Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your people with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness.” New Living Translation You arrived only recently, and should I force you today to wander with us? I don’t even know where we will go. Go on back and take your kinsmen with you, and may the LORD show you his unfailing love and faithfulness.” English Standard Version You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” Berean Standard Bible In 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 Literal Bible Only yesterday you arrived, and today should I make you wander up and down with us, since I go on where I know not? Turn back and take back your brothers with you.” May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. King James Bible Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. New King James Version In fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down with us today, since I go I know not where? Return, and take your brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you.” New American Standard Bible You came only yesterday, so should I make you wander with us today, while I go wherever I go? Return and take your brothers back; mercy and truth be with you.” NASB 1995 “You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; mercy and truth be with you.” NASB 1977 “You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; mercy and truth be with you.” Legacy Standard Bible You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, going about, while I go where I go? Return and cause your brothers to return; lovingkindness and truth be with you.” Amplified Bible You came only yesterday, so should I make you wander with us today while I go where I will? Return and take your brothers back with you also. May lovingkindness and faithfulness be with you.” Berean Annotated Bible In 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. Christian Standard Bible Besides, you only arrived yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Besides, you only arrived yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness.” American Standard Version Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee. Contemporary English Version You haven't been with me very long, so why should you have to follow me, when I don't even know where I'm going? Take your soldiers and go back. I pray that the Lord will be kind and faithful to you." English Revised Version Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation You came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I don't even know where I'm going? Go back, and take your countrymen with you. [May the LORD] always show you kindness." Good News Translation You have lived here only a short time, so why should I make you wander around with me? I don't even know where I'm going. Go back and take all your people with you--and may the LORD be kind and faithful to you." International Standard Version It seems only yesterday that you arrived, so should I make you wander around with us while I go wherever I can? Go back, and take your brothers with you. May gracious love and truth accompany you!" NET Bible It seems like you arrived just yesterday. Today should I make you wander around by going with us? I go where I must go. But as for you, go back and take your men with you. May genuine loyal love protect you!" New Heart English Bible You came only yesterday. Should I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back, and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD show you kindness and truth." Webster's Bible Translation Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may; return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn 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.” World English Bible Whereas you came but yesterday, should I today make you go up and down with us, since I go where I may? Return, and take back your brothers. Mercy and truth be with you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYour coming in [was only] yesterday, and should I move you to go with us today, since I am going over [to] where [I do not know where] I am going? Return, and take your brothers back. Kindness and truth [be] with you.” Berean Literal Bible Only yesterday you arrived, and today should I make you wander up and down with us, since I go on where I know not? Turn back and take back your brothers with you.” May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. Young's Literal Translation Yesterday is thy coming in, and to-day I move thee to go with us, and I am going on that which I am going! -- turn back, and take back thy brethren with thee, -- kindness and truth.' Smith's Literal Translation Yesterday thy coming, and this day shall I cause thee to wander about to go with us? and I go where I go, turn back, and turn back thy brethren with thee mercy and truth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleYesterday thou camest, and to day shalt thou be forced to go forth with us? but I shall go whither I am going: return thou, and take back thy brethren with thee, and the Lord will shew thee mercy, and truth, because thou hast shewn grace and fidelity. Catholic Public Domain Version You arrived yesterday. And today should you be compelled to go away with us? For I should go to the place where I am going. But you should return, and lead your own brothers back with you. And the Lord will show mercy and truth to you, because you have shown grace and faith.” New American Bible You came only yesterday, and today shall I have you wander off with us wherever I have to go? Return and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD show you kindness and fidelity.” New Revised Standard Version You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, while I go wherever I can? Go back, and take your kinsfolk with you; and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou came but yesterday, and shall I trouble you today to go with us, seeing I go wherever I may? Return, and make your brethren to settle down; it will be well with you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Yesterday you came, and today will we shake you that you will go with us? And I shall go to wherever I go. Stay behind and settle well with your brethren” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren with thee in kindness and truth.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Whereas thou camest yesterday, shall I to-day cause thee to travel with us, and shalt thou thus change thy place? thou didst come forth yesterday, and to-day shall I set thee in motion to go along with us? I indeed will go whithersoever I may go: return then, and cause thy brethren to return with thee, and may the Lord deal mercifully and truly with thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Flees Jerusalem…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.” 21But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!”… Cross References In fact, you arrived only yesterday; Job 8:9 For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. 1 Chronicles 29:15 For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. should I make you wander around with us today Genesis 20:13 So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” Deuteronomy 26:5 and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous. Psalm 119:19 I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. while I do not know where I am going? Genesis 16:8 “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Psalm 25:4-5 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. Go back and take your brothers with you. Genesis 43:13 Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. Exodus 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied. Genesis 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, Genesis 24:27 saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” Psalm 25:10 All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees. 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.” Treasury of Scripture Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us? seeing I go where I may, return you, and take back your brothers: mercy and truth be with you. go up and down [heb] wander in going Psalm 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalm 59:15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. Amos 8:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. seeing 1 Samuel 23:13 Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. mercy 2 Samuel 2:6 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. Psalm 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. Jump to Previous Camest Faith Faithfulness Good Kindness Love Mercy Show Steadfast Today Truth Wander Whereas Whither YesterdayJump to Next Camest Faith Faithfulness Good Kindness Love Mercy Show Steadfast Today Truth Wander Whereas Whither Yesterday2 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 In fact, you arrived only yesterday; This phrase highlights the recent arrival of Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner from Gath, who had just joined David. The mention of "yesterday" underscores the immediacy and unexpected nature of his loyalty. Gath was a Philistine city, and Ittai's allegiance to David, a former enemy of the Philistines, is significant. It reflects the magnetic leadership of David and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan, as seen in the New Testament. 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. In this verse, he is speaking to Ittai the Gittite. 2. Ittai the Gittite A foreigner and leader of a group of men who have recently joined David. Despite being new to David's service, he shows loyalty and commitment. 3. Absalom David's son, who has initiated a rebellion against his father, causing David to flee Jerusalem. 4. Jerusalem The city from which David is fleeing due to Absalom's uprising. 5. The Wilderness Represents the uncertain and challenging journey David and his followers are about to undertake. Teaching Points Loyalty in UncertaintyIttai's decision to stay with David despite the uncertainty of the journey highlights the importance of loyalty and faithfulness, even when the future is unclear. The Role of Outsiders Ittai, a foreigner, plays a crucial role in David's account, reminding us that God often uses unexpected people to fulfill His purposes. Blessing Others David's blessing of kindness and faithfulness upon Ittai serves as a model for how we should speak blessings over others, encouraging them in their journey. Trusting God's Plan David's acknowledgment of not knowing where he is going reflects a trust in God's sovereignty, encouraging us to rely on God when our path is uncertain. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:20?2. How does 2 Samuel 15:20 demonstrate loyalty in challenging circumstances? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from 2 Samuel 15:20? 4. How does 2 Samuel 15:20 connect to Jesus' teachings on commitment? 5. How can we apply the loyalty shown in 2 Samuel 15:20 today? 6. What does 2 Samuel 15:20 teach about following God's chosen leaders? 7. What is the significance of Ittai's loyalty in 2 Samuel 15:20? 8. How does 2 Samuel 15:20 reflect themes of loyalty and faithfulness? 9. Why does David allow Ittai to choose his own path in 2 Samuel 15:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. How should we respond to betrayal and deceit? 12. What does surrendering to God mean? 13. 1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath? 14. In 1 Chronicles 15:29, Michal criticizes David's dance--does this episode conflict with the portrayal of Michal in 2 Samuel, creating an inconsistency in her character and motives? What Does 2 Samuel 15:20 Mean In fact, you arrived only yesterday;• David is speaking to Ittai the Gittite, a foreign commander who had only recently joined him (2 Samuel 15:18-19). • By noting the shortness of Ittai’s tenure, David highlights two things: – Ittai has not yet had time to receive any benefit from David’s kingship. – No debt of obligation binds him; his freedom to choose is respected (cf. Ruth 2:11-12, where Ruth’s recent arrival is similarly acknowledged before blessing). • The statement underscores David’s fairness and kindness toward a new follower, reflecting the heart seen earlier when he protected his parents in Moab (1 Samuel 22:3-4). should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? • David admits his own uncertainty. Though anointed king, he is presently displaced by Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15:14). • His question shows humility; he refuses to drag others into peril merely for his sake (cf. Psalm 31:15; Proverbs 16:9). • “Wander” evokes Israel’s earlier wilderness experience, reminding readers that the Lord, not David, ultimately guides the journey (De 8:2). Go back and take your brothers with you. • David gives Ittai permission to return to Jerusalem, ensuring the safety of his troops and families. • He models servant leadership: – Protecting the vulnerable rather than demanding allegiance (John 10:11). – Valuing those who remain behind as much as those who fight (1 Samuel 30:23-24). • The plural “brothers” shows concern for the entire company, not just its leader. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. • David’s benediction invokes the Lord’s “loving devotion (ḥesed) and faithfulness” — covenant terms that guarantee steadfast mercy (Psalm 23:6). • By blessing a foreigner this way, David echoes his covenant mindset with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:13-14) and foreshadows Christ’s inclusion of the nations (Acts 10:34-35). • Though released, Ittai’s later choice to stay (2 Samuel 15:21-22) illustrates how genuine grace invites, rather than coerces, loyal commitment (2 Titus 1:16). summary David’s words in 2 Samuel 15:20 reveal a king who honors freedom, practices humility, safeguards others, and trusts God’s covenant love. He releases a new follower from obligation, acknowledges his own uncertain path, protects the larger group, and entrusts all to the Lord’s steadfast mercy. The verse therefore teaches that true leadership rests on grace and faith, inviting voluntary loyalty while depending wholly on God’s unfailing loving-kindness. Hebrew In fact, you arrivedבּוֹאֶ֗ךָ (bō·w·’e·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go [only] yesterday; תְּמ֣וֹל ׀ (tə·mō·wl) Adverb Strong's 8543: Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday should I make you אֲנִֽיעֲךָ֤ (’ă·nî·‘ă·ḵā) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 5128: To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter wander around לָלֶ֔כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with us עִמָּ֙נוּ֙ (‘im·mā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with today וְהַיּ֞וֹם (wə·hay·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day while I וַאֲנִ֣י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I do not know הוֹלֵ֑ךְ (hō·w·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk where אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I am going? הוֹלֵ֔ךְ (hō·w·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Go back שׁ֣וּב (šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again and take וְהָשֵׁ֧ב (wə·hā·šêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again your brothers אַחֶ֛יךָ (’a·ḥe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) with you. עִמָּ֖ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with May the LORD show you loving devotion חֶ֥סֶד (ḥe·seḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty and faithfulness.” וֶאֱמֶֽת׃ (we·’ĕ·meṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness Links 2 Samuel 15:20 NIV2 Samuel 15:20 NLT 2 Samuel 15:20 ESV 2 Samuel 15:20 NASB 2 Samuel 15:20 KJV 2 Samuel 15:20 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 15:20 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 15:20 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 15:20 French Bible 2 Samuel 15:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 15:20 Whereas you came but yesterday should (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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