2 Samuel 18:20
New International Version
“You are not the one to take the news today,” Joab told him. “You may take the news another time, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”

New Living Translation
“No,” Joab told him, “it wouldn’t be good news to the king that his son is dead. You can be my messenger another time, but not today.”

English Standard Version
And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.”

Berean Standard Bible
But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”

King James Bible
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

New King James Version
And Joab said to him, “You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king’s son is dead.”

New American Standard Bible
But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to bring news this day, but you shall bring news another day; however, you shall bring no news this day, because the king’s son is dead.”

NASB 1995
But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to carry news this day, but you shall carry news another day; however, you shall carry no news today because the king’s son is dead.”

NASB 1977
But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to carry news this day, but you shall carry news another day; however, you shall carry no news today because the king’s son is dead.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Joab said to him, “You are not the man for the good news this day, but you shall proclaim the good news another day; however, you shall not proclaim the good news today because the king’s son has died.”

Amplified Bible
But Joab told him, “You are not the man to carry news [to King David] today, but you shall carry news another day. On this day you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.”

Christian Standard Bible
Joab replied to him, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren’t taking good news, because the king’s son is dead.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joab replied to him, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren’t taking good news, because the king’s son is dead.”

American Standard Version
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

Contemporary English Version
Joab answered, "You're not the one to tell the king that his son is dead. You can take him a message some other time, but not today."

English Revised Version
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Joab told him, "You won't be the man carrying good news today. You can carry the news some other day. You must not deliver the news today because the king's son is dead."

Good News Translation
"No," Joab said, "today you will not take any good news. Some other day you may do so, but not today, for the king's son is dead."

International Standard Version
But Joab answered Ahimaaz, "You're not the man to deliver news today. Do it any other time, but not today, because the king's son is dead."

Majority Standard Bible
But Joab replied, ?You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king?s son is dead.?

NET Bible
But Joab said to him, "You will not be a bearer of good news today. You will bear good news some other day, but not today, for the king's son is dead."

New Heart English Bible
But Joab said, "You are not to bring the news today, but you may bring news another day. But today you are to bring no news.? For it was because the king's son was dead."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joab said to him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

World English Bible
Joab said to him, “You must not be the bearer of news today, but you must carry news another day. But today you must carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Joab says to him, “You are not a man of tidings this day, but you have borne tidings on another day, and this day you do not bear tidings, because the king’s son [is] dead.”

Young's Literal Translation
and Joab saith to him, 'Thou art not a man of tidings this day, but thou hast borne tidings on another day, and this day thou dost not bear tidings, because the king's son is dead.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab will say to him, Not thou a man of glad tidings this day, and another day thou shalt announce good news: and this day thou shalt not announce good news, because the king's son died.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joab said to him: Thou shalt not be the messenger this day, but shalt bear tidings another day: this day I will not have thee bear tidings, because the king's son is dead.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Joab said to him: “You shall not be the messenger on this day. Instead, you shall report on another day. I am not willing for you to give the report today, because the son of the king is dead.”

New American Bible
But Joab said to him: “You are not the man to bring the news today. On some other day you may take the good news, but today you would not be bringing good news, for in fact the king’s son is dead.”

New Revised Standard Version
Joab said to him, “You are not to carry tidings today; you may carry tidings another day, but today you shall not do so, because the king’s son is dead.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joab said to him, It is not proper that you bear tidings this day, but you may bear tidings another day; this day you shall bear no tidings because the king's son is dead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Yuab said to him: “No, and it is not for you to announce good news today, but announce good news on the next day. You shall not tell good news today, because of the son of the King, for that would be you announcing good news that he is dead!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joab said unto him: 'Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, forasmuch as the king's son is dead.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab said to him, Thou shalt not be a messenger of glad tidings this day; thou shalt bear them another day; but on this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Mourns for Absalom
19Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” 20But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” 21So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 1:4-10
“What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” / Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” / “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. ...

2 Samuel 1:14-16
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

2 Samuel 4:10
when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

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 2:32-33
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. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

1 Kings 1:42-43
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.” / “Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king.

1 Kings 1:50-53
But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” ...

1 Kings 2:25
So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

1 Kings 2:46
Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.

1 Chronicles 10:4-5
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

Matthew 14:8-11
Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. ...

Matthew 27:3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Mark 6:24-28
Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” / At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” / The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Joab said to him, You shall not bear tidings this day, but you shall bear tidings another day: but this day you shall bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

bear tidings [heb] be a man of tidings

2 Samuel 17:16-21
Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him…

because

2 Samuel 18:5,27,29,33
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom…

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Bear Bearer Borne Carry Dead Forasmuch However Joab Jo'ab King's News Tidings Time Today
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Bear Bearer Borne Carry Dead Forasmuch However Joab Jo'ab King's News Tidings Time Today
2 Samuel 18
1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim
9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit
18. Absalom's place
19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David
33. David mourns for Absalom














But Joab replied
Joab, the commander of King David's army, is a central figure in this narrative. His role as a military leader is well-documented throughout the books of Samuel. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a response with authority or decision. Joab's reply here is not just a casual conversation but a decisive command, reflecting his position of authority and his understanding of the gravity of the situation.

You are not the man
This phrase indicates a specific choice and discernment by Joab. The Hebrew word for "man" (אִישׁ, 'ish) can denote not just a male individual but also a person of certain qualities or status. Joab is making a judgment about the suitability of the messenger, which implies a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the royal court. It suggests that not everyone is fit to bear certain news, especially news of such a sensitive nature.

to carry the news today
The act of carrying news, especially in ancient times, was a significant responsibility. The Hebrew word for "news" (בְּשׂוֹרָה, besorah) often refers to tidings of great importance, whether good or bad. In this context, the news is of a tragic nature, and the timing ("today") is crucial. Joab's decision reflects an awareness of the immediate emotional and political implications of delivering such news to King David.

You may do so another day
This phrase suggests a postponement, indicating that while the messenger is not suitable for today, there may be a future opportunity. The Hebrew concept of time is often fluid, and Joab's words imply a strategic delay. This reflects a broader biblical theme of timing and divine providence, where certain actions are reserved for the appropriate moment.

but you must not do so today
The repetition of "today" emphasizes the urgency and sensitivity of the current situation. Joab's insistence highlights the potential consequences of delivering the news at the wrong time. In the biblical narrative, timing is often linked to God's will, and Joab's decision can be seen as aligning with a divine sense of order and appropriateness.

because the king’s son is dead
The death of Absalom, King David's son, is the tragic news in question. The Hebrew word for "dead" (מֵת, met) is stark and final, underscoring the gravity of the situation. This phrase not only conveys the factual event but also the emotional and political ramifications for David, who is both a father and a king. The death of a royal heir has profound implications for the stability of the kingdom and the personal grief of the king, which Joab is acutely aware of.

(20) Thou shalt bear no tidings.--Ahimaaz appears to have been in favour both with David (comp. 2Samuel 18:27) and with Joab. Joab, therefore, well knowing how painful to David would be the news of the death of Absalom, refused to let Ahimaaz bear it. The word is used, with rare exceptions, of good tidings.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Joab
יוֹאָ֗ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

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

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

are not
לֹא֩ (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

the man
אִ֨ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to take good news
בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה (bə·śō·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1309: Glad tidings, reward for, good news

today.
הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

You may do
וּבִשַּׂרְתָּ֖ (ū·ḇiś·śar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

it another
אַחֵ֑ר (’a·ḥêr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

day,
בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

but you must not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

[do so]
תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר (ṯə·ḇaś·śêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

today,
וְהַיּ֤וֹם (wə·hay·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

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

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

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

is dead.”
מֵֽת׃ (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:20 Joab said to him You shall not (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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