2 Samuel 15:4
New International Version
And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”

New Living Translation
I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!”

English Standard Version
Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.”

Berean Standard Bible
And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”

King James Bible
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

New King James Version
Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.”

New American Standard Bible
Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that someone would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has a lawsuit or claim could come to me, and I would give him justice!”

NASB 1995
Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice.”

NASB 1977
Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me, and I would give him justice.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Absalom would say, “Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any case or judgment could come to me and I would justify him.”

Amplified Bible
Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were appointed judge in the land! Then every man who had a dispute could come to me and I would get justice for him.”

Christian Standard Bible
He added, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He added, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.”

American Standard Version
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

Contemporary English Version
I wish someone would make me the judge around here! I would be fair to everyone."

English Revised Version
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He would add, "I wish someone would make me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a case to be tried could come to me, and I would make sure that he got justice."

Good News Translation
And he would add, "How I wish I were a judge! Then anyone who had a dispute or a claim could come to me, and I would give him justice."

International Standard Version
Who will appoint me to be a judge in the land? When anyone arrived to file a legal complaint or other cause, he could approach me for justice and I would settle it!"

Majority Standard Bible
And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”

NET Bible
Absalom would then say, "If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement."

New Heart English Bible
And Absalom would say, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, then anyone who had a dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice."

Webster's Bible Translation
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!

World English Bible
Absalom said moreover, “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Absalom says, “Who makes me judge in the land, that every man who has a plea and judgment comes to me? Then I have declared him righteous.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Absalom saith, 'Who doth make me a judge in the land, that unto me doth come every man who hath a plea and judgment? -- then I have declared him righteous.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Absalom will say, Who will set me judge in the land? and to me shall every man come which shall be to him strife and judgment, and I did him justice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
O that they would make me judge over the land, that all that have business might come to me, that I might do them justice.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Who may appoint me judge over the land, so that all those who have a dispute might come to me, and I might judge justly.”

New American Bible
And he would continue: “If only I could be appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a lawsuit to be decided might come to me and I would render him justice.”

New Revised Standard Version
Absalom said moreover, “If only I were judge in the land! Then all who had a suit or cause might come to me, and I would give them justice.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made a judge in the land, that every man who has a lawsuit or a cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abishlum said: “But who makes me Judge in the land and comes to me? Every man who has a judgment and vengeance, even I would be a champion to him!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Absalom said moreover: 'Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessalom said, O that one would make me a judge in the land; then every man who had a dispute or a cause would come to me, and I would judge him!

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom's Conspiracy
3Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” 4And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” 5Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.…

Cross References
1 Kings 1:5
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.

2 Samuel 14:1-33
Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. / So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. / Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. ...

1 Samuel 8:5-6
“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.

1 Samuel 8:19-20
Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”

1 Kings 12:26-27
Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”

2 Samuel 3:36
All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.

2 Samuel 18:18
During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.

2 Samuel 19:9-10
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

1 Kings 12:16-17
When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah.

2 Samuel 16:15
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...

2 Samuel 18:5
Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.

2 Samuel 19:41-43
Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel.

Matthew 23:5-7
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.

Luke 22:24-27
A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!

Oh that I

Proverbs 25:6
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

Luke 14:9-11
And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room…

I would do

Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

2 Peter 2:19
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

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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














And Absalom would say
Absalom, the third son of King David, is a central figure in this narrative. His name in Hebrew, "אַבְשָׁלוֹם" (Avshalom), means "father of peace," which is ironic given his rebellious actions. This phrase indicates his habitual behavior, suggesting a calculated and persistent effort to win the hearts of the people. Historically, Absalom's actions reflect the political maneuvering common in ancient monarchies, where power struggles often involved family members.

Oh, that I were appointed judge in the land!
The longing expressed here reveals Absalom's ambition and desire for authority. The Hebrew word for "judge" is "שֹׁפֵט" (shofet), which in ancient Israel was not only a legal arbiter but also a leader and deliverer. Absalom's statement is a direct challenge to King David's authority, as he implies that the current administration is inadequate. This reflects a common theme in the Old Testament, where God’s chosen leaders are often challenged by those seeking power for themselves.

Then every man with a grievance or dispute
This phrase highlights Absalom's appeal to the common people, positioning himself as a champion of justice. The Hebrew words for "grievance" and "dispute" suggest legal matters and personal conflicts, respectively. In the historical context, the king was the ultimate judge, and Absalom's promise to address these issues directly undermines David's role. This tactic of appealing to the populace is a timeless political strategy, aiming to gain favor by promising reform and justice.

could come to me
Absalom's invitation for the people to come to him signifies his attempt to establish a parallel authority. The phrase implies accessibility and approachability, contrasting with the perceived inaccessibility of King David. In the ancient Near Eastern context, accessibility to rulers was a significant issue, and Absalom's promise would have resonated with those who felt marginalized or ignored.

and I would ensure that he receives justice
The promise of justice is central to Absalom's appeal. The Hebrew word for "justice" is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses not only legal decisions but also righteousness and fairness. Absalom's claim suggests that the current system is failing to deliver true justice, a powerful accusation that would have stirred dissatisfaction among the people. This reflects a biblical theme where true justice is often contrasted with human systems, pointing to the ultimate justice found in God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And [he]
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

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

“If only
מִי־ (mî-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

someone would appoint
יְשִׂמֵ֥נִי (yə·śi·mê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

me judge
שֹׁפֵ֖ט (šō·p̄êṭ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

in the land,
בָּאָ֑רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

then everyone
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

with
אֲשֶֽׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

a grievance
רִ֥יב (rîḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute

or dispute
וּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט (ū·miš·pāṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

could come
יָב֥וֹא (yā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to me,
וְעָלַ֗י (wə·‘ā·lay)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and I would give him justice.”
וְהִצְדַּקְתִּֽיו׃ (wə·hiṣ·daq·tîw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6663: To be just or righteous


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OT History: 2 Samuel 15:4 Absalom said moreover Oh that I were (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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