Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Ahimaaz son of Zadok again said to Joab, “Come what may, please let me run behind the Cushite.” But Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to go? You don’t have any news that will bring you a reward.” New Living Translation But Ahimaaz continued to plead with Joab, “Whatever happens, please let me go, too.” “Why should you go, my son?” Joab replied. “There will be no reward for your news.” English Standard Version Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” Berean Standard Bible Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” Berean Literal Bible And Ahimaaz son of Zadok added again and said to Joab, “And what it was, will run, please, I also, after the Cushite!” And Joab said, “Why is this that you will run, my son, since there are there is no news found from you?” King James Bible Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? New King James Version And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” So Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?” New American Standard Bible However, Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once more to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why would you run, my son, since you will have no messenger’s reward for going?” NASB 1995 Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once more to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why would you run, my son, since you will have no reward for going?” NASB 1977 Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once more to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why would you run, my son, since you will have no reward for going?” Legacy Standard Bible Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once more to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why would you run, my son, since you will have no reward for going?” Amplified Bible Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” Joab said, “Why should you run, my son, seeing you will have no messenger’s reward for going [because you have only bad news]?” Berean Annotated Bible Ahimaaz (my brother is wrath) son of Zadok (righteous), however, persisted and said to Joab (YHWH is father), “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite! “My son, Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward? Christian Standard Bible However, Ahimaaz son of Zadok persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite! ” Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to run since you won’t get a reward? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible However, Ahimaaz son of Zadok persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to run since you won’t get a reward?"” American Standard Version Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But come what may, let me, I pray thee, also run after the Cushite. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou wilt have no reward for the tidings? Contemporary English Version Ahimaaz spoke to Joab again, "No matter what happens, I still want to go. And besides, the Ethiopian has already left." Joab said, "Why should you go? You won't get a reward for the news you have!" English Revised Version Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But come what may, let me, I pray thee, also run after the Cushite. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou wilt have no reward for the tidings? GOD'S WORD® Translation Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, spoke to Joab again, "Whatever may happen, I also want to run after the Sudanese messenger." "Now, son, why should you deliver the message?" Joab asked. "You won't be rewarded for this news." Good News Translation Ahimaaz insisted, "I don't care what happens; please let me take the news also." "Why do you want to do it, my son?" Joab asked. "You will get no reward for it." International Standard Version "Please," Zadok's son Ahimaaz continued, "No matter what happens, let me follow the Ethiopian!" Joab asked him, "Why this request to run, my son? There's no reward in it for you." NET Bible Ahimaaz the son of Zadok again spoke to Joab, "Whatever happens, let me go after the Cushite." But Joab said, "Why is it that you want to go, my son? You have no good news that will bring you a reward." New Heart English Bible Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, "Whatever happens, please let me go after the Cushite." But Joab said, "Why do you want to run, my son, since you will have no reward for the news?" Webster's Bible Translation Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But however, let me also, I pray thee, run after Cushi. And Joab said, Why wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAhimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” World English Bible Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said yet again to Joab, “But come what may, please let me also run after the Cushite.” Joab said, “Why do you want to run, my son, since you will have no reward for the news?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Ahimaaz son of Zadok adds again and says to Joab, “And whatever it is, please let me run, I also, after the Cushite.” And Joab says, “Why [is] this—you are running, my son, and [there are] no tidings found from you?” Berean Literal Bible And Ahimaaz son of Zadok added again and said to Joab, “And what it was, will run, please, I also, after the Cushite!” And Joab said, “Why is this that you will run, my son, since there are there is no news found from you?” Young's Literal Translation And Ahimaaz son of Zadok addeth again, and saith unto Joab, 'And whatever it be, let me run, I pray thee, I also, after the Cushite.' And Joab saith, 'Why is this -- thou art running, my son, and for thee there are no tidings found?' -- Smith's Literal Translation And Ahimaaz, son of Zadok will yet add, and say to Joab, What will be, I will run now, also I, after Cushi. And Joab will say, Wherefore this runnest thou my son, and goest, not finding good tidings? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen Achimaas the son of Sadoc said to Joab again: Why might not I also run after Chusai? And Joab said to him: Why wilt thou run, my son? thou wilt not be the bearer of good tidings. Catholic Public Domain Version And Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, said to Joab again, “What prevents me from running after Hushai also?” And Joab said to him: “Why do you want to run, my son? You would not be the bearer of good news.” New American Bible But Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, said to Joab again, “Come what may, permit me also to run after the Cushite.” Joab replied: “Why do you want to run, my son? You will receive no reward.” New Revised Standard Version Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you have no reward for the tidings?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, Why should not I too run after Cushi? And Joab said to him, Why will you run, my son, seeing no one will give you a reward for the tidings? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Akhimaz son of Tsaduq ran again and he said to Yuab: “What then, shall I run also? Shall I go after Kushi? Yuab said to him: “Why are you running my son, because no man has given you good news?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab: 'But come what may, let me, I pray thee, also run after the Cushite.' And Joab said: 'Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou wilt have no reward for the tidings?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Achimaas the son of Sadoc said again to Joab, Nay, let me also run after Chusi. And Joab said, Why wouldest thou thus run, my son? attend, thou hast no tidings for profit if thou go. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Mourns for Absalom…21So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. 22Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “Regardless of whatever may happen, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” 23“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.… Cross References Ahimaaz son of Zadok, 2 Samuel 15:27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. 2 Samuel 15:36 Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.” 2 Samuel 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. however, persisted and said to Joab, Luke 11:8 I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. Luke 18:5 yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.’” “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” 2 Samuel 1:6-10 “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. / When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’ / ‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ … 1 Samuel 4:12-17 That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. / When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. / Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli. … 2 Kings 7:9-10 Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.” / So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” “My son,” Joab replied, 1 Samuel 3:16 but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel. 1 Samuel 24:16 When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. 2 Samuel 18:19-21 Then 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.” / 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.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. 2 Samuel 18:23-27 “No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite. / Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. / So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, … Treasury of Scripture Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray you, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Why will you run, my son, seeing that you have no tidings ready? howsoever [heb] be what may Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. Jump to Previous Ahimaaz Cushi Cushite Cushy However Howsoever Joab News Once Please Ready Reward Run Tidings Whatever Wherefore Wilt ZadokJump to Next Ahimaaz Cushi Cushite Cushy However Howsoever Joab News Once Please Ready Reward Run Tidings Whatever Wherefore Wilt Zadok2 Samuel 18 1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom6. 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 Ahimaaz son of Zadok Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok, the high priest during King David's reign. Zadok was a loyal supporter of David, and his family held significant religious influence in Israel. Ahimaaz, as a priestly figure, would have been well-respected and trusted, which is why he was often involved in delivering messages. His lineage connects him to the priestly duties and the spiritual leadership of Israel, highlighting the intertwining of religious and political roles in ancient Israel. however, persisted and said to Joab “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” Persons / Places / Events 1. AhimaazThe son of Zadok, a priest, known for his swiftness and eagerness to deliver messages. His persistence in this passage highlights his dedication and zeal. 2. Joab The commander of King David's army, a shrewd and pragmatic leader. He questions Ahimaaz's desire to run, knowing the potential consequences and lack of reward. 3. The Cushite Another messenger chosen by Joab to deliver the news of Absalom's death to King David. His role contrasts with Ahimaaz's eagerness. 4. King David Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the recipient of the news and central to the events surrounding Absalom's rebellion. 5. Absalom's Rebellion The broader context of this passage, where Absalom, David's son, rebels against his father, leading to a civil war in Israel. Teaching Points Zeal and WisdomAhimaaz's eagerness to run reflects a commendable zeal, but Joab's response reminds us of the importance of wisdom and understanding the implications of our actions. Motivations for Service Consider why we serve in ministry or deliver messages. Are we seeking recognition, or are we genuinely committed to God's purposes? The Role of Messengers In God's kingdom, the role of a messenger is crucial. We must be prepared to deliver both joyful and difficult news with integrity and sensitivity. Understanding God's Timing Sometimes, like Ahimaaz, we may be eager to act, but it's essential to discern God's timing and purpose for our actions. The Consequences of Actions Reflect on how our actions, even when well-intentioned, can have unintended consequences. Seek God's guidance in all endeavors. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:22?2. Why did Ahimaaz insist on running despite Joab's initial refusal in 2 Samuel 18:22? 3. How does Ahimaaz's persistence reflect our own desires to serve God? 4. What can we learn from Ahimaaz about seeking God's guidance before acting? 5. How does Ahimaaz's eagerness compare to other biblical figures' zeal for God? 6. How can we balance enthusiasm with wisdom in our spiritual pursuits today? 7. Why did Ahimaaz insist on running despite being told not to in 2 Samuel 18:22? 8. What does Ahimaaz's persistence reveal about human nature and obedience to authority? 9. How does 2 Samuel 18:22 reflect on the theme of divine will versus human desire? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18? 11. (2 Samuel 22 compared with Psalm 18) Why do these passages have slight variations if both are supposed to be inspired or accurate accounts? 12. (2 Samuel 22) How can we tell which elements of this praise song are meant literally versus those intended as metaphorical or hyperbolic language? 13. Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? 14. (2 Samuel 22:8) Is there any historical or archaeological evidence of an actual earthquake during David's reign, or is this purely poetic imagery? What Does 2 Samuel 18:22 Mean Ahimaaz son of Zadok• Son of the high priest Zadok and already proven trustworthy (2 Samuel 15:36; 17:17–21). • Earlier he had risked his life to carry messages to David, showing courage and loyalty rather than self-interest. • His priestly lineage meant he was spiritually minded and keen to serve, echoing the faithfulness of other priestly messengers like Phinehas (Numbers 25:11–13). However, persisted and said to Joab • Joab had just chosen the Cushite to take the news of Absalom’s defeat (2 Samuel 18:21). • Ahimaaz “persisted,” revealing zeal that mirrors Paul’s description of believers who are “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14). • Persistence can be commendable (Luke 18:1–8), yet it needs to be tempered by wisdom and obedience to authority (Proverbs 13:1). “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” • Ahimaaz’s plea shows a heart that wants to share in service even without promise of gain—like Jonathan who said, “Whatever you say, I will do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). • He likely assumes David will receive him kindly because of past trust (2 Samuel 18:19). • His words hint at self-forgetful devotion: “No matter what.” Compare Paul’s “I do not count my life of any value” (Acts 20:24). “My son,” Joab replied • Joab’s fatherly address softens a hard reality: carrying bad news to David could cost a life (see the Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1:14–16; the assassins in 2 Samuel 4:9–12). • It reflects seasoned caution: Joab knows David often rewards loyalty but punishes bearers of tragic tidings even if truth-telling (Proverbs 27:6). “Why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” • Joab predicts David will grieve over Absalom (confirmed in 2 Samuel 18:33) and may withhold the usual gift to a victorious messenger (2 Samuel 4:10). • The contrast highlights two motives: – Earthly “reward” that Joab weighs (Proverbs 11:18). – Heavenly recognition that drives Ahimaaz (Colossians 3:23–24). • The scene teaches that zeal must count the cost; even service for God can involve personal loss (Luke 9:23–24). summary Ahimaaz’s eagerness shows a servant’s heart willing to run without promise of reward, while Joab’s caution reminds us that good intentions need wise discernment. The verse challenges believers to examine motives, submit to godly authority, and serve the Lord whether or not earthly recognition follows, trusting that true reward comes from God alone. (22) No tidings ready.--The phrase is a difficult one, and is translated by the LXX. "no tidings leading to profit," and by the Vulg. "thou wilt not be a bearer of good tidings." The simplest and most probable sense is "no tidings sufficient" for a special messenger; the Cushite had already carried the news.Verse 22. - Seeing... thou hast no tidings ready. This was not true; there were most important tidings ready. But it is the translation which is in fault. What Joab said is, "Seeing thou hast no tidings that find," that is, no message that will find for thee the king's favour and a reward.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֤עַץ (’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 290: Ahimaaz -- 'my brother is wrath', two Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zadok, צָדוֹק֙ (ṣā·ḏō·wq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites however, persisted וַיֹּ֨סֶף (way·yō·sep̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3254: To add, augment and said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Joab, יוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites “Regardless of whatever may happen, מָ֔ה (māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what please נָּ֥א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' let me אָ֖נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I also גַם־ (ḡam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and run אָרֻֽצָה־ (’ā·ru·ṣāh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 7323: To run behind אַחֲרֵ֣י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition Strong's 310: The hind or following part the Cushite!” הַכּוּשִׁ֑י (hak·kū·šî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3569: Cushite -- descendant of Cush “My son,” בְּנִ֔י (bə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son Joab יוֹאָ֗ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “why לָֽמָּה־ (lām·māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what do you אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you want to run, רָץ֙ (rāṣ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7323: To run since you will not אֵין־ (’ên-) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle receive מֹצֵֽאת׃ (mō·ṣêṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present a reward?” בְּשׂוֹרָ֥ה (bə·śō·w·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1309: Glad tidings, reward for, good news Links 2 Samuel 18:22 NIV2 Samuel 18:22 NLT 2 Samuel 18:22 ESV 2 Samuel 18:22 NASB 2 Samuel 18:22 KJV 2 Samuel 18:22 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 18:22 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 18:22 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 18:22 French Bible 2 Samuel 18:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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