoaA wise woman sent by Joab to King David to present a parable that would lead to the reconciliation between David and his son Absalom. Tekoa was a town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants. 2. King David The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God but also for his personal and familial struggles. At this point, he is dealing with the estrangement from his son Absalom. 3. Joab The commander of David's army, who orchestrates the plan to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem by using the woman from Tekoa to appeal to David's sense of justice and mercy. 4. Absalom David's son, who had fled to Geshur after killing his brother Amnon. His relationship with David is strained, and Joab seeks to reconcile them. 5. Tekoa A town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, known for its strategic location and wise inhabitants, including the prophet Amos. Teaching Points The Power of ParablesParables are a powerful tool for conveying truth and prompting introspection. Just as Nathan used a parable to convict David, the woman from Tekoa uses one to appeal to his heart. Approaching Authority with Respect The woman's approach to David, falling facedown in homage, demonstrates the importance of respect and humility when addressing those in authority. The Role of Intercessors Joab's use of the woman from Tekoa highlights the role of intercessors in facilitating reconciliation. We, too, can act as intercessors in conflicts, seeking to bring about peace and understanding. Seeking Justice and Mercy David's eventual decision to bring Absalom back reflects the balance of justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to seek both in our relationships and decisions. God's Heart for Reconciliation The account underscores God's desire for reconciliation, both in our relationships with others and with Him. We are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and restoration.(4) Spake to the king.--Many MSS. and the LXX., Vulg., and Syriac have came to the king. The difference is immaterial.Verse 4. - When the woman of Tekoah spake. All the versions and several manuscripts read, as the sense requires, "when the woman of Tekoah came." There is an interesting article in De Rossi, fixing with much probability the twelfth century as the date of this error. Though Absalom subsequently (2 Samuel 15:4) complained of the lax administration of justice in the realm, yet evidently this woman had the right of bringing her suit before the king; and we may be sure that Joab would take care that nothing unusual was done, lest it should awaken the king's suspicions. But possibly there was a want of method in judicial matters, and very much was left in the hands of the tribal officers, such as we find mentioned in Joshua 24:1. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When the womanהָאִשָּׁ֤ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female from Tekoa הַתְּקֹעִית֙ (hat·tə·qō·‘îṯ) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8621: Tekoite -- inhabitant of Tekoa went to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the king, הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king she fell וַתִּפֹּ֧ל (wat·tip·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie facedown אַפֶּ֛יהָ (’ap·pe·hā) Noun - mdc | third person feminine singular Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire in homage וַתִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ (wat·tiš·tā·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate and said, וַ֠תֹּאמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Help me, הוֹשִׁ֥עָה (hō·wō·ši·‘āh) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor O king!” הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Links 2 Samuel 14:4 NIV2 Samuel 14:4 NLT 2 Samuel 14:4 ESV 2 Samuel 14:4 NASB 2 Samuel 14:4 KJV 2 Samuel 14:4 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 14:4 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 14:4 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 14:4 French Bible 2 Samuel 14:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 14:4 When the woman of Tekoa spoke (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
    |