2 Samuel 16:17
New International Version
Absalom said to Hushai, “So this is the love you show your friend? If he’s your friend, why didn’t you go with him?”

New Living Translation
“Is this the way you treat your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why aren’t you with him?”

English Standard Version
And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”

King James Bible
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

New King James Version
So Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

New American Standard Bible
But Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

NASB 1995
Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

NASB 1977
And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your lovingkindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

Amplified Bible
Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

Christian Standard Bible
“Is this your loyalty to your friend? ” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Is this your loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend?"”

American Standard Version
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

Contemporary English Version
But Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this how you show loyalty to your friend David? Why didn't you go with him?"

English Revised Version
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Is that how loyal you are to your friend?" Absalom asked Hushai. "Why didn't you go with him?"

Good News Translation
"What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?" Absalom asked him. "Why didn't you go with him?"

International Standard Version
But Absalom asked Hushai, "So this is how you demonstrate your loyalty to your closest friends? Why didn't you leave with your friend?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Is this the loyalty you show your friend?? Absalom replied. ?Why did you not go with your friend??

NET Bible
Absalom said to Hushai, "Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?"

New Heart English Bible
So Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend??"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

World English Bible
Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Absalom says to Hushai, “[Is] this your kindness with your friend? Why have you not gone with your friend?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Absalom saith unto Hushai, 'This thy kindness with thy friend! why hast thou not gone with thy friend?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Absalom will say to Hushai, This thy mercy with thy friend? wherefore wentest thou not with thy friend?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Absalom said to him: Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Absalom said to him: “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

New American Bible
But Absalom asked Hushai: “Is this your devotion to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”

New Revised Standard Version
Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Abishlum said to Khushi: “This is the love of your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Absalom said to Hushai: 'Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessalom said to Chusi, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not forth with thy friend?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
16And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” 18“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 15:34
But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’

2 Samuel 19:25-27
And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, / and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes.

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 1:7-8
So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. / But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

1 Chronicles 27:33
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Jeremiah 9:4
“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.

Micah 7:5-6
Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. / For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:43-45
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? why went you not with your friend?

Is this thy

Deuteronomy 32:6
Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

why wentest

2 Samuel 15:32-37
And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: …

2 Samuel 19:25
And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Jump to Previous
Absalom Ab'salom Friend Hushai Kindness Loyalty Show Wentest
Jump to Next
Absalom Ab'salom Friend Hushai Kindness Loyalty Show Wentest
2 Samuel 16
1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance
5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David
9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge
15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel
20. Ahithophel's counsel














“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?”
Absalom's question to Hushai highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal, which is central to the narrative of David's reign. In the context of ancient Israel, loyalty to a king or leader was paramount, often seen as a divine mandate. Hushai's presence in Absalom's court raises questions about his allegiance, as he was known to be a close advisor and friend to King David. This moment reflects the tension and division within the kingdom during Absalom's rebellion. The term "friend" here is significant, as it underscores the personal nature of the betrayal. In biblical terms, friendship often implied a covenant relationship, suggesting a deeper level of trust and commitment. This phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of loyalty to God and His anointed, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 24:6, where David refuses to harm Saul, the Lord's anointed.

Absalom replied.
Absalom, David's son, had declared himself king in Hebron, leading a rebellion against his father. His response to Hushai is indicative of his suspicion and awareness of the political dynamics at play. Absalom's character is complex; he is both ambitious and charismatic, yet his actions are driven by a desire for power and revenge for the wrongs he perceived were done to his sister Tamar. This moment is a turning point in the narrative, as Absalom seeks to consolidate his power and test the loyalty of those around him. The historical context of Absalom's rebellion is rooted in the familial and political tensions that had been brewing in David's household, as detailed in 2 Samuel 13-15.

“Why did you not go with your friend?”
This question further probes Hushai's motives and loyalty. Absalom's use of the term "friend" again emphasizes the expected loyalty to David, who was not only Hushai's king but also his personal friend. The cultural expectation in ancient Israel was that a true friend would stand by you in times of trouble, as seen in Proverbs 17:17, which states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Hushai's decision to stay with Absalom was strategic, as he intended to act as a spy for David, a plan that would ultimately help thwart Absalom's rebellion. This scenario also foreshadows the ultimate betrayal of Jesus by Judas, who was one of His closest disciples, highlighting the recurring biblical theme of betrayal by a trusted friend.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Absalom
The son of King David, who rebelled against his father to take over the throne of Israel. His actions are central to the account of 2 Samuel 16.

2. Hushai the Archite
A loyal friend and advisor to King David. He pretends to support Absalom to act as a spy for David.

3. David
The King of Israel, who is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion. His trust in Hushai is a key element in the unfolding events.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Absalom has entered to establish his rule in David's absence.

5. The Rebellion
The broader context of this verse is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, which is a significant event in the history of Israel.
Teaching Points
Loyalty in Friendship
True loyalty may sometimes require difficult decisions and actions that are not immediately understood by others. Hushai's loyalty to David is a profound example of this.

Wisdom in Adversity
In times of crisis, wisdom and discernment are crucial. Hushai's strategic decision to stay with Absalom demonstrates the importance of wise counsel and action.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Absalom's rebellion against his father serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human schemes and rebellion, God's purposes prevail. The unfolding events in David's life remind us of God's ultimate control over history.Verse 17. - Is this thy kindness to thy friend? After carrying the king to Ayephim, on the banks of the Jordan, the narrator now turns back to Absalom, because David was to wait at the caravanserai for news from Jerusalem. And immediately on his arrival, Hushai hastens into Absalom's presence, loudly exclaiming, "Long live the king!" for such is the meaning of the Hebrew. The young man is surprised; for Hushai was David's friend and trusted confidant. Yet he does not suspect this sudden breaking of old ties, but, looking at the bright side only, sees in it a proof that his party was looked upon as sure of success, and David's cause as hopeless. He welcomes, therefore, so notable an adherent, and Hushai's pretences confirm his self-deceit; for he professes to regard Absalom as king, not by fraud and violence, but by the formal choice of both Jehovah and the people. On this assumption, obedience to the nation's choice became a religious duty, and Hushai's love to the father was a pledge of love to the son. We must not, however, condemn Absalom for too easy credulity. The nation was in his favour, and, had he acted with promptitude, David's cause would have been lost.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Is this
זֶ֥ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

the loyalty
חַסְדְּךָ֖ (ḥas·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

[you show]
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

your friend?”
רֵעֶ֑ךָ (rê·‘e·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

Absalom
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

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

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

did you not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go
הָלַ֖כְתָּ (hā·laḵ·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

your friend?”
רֵעֶֽךָ׃ (rê·‘e·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow


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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:17 Absalom said to Hushai Is this your (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 16:16
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