Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.” New Living Translation “What about young Absalom?” the king demanded. “Is he all right?” And the Ethiopian replied, “May all of your enemies, my lord the king, both now and in the future, share the fate of that young man!” English Standard Version The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” Berean Standard Bible 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.” King James Bible And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. New King James Version And the king said to the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” So the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!” New American Standard Bible Then the king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be like that young man!” NASB 1995 Then the king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!” NASB 1977 Then the king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!” Legacy Standard Bible Then the king said to the Cushite, “Is there peace with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!” Amplified Bible The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom [my son] safe?” The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all those who rise against you to do evil, be [dead] like that young man is.” Christian Standard Bible The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right? ” The Cushite replied, “I wish that the enemies of my lord the king, along with all who rise up against you with evil intent, would become like that young man.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” The Cushite replied, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent.” American Standard Version And the king said unto the Cushite, Is it well with the young man Absalom? And the Cushite answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise up against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. Contemporary English Version "Is my son Absalom all right?" David asked. The Ethiopian replied, "I wish that all Your Majesty's enemies and everyone who tries to harm you would end up like him!" English Revised Version And the king said unto the Cushite, Is it well with the young man Absalom? And the Cushite answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise up against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Is the young man Absalom alright?" the king asked. The Sudanese messenger answered, "May your enemies and all who turned against you be like that young man!" Good News Translation "Is the young man Absalom all right?" the king asked. The slave answered, "I wish that what has happened to him would happen to all your enemies, sir, and to all who rebel against you." International Standard Version The king asked the Ethiopian, "Is the young man safe?" The Ethiopian answered, "May the enemies of your majesty the king—including everyone who rebels and tries to harm you—become like that young man…." Majority Standard Bible 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.? NET Bible The king asked the Cushite, "How is the young man Absalom?" The Cushite replied, "May the enemies of my lord the king and all who have plotted against you be like that young man!" New Heart English Bible Then the king asked the Cushite, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" And the Cushite replied, "May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you with evil intent be like that young man." Webster's Bible Translation And the king said to Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, May the enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. World English Bible The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you to do you harm, be as that young man is.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king says to the Cushite, “Peace to the youth—for Absalom?” And the Cushite says, “Let them be—as the youth—the enemies of my lord the king, and all who have risen up against you for evil.” Young's Literal Translation And the king saith unto the Cushite, 'Peace to the youth -- to Absalom?' And the Cushite saith, 'Let them be -- as the youth -- the enemies of my lord the king, and all who have risen up against thee for evil.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say to Cushi, Is peace to the boy, to Absalom? And Cushi will say, As the boy, shall all the enemies of my lord the king be, and all who rose up against thee for evil. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said to Chusai: Is the young man Absalom safe? And Chusai answering him, said: Let the enemies of my lord, the king, and all that rise against him unto evil, be as the young man is. Catholic Public Domain Version But the king said to Hushai, “Is there peace for the boy Absalom?” And responding, Hushai said to him, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against him for evil, be as the boy is.” New American Bible But the king asked the Cushite, “Is young Absalom all right?” The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rebel against you with evil intent be as that young man!” New Revised Standard Version The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to do you harm, be like that young man.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king said to Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, Let your enemies, my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil be as that young man is. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The King said to Kushi: “Is Abishlum the boy well?" Kushi said: “Let your enemies like be the boy, my Lord the King, and all who have arisen against you for your harm!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king said unto the Cushite: 'Is it well with the young man Absalom?' And the Cushite answered: 'The enemies of my lord the king and all that rise up against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said to Chusi, Is it well with the young man Abessalom? and Chusi said, Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all whosoever have risen up against him for evil, be as that young man. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Mourns for Absalom…31Just 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!” 32The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you to harm you.” 33The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”… Cross References 2 Samuel 12:10-14 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. / You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” ... 2 Samuel 19:4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 14:24-33 But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king. / Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. / And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard. ... 2 Samuel 13:28-29 Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. 2 Samuel 15:13-14 Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” 1 Kings 1:5-6 At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) 1 Kings 2:24-25 And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. Genesis 37:33-35 His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Genesis 44:28-31 When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. / Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ / So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, ... Job 1:18-19 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, / when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” Psalm 3:1-8 A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! / Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah / But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. ... 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. Matthew 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Luke 15:20-24 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. / The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ / But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ... Treasury of Scripture And the king said to Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against you to do you hurt, be as that young man is. Judges 5:31 So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. Psalm 68:1,2 To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him… Daniel 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom Cushi Cushite Cushy Enemies Evil Harm Haters Hurt King's Peace Rise Risen Safe Thee Young YouthJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom Cushi Cushite Cushy Enemies Evil Harm Haters Hurt King's Peace Rise Risen Safe Thee Young Youth2 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 king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” In this passage, King David is inquiring about the well-being of his son Absalom. The context is a time of civil war, as Absalom had rebelled against David, seeking to usurp the throne. David's question reveals his deep paternal concern, despite Absalom's betrayal. The use of "the young man" instead of Absalom's name may indicate David's emotional struggle, as he grapples with his son's rebellion and the potential consequences. The Cushite, likely an Ethiopian servant or messenger, is delivering news from the battlefield. This reflects the practice of using messengers to relay information in ancient times, a role often filled by foreigners in royal courts. David's question underscores the tension between his duties as king and his love as a father, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative of David's life. 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this passage, David is the king of Israel, deeply concerned about the fate of his son Absalom, despite Absalom's rebellion against him. 2. Absalom David's son, who led a rebellion against his father. His fate is the subject of David's inquiry in this verse. 3. The Cushite A messenger who brings news to King David about the outcome of the battle and the fate of Absalom. 4. The Battle The conflict between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom, which culminates in Absalom's death. 5. Israel The nation over which David reigns, experiencing internal conflict due to Absalom's rebellion. Teaching Points The Pain of RebellionDavid's question about Absalom's safety highlights the deep pain and conflict that arise from rebellion within a family. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the heartache it can cause. A Father's Love Despite Absalom's betrayal, David's concern for his son underscores the enduring love a parent has for their child, mirroring God's unconditional love for us. The Cost of Sin Absalom's fate is a sobering reminder of the destructive nature of sin and rebellion against God's ordained authority. Trust in God's Justice The Cushite's response reflects a belief in divine justice, where those who oppose God's anointed will ultimately face consequences. Forgiveness and Reconciliation David's account encourages us to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, even when relationships are strained or broken.(32) Absalom.--To the Cushite's tidings David replies with the same question as before; but this messenger does not appreciate the state of the king's feelings, and answers with sufficient plainness, though in courteous phrase, that Absalom is dead.Verse 32. - Is the young man, etc.? Alarm for Absalom is the dominant feeling in David's mind; and as Cushi had been sent for the very purpose, he at once communicates the news to him in words that leave no doubt of his meaning. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king asked וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the Cushite, הַכּוּשִׁ֔י (hak·kū·šî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3569: Cushite -- descendant of Cush “Is the young man לַנַּ֖עַר (lan·na·‘ar) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer Absalom לְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites all right?” הֲשָׁל֥וֹם (hă·šā·lō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace And the Cushite הַכּוּשִׁ֗י (hak·kū·šî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3569: Cushite -- descendant of Cush replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “May what has become יִהְי֤וּ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be of the young man כַנַּ֙עַר֙ (ḵan·na·‘ar) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer happen to the enemies אֹֽיְבֵי֙ (’ō·yə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary of my lord אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king and to all וְכֹ֛ל (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that rise up קָ֥מוּ (qā·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand against you עָלֶ֖יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against to harm you.” לְרָעָֽה׃ (lə·rā·‘āh) Preposition-l | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Links 2 Samuel 18:32 NIV2 Samuel 18:32 NLT 2 Samuel 18:32 ESV 2 Samuel 18:32 NASB 2 Samuel 18:32 KJV 2 Samuel 18:32 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 18:32 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 18:32 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 18:32 French Bible 2 Samuel 18:32 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 18:32 The king said to the Cushite (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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