2 Samuel 15:23
New International Version
The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness.

New Living Translation
Everyone cried loudly as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness.

English Standard Version
And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.

Berean Standard Bible
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.

King James Bible
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

New King James Version
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness.

New American Standard Bible
While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people were crossing over. The king was also crossing over the brook Kidron, and all the people were crossing over toward the way of the wilderness.

NASB 1995
While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people passed over. The king also passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness.

NASB 1977
While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people passed over. The king also passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness.

Legacy Standard Bible
While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people passed over. The king also passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness.

Amplified Bible
While all the country was weeping with a loud voice, all the people crossed over. The king also crossed the Brook Kidron, and all the people went on toward the way of the wilderness [that lies between Jerusalem and the Jordan River].

Christian Standard Bible
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly while all the people were marching out of the city. As the king was crossing the Kidron Valley, all the people were marching past on the road that leads to the wilderness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly while all the people were marching past. As the king was crossing the Kidron Valley, all the people were marching past on the road that leads to the desert.

American Standard Version
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

Contemporary English Version
The people of Jerusalem were crying and moaning as David and everyone with him passed by. He led them across Kidron Valley and along the road toward the desert.

English Revised Version
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The whole country was crying loudly as all the troops were passing by. The king was crossing the Kidron Valley, and all the people were moving down the road toward the desert.

Good News Translation
The people cried loudly as David's followers left. The king crossed Kidron Brook, followed by his men, and together they went out toward the wilderness.

International Standard Version
With all of the people in the territory crying loudly, everybody passed over the Kidron brook, along with the king. Then everyone headed out toward the road that leads to the wilderness.

Majority Standard Bible
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.

NET Bible
All the land was weeping loudly as all these people were leaving. As the king was crossing over the Kidron Valley, all the people were leaving on the road that leads to the desert.

New Heart English Bible
And all the land wept aloud as all the people went by. And the king also passed over the Kidron Valley, and all the people passed by on the Olive road into the wilderness.

Webster's Bible Translation
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, towards the way of the wilderness.

World English Bible
All the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over. The king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all the land is weeping [with] a great voice, and all the people are passing over; and the king is passing over through the Brook of Kidron, and all the people are passing over on the front of the way of the wilderness;

Young's Literal Translation
And all the land are weeping -- a great voice, and all the people are passing over; and the king is passing over through the brook Kidron, and all the people are passing over on the front of the way of the wilderness;

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the land weeping with a great voice, and all the people passing over: and the king passed over upon the torrent Kidron, and all the people passing over upon the face of the way to the desert.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they all wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself went over the brook Cedron, and all the people marched towards the way that looketh to the desert.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they all wept with a great voice, and all the people passed over. The king also passed over the torrent Kidron. And all the people advanced opposite the way which looks out toward the desert.

New American Bible
The whole land wept aloud as the last of the soldiers went by, and the king crossed the Wadi Kidron with all the soldiers moving on ahead of him by way of the ascent of the Mount of Olives, toward the wilderness.

New Revised Standard Version
The whole country wept aloud as all the people passed by; the king crossed the Wadi Kidron, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over; then the king also passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over toward the way of the wilderness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the land was weeping a great weeping, and all the people crossed, and the King crossed in the river valley of Qedrown, and all the people crossed on the entrance of the road of the wilderness
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And all the country wept with a loud voice, as all the people passed over; and as the king passed over the brook Kidron, all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the country wept with a loud voice. And all the people passed by over the brook of Kedron; and the king crossed the brook Kedron: and all the people and the king passed on toward the way of the wilderness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Flees Jerusalem
22“March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. 23Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. 24Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had passed out of the city.…

Cross References
Psalm 3:1-8
A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! / Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah / But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. ...

Psalm 42:1-11
For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. / My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? / My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?” ...

Psalm 55:1-23
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea. / Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught / at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster upon me and resent me in their anger. ...

Psalm 63:1-11
A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. / So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. / Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. ...

Psalm 143:1-12
A Psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me. / Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. / For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. ...

2 Samuel 16:2
“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

2 Samuel 19:18
and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king

1 Kings 2:37
On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.”

1 Kings 15:13
He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

Jeremiah 13:17
But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.

Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” / He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” ...

Luke 19:41-44
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...

John 18:1
After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.

Acts 20:37-38
They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. / They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.


Treasury of Scripture

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

all the country

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Kidron

1 Kings 2:37
For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

John 18:1
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

Cedron

2 Samuel 16:2
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

Matthew 3:1,3
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, …

Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Jump to Previous
Aloud Brook Country Countryside Crossed Desert Great Kidron Loud Moved Passed Towards Valley Voice Way Weeping Wept Whole Wilderness
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Aloud Brook Country Countryside Crossed Desert Great Kidron Loud Moved Passed Towards Valley Voice Way Weeping Wept Whole Wilderness
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














Everyone in the countryside
This phrase highlights the widespread impact of the events unfolding in Israel. The Hebrew word for "countryside" is "ha'aretz," which often refers to the land or territory. This indicates that the sorrow and lamentation were not confined to a small group but were felt throughout the land. The collective mourning suggests a deep connection between the people and their king, David, as well as the gravity of the situation, which was Absalom's rebellion.

was weeping loudly
The Hebrew root for "weeping" is "bakah," which conveys a sense of deep, audible lamentation. This public display of grief underscores the emotional turmoil and distress experienced by the people. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, such expressions of sorrow were common during times of national crisis or personal loss, reflecting the communal nature of their society.

as all the people passed by
This phrase indicates a procession, a movement of the people alongside their king. The Hebrew word "abar" for "passed by" suggests crossing over or moving through. This movement is symbolic of transition and change, as the people are leaving behind the familiar and entering into uncertainty. It also reflects their loyalty and solidarity with David, despite the circumstances.

The king also crossed the Kidron Valley
The Kidron Valley, or "Nachal Kidron" in Hebrew, is a significant geographical location east of Jerusalem. It often served as a boundary marker and was associated with moments of crisis and decision in Israel's history. David's crossing of the Kidron Valley is symbolic of his departure from Jerusalem, a city he had established as the political and spiritual center of Israel. This act signifies a humbling moment for David, as he leaves the city he once conquered and ruled.

and all the people moved on toward the wilderness
The "wilderness," or "midbar" in Hebrew, is a place of testing, refuge, and divine encounter in the biblical narrative. It is where Israel wandered for forty years and where prophets like Elijah found solace. The movement toward the wilderness suggests a retreat from the immediate threat posed by Absalom, but it also opens the possibility for renewal and divine intervention. The wilderness is a place where God often meets His people, providing guidance and sustenance in times of need.

(23) The brook Kidron.--A valley with a watercourse, filled in winter, lying immediately east of Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives.

Verse 23. - All the country wept. This general lamentation proves that David was not really unpopular in Jerusalem, though it was there that Absalom had dazzled the people by his magnificence, and sought to win favour by his gracious ways. By the country the inhabitants are meant, who watched the king's departure; while the people are David's followers - his retinue and attendants. The brook Kidron. This is a winter torrent, dry during most of the year, but serving at the rainy seasons to carry off the rainfall from the Valley of Jehoshaphat. It lay on the east of Jerusalem, and beyond it was Mount Olivet. The direction of David's flight was toward the wild country on the east of the Jordan, in which Ishbosheth had found a refuge after the defeat of Gilboa. To reach it he must pass by Jericho, and thence through the Arabah (Jeremiah 39:4) to the ford of the Jordan, after crossing which he would be in comparative safety. Ahithophel would have followed that very night, and have attacked before David had placed the river between himself and his pursuers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Everyone
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

in the countryside
הָאָ֗רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

was weeping
בּוֹכִים֙ (bō·w·ḵîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

loudly
ק֣וֹל (qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

as all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people
הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

passed by.
עֹֽבְרִ֑ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

And as the king
וְהַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (wə·ham·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

crossed
עֹבֵר֙ (‘ō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Kidron
קִדְר֔וֹן (qiḏ·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6939: Kidron -- perhaps 'dusky', a wadi East of Jerusalem

Valley,
בְּנַ֣חַל (bə·na·ḥal)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people
הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

also passed
עֹבְרִ֔ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

toward
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the way
דֶ֖רֶךְ (ḏe·reḵ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of the wilderness.
הַמִּדְבָּֽר׃ (ham·miḏ·bār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech


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OT History: 2 Samuel 15:23 All the country wept with a loud (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 15:22
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