2 Samuel 15:19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

Bible > 2 Samuel > Chapter 15 > Verse 19

◄ 2 Samuel 15:19 ►

New International Version
The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.

New Living Translation
Then the king turned and said to Ittai, a leader of the men from Gath, “Why are you coming with us? Go on back to King Absalom, for you are a guest in Israel, a foreigner in exile.

English Standard Version
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

King James Bible
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

New King James Version
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Return and remain with the king. For you are a foreigner and also an exile from your own place.

New American Standard Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you go with us too? Return and stay with your king, since you are a foreigner and an exile as well; return to your own place.

NASB 1995
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place.

NASB 1977
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place.

Amplified Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you go with us, too? Go back and stay with the king [of your own country], for you are a foreigner and an exile as well; return to your own place.

Christian Standard Bible
The king said to Ittai of Gath, “Why are you also going with us? Go back and stay with the new king since you’re both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Go back and stay with the new king since you’re both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

American Standard Version
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king: for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile; return to thine own place.

Contemporary English Version
David spoke to Ittai and said, "You're a foreigner from the town of Gath. You don't have to leave with us. Go back and join the new king!

English Revised Version
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile; return to thine own place.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king asked Ittai from Gath, "Why should you go with us? Go back, and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.

Good News Translation
and the king said to Ittai, their leader, "Why are you going with us? Go back and stay with the new king. You are a foreigner, a refugee away from your own country.

International Standard Version
Then the king suggested to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you have to go with us? Return and stay with the new king, since you're a foreigner and exile. Stay where you want to stay.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, ?Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

NET Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come with us? Go back and stay with the new king, for you are a foreigner and an exile from your own country.

New Heart English Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and you also are an exile from your place.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Why goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king; for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

World English Bible
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Return, and stay with the king; for you are a foreigner and also an exile. Return to your own place.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the king says to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you go—you also—with us? Return and abide with the king, for you [are] a stranger, and also an exile, you—to your place.

Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto Ittai the Gittite, 'Why dost thou go -- thou also -- with us? turn back -- and abide with the king, for thou art a stranger, and also an exile thou -- to thy place.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore wilt thou go, also thou, with us? turn back and dwell with the king, for thou a stranger and thou an exile to thy place.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said to Ethai the Gethite: Why comest thou with us? return and dwell with the king, for thou art a stranger, and art come out of thy own place.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite: “Why do you come with us? Return and live with the king. For you are a stranger, and you departed from your own place.

New American Bible
the king said to Ittai the Gittite: “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and you, too, are an exile from your own country.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also coming with us? Go back, and stay with the king; for you are a foreigner, and also an exile from your home.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Why do you also go with us? Depart from the king; for you are a stranger, and also you were brought captive from your country.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The King said to Ati the Gittite: “Why do you go also with us? Stay behind from the King, because you are a foreigner, also you were surely brought forth from your country

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite: 'Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king; for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile from thine own place.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to Ethi, the Gittite, Why dost thou also go with us? return, and dwell with the king, for thou art a stranger, and thou has come forth as a sojourner out of thy place.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David Flees Jerusalem
…18and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath. 19Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. 20In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

1 Samuel 22:3-4
From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab, where he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother stay with you until I learn what God will do for me.” / So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold.

1 Kings 2:7
But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

1 Chronicles 12:18
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

2 Samuel 19:37-38
Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” / The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.”

2 Samuel 18:2
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”

2 Samuel 16:17
“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”

2 Samuel 19:33-34
The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” / But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?

2 Samuel 23:39
and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.

1 Samuel 27:2-3
So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath. / David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.

1 Samuel 30:9-10
So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind / because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.

1 Kings 2:32
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

1 Chronicles 12:1-2
Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):

Matthew 8:19-20
And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” / Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

John 6:66-69
From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. / So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” / Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. ...

Treasury of Scripture

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Why go you also with us? return to your place, and abide with the king: for you are a stranger, and also an exile.

Ittai

2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

Ruth 1:11-13
And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? …

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2 Samuel 15

1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.
7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron
10. He makes there a great conspiracy
13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem
19. Ittai will leave him
24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark
30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping,
31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel
32. Hushai is sent back with instructions

Berean Study Bible

Then the king said
This phrase introduces King David, a central figure in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which signifies not just a ruler but one who is divinely appointed. David's kingship is a fulfillment of God's promise, and his actions are often seen as reflective of God's will. In this context, David's words carry the weight of authority and divine purpose, even in times of personal crisis.

to Ittai the Gittite
Ittai is identified as a "Gittite," indicating he is from Gath, a Philistine city. The mention of Ittai highlights the inclusivity of David's leadership, as he welcomes even foreigners into his ranks. Historically, this reflects the political and social dynamics of the time, where alliances were often formed across ethnic and national lines. Ittai's loyalty to David, despite being a foreigner, underscores the universal appeal of David's leadership and the magnetic nature of his character.

Why should you come with us?
This question reveals David's humility and concern for others, even in his own time of distress. The Hebrew root for "come" (בּוֹא, "bo") often implies entering into a covenant or relationship. David is essentially questioning Ittai's commitment, acknowledging the potential cost of such loyalty. This reflects a broader biblical theme of counting the cost of discipleship and the sacrificial nature of true allegiance.

Go back and stay with King Absalom
David's reference to "King Absalom" is significant, as it acknowledges Absalom's temporary usurpation of the throne. The Hebrew word for "stay" (שׁוּב, "shuv") can also mean "return" or "repent," suggesting a deeper spiritual dimension. David is offering Ittai a choice, respecting his free will, and recognizing the legitimacy of Absalom's claim in a worldly sense, while still maintaining his own divine anointing.

for you are a foreigner and an exile from your homeland
This phrase emphasizes Ittai's status as an outsider, both geographically and culturally. The Hebrew word for "foreigner" (נָכְרִי, "nokhri") often carries connotations of being an alien or stranger, while "exile" (גָּלוּת, "galut") suggests a forced displacement. This highlights the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate belonging that comes from being part of God's people. David's acknowledgment of Ittai's status serves as a reminder of the inclusivity of God's kingdom, where all are welcome regardless of their earthly origins.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19) Ittai the Gittite.--The patronymic must here be understood literally, since David calls him "a stranger and also an exile;" he had but comparatively recently (2Samuel 15:20) attached himself to David's service, bringing with him his family and others of his countrymen. From the fact that David afterwards entrusted him with the command of a third of his forces, it is clear that he must have been an experienced general. It cannot be shown positively that he was a proselyte, although this is probable.

In the latter part of this verse the English has unnecessarily changed the order of the words. Read, "Return and abide with the king, for thou art a stranger and an exile at thy place," viz., at Jerusalem. David neither means to recognise Absalom as king, nor yet to speak of him ironically; he only means to tell Ittai that, as a foreigner, he need not concern himself in such a question, but is quite justified in serving the king de facto, whoever he may be. Ittai's answer may be compared with Ruth's (Ruth 1:16-17).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. - Ittai the Gittite. Ittai was not one of the six hundred, though there was an Ittai among them, a Benjamite. He was a citizen of Gath, who had lately come ("yesterday," see ver. 20), with all his household of slaves and dependents, his clan, Hebrew, his taf - translated in ver. 22 his "little ones." He had evidently been a person of importance in his own country, whence he had been driven, perhaps by political troubles, and was now, therefore, an exile and a foreigner (Authorized Version, "stranger") at Jerusalem. As David made him joint commander of his army with Joab and Abishai (2 Samuel 18:2), he must also have been a general of recognized military skill. As he was thus not personally interested in the government of Israel, and, in fact, had only lately come thither, David recommends him to return... and abide with the king, that is, with the de facto king, Absalom. But so great was the fascination which David exercised upon those around him, that this foreigner boldly threw in his lot with him, and accompanied him in his flight. Return to thy place. This is a very daring transposition, as the Hebrew is, Return and abide with the king; for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile art thou to thy place. The Revised Version gives the same sense as the Authorized, though it shows more respect to the grammar. But the Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, by "his own place" understand Gath, either taking the words as meaning "an exile as to thy own place," or having a different reading. The Hebrew then proceeds, Yesterday was thy coming, and shall 1 today make thee wander to go with us, seeing I go whither I go? that is, I go I know not whither. Return thou, and take back thy brethren - in mercy and truth. This gives a very good sense, but the Septuagint and Vulgate have a different reading: "Take back thy brethren with thee, and the Lord chew thee mercy and truth." The Syriac gives the genera] sense of the Hebrew, rendering, "Take back thy brethren well."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then the king
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Ittai
אִתַּ֣י (’it·tay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 863: Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine

the Gittite,
הַגִּתִּ֔י (hag·git·tî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1663: Gittite -- an inhabitant of Gath

“Why
לָ֧מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should you
אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

also
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

go
תֵלֵ֛ךְ (ṯê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with us?
אִתָּ֑נוּ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Go back
שׁ֣וּב (šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

and stay
וְשֵׁ֤ב (wə·šêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the new king,
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you are
אַ֔תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

both a foreigner
נָכְרִ֣י (nā·ḵə·rî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5237: Foreign, alien

and
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

an exile
גֹּלֶ֥ה (gō·leh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal

from your homeland.
לִמְקוֹמֶֽךָ׃ (lim·qō·w·me·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

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OT History: 2 Samuel 15:19 Then said the king to Ittai (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)