2 Samuel 18:26
New International Version
Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!” The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”

New Living Translation
the watchman saw another man running toward them. He shouted down, “Here comes another one!” The king replied, “He also will have news.”

English Standard Version
The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.”

Berean Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.

King James Bible
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

New King James Version
Then the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “There is another man, running alone!” And the king said, “He also brings news.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man is running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

NASB 1995
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

NASB 1977
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

Amplified Bible
Then the lookout saw another man running, and he called to the gatekeeper and said, “Look, another man running alone.” The king said, “He also is bringing good news.”

Christian Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone! ” “This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!"” This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.

American Standard Version
And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

Contemporary English Version
when the soldier saw someone else running. He shouted down to the gate, "Look! There's another runner!" David said, "He must have some news too."

English Revised Version
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the watchman saw another man running, the watchman called, "There's [another] man running alone." The king said, "This one is also bringing good news."

Good News Translation
Then the lookout saw another man running alone, and he called down to the gatekeeper, "Look! There's another man running!" The king answered, "This one also is bringing good news."

International Standard Version
the watchman observed another man running. So he called out to the gatekeeper, "There's another man running by himself!" The king replied, "He's also bringing some news to report!"

Majority Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, ?Look! Another man is running alone!? ?This one also brings good news,? said the king.

NET Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running. The watchman called out to the gatekeeper, "There is another man running by himself." The king said, "This one also is bringing good news."

New Heart English Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running. And the watchman above the gate called out, and said, "Look, another man running alone." And the king said, "He also brings good news."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

World English Bible
The watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, a man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the watchman sees another man running, and the watchman calls to the gatekeeper, and says, “Behold, a man running by himself”; and the king says, “This one is also bearing tidings.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the watchman seeth another man running, and the watchman calleth unto the gatekeeper, and saith, 'Lo, a man running by himself;' and the king saith, 'Also this one is bearing tidings.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he watching will see another man running, and the watcher will call at the gate and say, Behold, a man running alone. And the king will say, This also announces good tidings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The watchman saw another man running, and crying aloud from above, he said: I see another man running alone. And the king said: He also is a good messenger.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the watchman saw another man running. And so, crying out from the height, he said: “Another man has appeared, running alone.” And the king said, “This one also is a good messenger.”

New American Bible
the lookout spied another runner. From his place atop the gate he cried out, “There is another man running by himself.” And the king responded, “He, too, is bringing good news.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the sentinel saw another man running; and the sentinel called to the gatekeeper and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also is bringing tidings.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the watchman drew near toward the gate, and said, Behold, another man is running alone;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he walked, he came and came near, and the Watchman called to the gate and he said: “Behold, another man is running alone!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said: 'Behold another man running alone.' And the king said: 'He also bringeth tidings.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman cried at the gate, and said, And look, another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings glad tidings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Mourns for Absalom
25So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, 26the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. 27The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 18:27
The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”

2 Samuel 18:29
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.”

2 Samuel 18:31
Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!”

2 Samuel 18:32
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”

2 Samuel 19:1
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.”

2 Kings 9:17-20
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...

1 Samuel 4:13-14
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 Samuel 13:34
Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”

2 Samuel 15:24
Zadok 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 all the people had passed out of the city.

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.

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.

2 Samuel 20:8-10
And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. / “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

1 Kings 1:42
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.”

1 Kings 14:6
So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”


Treasury of Scripture

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings tidings.

Jump to Previous
Alone Bearer Crying Direction Door Gate Gatekeeper Good News Porter Running Tidings Watchman
Jump to Next
Alone Bearer Crying Direction Door Gate Gatekeeper Good News Porter Running Tidings Watchman
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














the watchman saw another man running
In ancient times, watchmen were stationed on city walls or towers to observe and report any approaching individuals or armies. Their role was crucial for the safety and security of the city. The watchman in this passage is performing his duty by observing another runner approaching. This reflects the vigilance required in spiritual life, as believers are called to be watchful and alert (1 Peter 5:8). The act of running alone suggests urgency and the importance of the message being delivered, reminiscent of the swift messengers in Isaiah 52:7 who bring good news.

and he called out to the gatekeeper
The gatekeeper was responsible for controlling access to the city, ensuring that only those with legitimate business could enter. This collaboration between the watchman and the gatekeeper highlights the importance of communication and teamwork in maintaining security. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the church's role in discerning and safeguarding the truth, as seen in Acts 20:28, where leaders are urged to keep watch over the flock.

“Look! Another man is running alone!”
The repetition of the observation emphasizes the significance of the event. In biblical narratives, running often indicates the delivery of important news or the urgency of a mission, as seen in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20) where the father runs to meet his returning son. The solitary nature of the runner may symbolize the personal responsibility of carrying God's message, akin to the prophets who often stood alone in their proclamations.

“This one also brings good news,” said the king.
King David's expectation of good news reflects his hope for a favorable outcome in the battle against Absalom. The phrase "good news" is significant in biblical literature, often associated with the gospel message of salvation and peace (Luke 2:10-11). In this context, it underscores the anticipation of victory and restoration. The king's response can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate bearer of good news, bringing reconciliation and hope to humanity (Isaiah 61:1).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Watchman
A sentinel stationed to observe and report any approaching individuals or events. In ancient times, watchmen played a crucial role in the safety and communication of a city or camp.

2. Gatekeeper
The person responsible for controlling access to the city or camp, ensuring that only those with legitimate business could enter.

3. King David
The reigning king of Israel at this time, who is awaiting news about the battle against Absalom, his son.

4. The Running Man
A messenger tasked with delivering news from the battlefield. In this context, the running man symbolizes the bearer of important information.

5. Battle Against Absalom
The conflict between King David's forces and those of his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Watchman
Just as the watchman was vigilant in observing and reporting, Christians are called to be spiritually alert and discerning in their lives.

Anticipation of Good News
King David's expectation of good news reflects the hope believers should have in God's promises and the ultimate good news of the Gospel.

The Importance of Communication
The interaction between the watchman and the gatekeeper underscores the necessity of clear and effective communication within the body of Christ.

Responsibility of Messengers
The running man represents those who carry the message of the Gospel. Believers are entrusted with the responsibility to share the good news with others.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the uncertainty of the battle's outcome, David's response shows a trust in God's sovereign plan, reminding believers to trust God in all circumstances.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the watchman
הַצֹּפֶה֮ (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

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

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

running,
רָץ֒ (rāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

and he called out
וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the gatekeeper,
הַשֹּׁעֵ֔ר (haš·šō·‘êr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper

“Look!
הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

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

is running alone!”
רָ֣ץ (rāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

“This [one]
זֶ֥ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

also
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

brings news,”
מְבַשֵּֽׂר׃ (mə·ḇaś·śêr)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

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

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


Links
2 Samuel 18:26 NIV
2 Samuel 18:26 NLT
2 Samuel 18:26 ESV
2 Samuel 18:26 NASB
2 Samuel 18:26 KJV

2 Samuel 18:26 BibleApps.com
2 Samuel 18:26 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 18:26 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 18:26 French Bible
2 Samuel 18:26 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 18:26 The watchman saw another man running (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 18:25
Top of Page
Top of Page