Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The watchman said, “It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “He’s a good man,” the king said. “He comes with good news.” New Living Translation “The first man runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok,” the watchman said. “He is a good man and comes with good news,” the king replied. English Standard Version The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.” Berean Standard Bible 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.” Berean Literal Bible And the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This one is a good man, and with good news he comes.” King James Bible And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. New King James Version So the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.” New American Standard Bible The watchman said, “I think the running form of the first one is like the running form of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man, and he is coming with good news.” NASB 1995 The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.” NASB 1977 And the watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.” Legacy Standard Bible And the watchman said, “I see that the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.” Amplified Bible The lookout said, “I think the man in front runs like Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man and is coming with good news.” Berean Annotated Bible The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz (my brother is wrath) son of Zadok (righteous). “This is a good man, said the king. “He comes with good news. Christian Standard Bible The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs.” “This is a good man; he comes with good news,” the king commented. Holman Christian Standard Bible The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs."” This is a good man; he comes with good news,” the king commented. American Standard Version And the watchman said, I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. Contemporary English Version The soldier on the roof shouted, "The first one runs just like Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." This time David said, "He's a good man. He must have some good news." English Revised Version And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. GOD'S WORD® Translation The watchman said, "It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz, Zadok's son." "He's a good man," the king said. "He must be coming with good news." Good News Translation The lookout said, "I can see that the first man runs like Ahimaaz." "He's a good man," the king said, "and he is bringing good news." International Standard Version Then the watchman observed, "It looks to me that the runner out in front is running like Zadok's son Ahimaaz!" The king replied, "This is a good man bearing good news!" NET Bible The watchman said, "It appears to me that the first runner is Ahimaaz son of Zadok." The king said, "He is a good man, and he comes with good news." New Heart English Bible Then the watchman said, "I think the first runner is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man, and comes with good news." Webster's Bible Translation And the watchman said, I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good news. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe 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.” World English Bible The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the watchman says, “I see the running of the first as the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” And the king says, “This [is] a good man, and he comes with good tidings.” Berean Literal Bible And the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This one is a good man, and with good news he comes.” Young's Literal Translation And the watchman saith, 'I see the running of the first as the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.' And the king saith, 'This is a good man, and with good tidings he cometh.' Smith's Literal Translation And the watcher will say, I saw the running of the first as the running of Ahimaaz, Zadok's son. And the king will say, A good man this, and he will come for good news. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the watchman said: The running of the foremost seemeth to me like the running of Achimaas the son of Sadoc. And the king said: He is a good man: and cometh with good news. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the watchman said, “The running of the closest one seems like the running of Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man, and he arrives bearing good news.” New American Bible Then the lookout said, “I notice that the first one runs like Ahimaaz, son of Zadok.” The king replied, “He is a good man; he comes with good news.” New Revised Standard Version The sentinel said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good tidings.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMoreover the watchman said, I see the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said. He is a good man and comes with good tidings. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Watchman said: “I see the running of the first like the running of Akhimaz, son of Tsaduq.” The King said to him: “He is a good man, and he has come with precious good news!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the watchman said: 'I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.' And the king said: 'He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the watchman said, I see the running of the first as the running of Achimaas the son of Sadoc. And the king said, He is a good man, and will come to report glad tidings. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Mourns for Absalom…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.” 28Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.”… Cross References The watchman said, 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.” … Isaiah 21:6-8 For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees. / When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.” / Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post. Ezekiel 33:2-7 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, / and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. / Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. … “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” 2 Samuel 17:17-22 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. / But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. / Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. … 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.” “This is a good man,” said the king. Acts 11:24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 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. “He comes with good news.” 2 Kings 7:9 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.” 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! Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. 2 Samuel 19:27 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 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 15:32-34 When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. / David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. / 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 17:20-21 When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. / After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” Treasury of Scripture And the watchman said, Me thinks the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and comes with good tidings. Me thinketh [heb] I see 2 Kings 9:20 And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously. he is a good 1 Kings 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings. Proverbs 25:13,25 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters… Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Jump to Previous Ahimaaz Ahi'ma-Az First Foremost Good He's News Running Runs Seems Think Thinketh Tidings Watchman ZadokJump to Next Ahimaaz Ahi'ma-Az First Foremost Good He's News Running Runs Seems Think Thinketh Tidings Watchman 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 The watchman said, 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 a city. In this context, the watchman is fulfilling his duty by identifying the runners approaching the city. “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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. AhimaazSon of Zadok, a priest, known for his swiftness and reliability as a messenger. He is recognized by his running style. 2. Zadok A priest during King David's reign, father of Ahimaaz, and a loyal supporter of David. 3. The Watchman An unnamed individual tasked with observing and reporting on approaching messengers or threats. 4. King David The reigning king of Israel, who is awaiting news about the battle against Absalom. 5. The Battle Against Absalom A significant conflict where David's forces are fighting against those of his rebellious son, Absalom. Teaching Points Character RecognitionDavid's recognition of Ahimaaz as a "good man" highlights the importance of a consistent and trustworthy character. As Christians, we should strive to be known for our integrity and reliability. The Role of Messengers Ahimaaz's role as a messenger reminds us of our calling to be messengers of the Gospel. We should deliver God's message with urgency and clarity, just as Ahimaaz ran swiftly to deliver news to David. Discernment in Leadership David's ability to discern the character of Ahimaaz reflects the need for leaders to have discernment. In our lives, we should seek God's wisdom to discern the character and intentions of those around us. Anticipation of Good News The anticipation of Ahimaaz's message reflects the hope we have in the Gospel. Just as David awaited news, we should eagerly anticipate and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:27?2. How does 2 Samuel 18:27 highlight the importance of recognizing God's messengers? 3. What can we learn about discernment from the watchman's observation in this verse? 4. How does this verse connect to other instances of divine messages in Scripture? 5. How can we apply the watchman's vigilance to our spiritual lives today? 6. What role does trust play when interpreting signs as seen in 2 Samuel 18:27? 7. Why is Ahimaaz's running style significant in 2 Samuel 18:27? 8. How does 2 Samuel 18:27 reflect on divine providence? 9. What does 2 Samuel 18:27 reveal about the importance of messengers in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18? 11. Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? 12. Do archaeological findings or historical records outside the Bible provide evidence confirming or contradicting the events described in 2 Samuel 18? 13. How does David's claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20-24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)? 14. How realistic is the swift exchange of secret messages in 2 Samuel 17:15-21, given the distance and security risks involved in ancient Israel? What Does 2 Samuel 18:27 Mean The watchman said“The watchman said…” (2 Samuel 18:27) • The lookout on the city wall faithfully reports what he sees, exemplifying the vital role of alert guardians (2 Samuel 18:24–26; 2 Kings 9:17; Ezekiel 33:2–7). • In this narrative, the watchman’s words are factual—not speculative—underscoring Scripture’s straightforward historic record. • His observation launches the chain of communication that will soon reach King David, reminding us how God often uses ordinary, diligent servants to move His purposes forward (Nehemiah 4:9; Mark 13:34–37). The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok “…‘The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.’” (v. 27a) • Ahimaaz is recognized at a distance by his distinctive stride. His reputation for swiftness and courage precedes him (2 Samuel 17:17–21; 1 Chronicles 6:8). • As son of the priest Zadok, Ahimaaz is both spiritually grounded and politically trusted (2 Samuel 15:27, 36). • The verse highlights how consistent character becomes visible even from afar; a godly life leaves unmistakable marks (Matthew 7:16; Philippians 2:15). “This is a good man,” said the king “‘This is a good man,’ said the king.” (v. 27b) • David instantly associates Ahimaaz with integrity and reliability (2 Samuel 18:29). • A righteous messenger reflects the heart of a righteous God; David’s confidence echoes Proverbs 25:13—“Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him.” • The description “good man” also contrasts sharply with deceptive messengers elsewhere in Scripture (Jeremiah 23:32; 1 Kings 22:8), reminding us to value truth-tellers. “He comes with good news.” “‘He comes with good news.’” (v. 27c) • In context, “good news” refers to military victory over Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 18:19–20, 31). • Yet the statement foreshadows tension: David longs for triumph but grieves for Absalom. The verse sets up the emotional weight of verses 32–33. • Throughout Scripture, feet that bring “good news” are celebrated (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15). Ahimaaz’s run anticipates the ultimate heralds of the gospel who proclaim God’s decisive victory through Christ (Luke 2:10; Romans 10:15). summary 2 Samuel 18:27 records a real-time exchange between the watchman and David, spotlighting Ahimaaz’s recognizable run, proven character, and anticipated message. The verse affirms that trustworthy servants carry news that shapes destinies, and it sets the dramatic stage for David’s mingled relief and sorrow. God’s Word shows that integrity, vigilance, and the faithful delivery of truth are always “good news” in His kingdom. Hebrew The watchmanהַצֹּפֶ֔ה (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await said, וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “The first man הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן (hā·ri·šō·wn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank appears רֹאֶה֙ (rō·’eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see to me אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I to be running מְרוּצַ֣ת (mə·rū·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4794: A running, course like Ahimaaz אֲחִימַ֣עַץ (’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.” צָד֑וֹק (ṣā·ḏō·wq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites “This זֶ֔ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that is a good ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good man,” אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the king. הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king “He comes יָבֽוֹא׃ (yā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go with וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to good טוֹבָ֖ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good news.” בְּשׂוֹרָ֥ה (bə·śō·w·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1309: Glad tidings, reward for, good news Links 2 Samuel 18:27 NIV2 Samuel 18:27 NLT 2 Samuel 18:27 ESV 2 Samuel 18:27 NASB 2 Samuel 18:27 KJV 2 Samuel 18:27 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 18:27 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 18:27 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 18:27 French Bible 2 Samuel 18:27 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 18:27 The watchman said I think the running (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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