2 Samuel 19:6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!

◄ 2 Samuel 19:6 ►

New International Version
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.

New Living Translation
You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased.

English Standard Version
because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.

Berean Standard Bible
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!

King James Bible
In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

New King James Version
in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well.

New American Standard Bible
by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have revealed today that commanders and servants are nothing to you; for I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then it would be right as far as you are concerned.

NASB 1995
by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.

NASB 1977
by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.

Legacy Standard Bible
by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have informed all of us today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, surely then it would be right in your eyes.

Amplified Bible
For you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have shown today that commanders and servants are nothing to you; for today I know that if Absalom had lived and all the rest of us had died today, then you would be pleased.

Christian Standard Bible
by loving your enemies and hating those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!”

American Standard Version
in that thou lovest them that hate thee, and hatest them that love thee. For thou hast declared this day, that princes and servants are nought unto thee: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

Contemporary English Version
You're more loyal to your enemies than to your friends. What you've done today has shown your officers and soldiers that they don't mean a thing to you. You would be happy if Absalom was still alive, even if the rest of us were dead.

English Revised Version
in that thou lovest them that hate thee, and hatest them that love thee. For thou hast declared this day, that princes and servants are nought unto thee: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. Today, you have made it clear that your commanders and servants mean nothing to you. I think you would be pleased if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead.

Good News Translation
You oppose those who love you and support those who hate you! You have made it clear that your officers and men mean nothing to you. I can see that you would be quite happy if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.

International Standard Version
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! You've made it abundantly clear today that your officers and the men under them mean nothing to you! I've learned today that you would rather have Absalom alive today and all the rest of us dead!

Majority Standard Bible
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!

NET Bible
You seem to love your enemies and hate your friends! For you have as much as declared today that leaders and servants don't matter to you. I realize now that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, it would be all right with you.

New Heart English Bible
by loving those who hate you and hating those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you. For you know that if Absalom were alive today, and all of us had died, then you would be pleased.

Webster's Bible Translation
In that thou lovest thy enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

World English Bible
in that you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have declared today that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and we had all died today, then it would have pleased you well.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
to love your enemies, and to hate those loving you, for today you have declared that you have no princes and servants, for today I have known that if Absalom [were] alive, and all of us dead today, that then it were right in your eyes.

Young's Literal Translation
to love thine enemies, and to hate those loving thee, for thou hast declared to-day that thou hast no princes and servants, for I have known to-day that if Absalom were alive, and all of us to-day dead, that then it were right in thine eyes.

Smith's Literal Translation
To love those hating thee, and hating those loving thee, for thou announcedst this day that not to the chiefs and servants: for I knew this day that if Absalom lived and all we this day died, that then it was straight in thine eyes.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou lovest them that hate thee, and thou hatest them that love thee: and thou hast shewn this day that thou carest not for thy nobles, nor for thy servants: and I now plainly perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had been slain, then it would have pleased thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You love those who hate you, and you hate those who love you. And you have revealed this day that you have no concern for your leaders and for your servants. And truly, I know now that if Absalom had lived, and if we all had been killed, then it would have pleased you.

New American Bible
by loving those who hate you and hating those who love you. For you have announced today that officers and servants are nothing to you. Indeed I am now certain that if Absalom were alive today and all of us dead, that would be fine with you.

New Revised Standard Version
for love of those who hate you and for hatred of those who love you. You have made it clear today that commanders and officers are nothing to you; for I perceive that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Because you have loved your enemies and hated your friends. For you have declared this day that you have neither noblemen nor servants; for this day I perceive that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you better.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you have loved your haters and you have hated your lovers, and you have shown today that you have nothing, no Nobles and no Servants! I know today that if Abishlum were alive and we were all dead, it would be beautiful in your eyes!

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
in that thou lovest them that hate thee, and hatest them that love thee. For thou hast declared this day, that princes and servants are nought unto thee; for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
forasmuch as thou lovest them that hate thee, and hatest them that love thee; and thou hast this day declared, that thy princes and thy servants are nothing in thy sight: for I know this day, that if Abessalom were alive, and all of us dead to-day, then it would have been right in thy sight.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joab Reproves David
…5Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. 6You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! 7Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 18:33
The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate 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!”

2 Samuel 17:10
Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.

2 Samuel 15:6
Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

2 Samuel 16:11
Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.

2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom.

1 Kings 1:6
(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 Samuel 18:8
And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”

1 Samuel 20:30-31
Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? / For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”

1 Samuel 22:8
Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”

1 Samuel 24:17
and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.

1 Samuel 25:28
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.

Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Proverbs 19:26
He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 29:15
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

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;

Treasury of Scripture

In that you love your enemies, and hate your friends. For you have declared this day, that you regard neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased you well.

In that, etc.

2 Samuel 3:24,25
Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? …

Job 34:18
Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

Proverbs 19:9,10
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish…

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Absalom Alive Dead Declared Died Enemies Friends Hate Hatest Hating Love Nought Perceive Pleased Princes Regardest Servants Shown Today

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2 Samuel 19

1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning
9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back
11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah
18. Shimei is pardoned
24. Mephibosheth excused
32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family
41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

You love those who hate you
This phrase highlights a reversal of expected loyalties and affections. In the context of 2 Samuel 19, King David is mourning the death of his son Absalom, who had led a rebellion against him. This mourning is seen as inappropriate by Joab, David's military commander, because Absalom was an enemy of the state. The cultural expectation in ancient Israel was for a king to prioritize the welfare of his loyal subjects and soldiers over personal feelings, especially when those feelings were for someone who had caused so much harm. This phrase can also be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of misplaced affections, where love is given to those who oppose God's will.

and hate those who love you!
Joab accuses David of neglecting those who have shown him loyalty and love, namely his commanders and soldiers who risked their lives to protect his kingdom. In the historical context, loyalty to a king was paramount, and a king's failure to reciprocate that loyalty could lead to instability and loss of morale among his followers. This phrase underscores the tension between personal grief and public duty, a recurring theme in the life of David. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the support of those who stand by us.

For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you.
Joab's rebuke points to the visible actions and attitudes of David, which have demoralized his troops. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's relationship with his military was crucial for maintaining power and security. The commanders and soldiers were the backbone of the kingdom's defense, and their loyalty was essential. By mourning Absalom so publicly, David inadvertently communicated that their sacrifices were unappreciated. This phrase highlights the need for leaders to balance personal emotions with their responsibilities to those they lead.

I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!
This hyperbolic statement by Joab is meant to shock David into realizing the implications of his actions. It suggests that David's grief for Absalom has overshadowed his appreciation for the lives and loyalty of his followers. Historically, this reflects the intense personal and political turmoil David faced during Absalom's rebellion. Theologically, it can be seen as a moment of correction for David, urging him to realign his priorities with God's purposes for his kingship. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the cost of divided loyalties and the importance of valuing those who stand by us in times of trial.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, who is mourning the death of his son Absalom, despite Absalom's rebellion against him.

2. Joab
David's military commander, who confronts David about his excessive mourning for Absalom, which demoralizes the troops.

3. Absalom
David's son, who led a rebellion against his father and was killed in battle.

4. Israel
The nation over which David reigns, currently experiencing internal conflict due to Absalom's rebellion.

5. The Commanders and Soldiers
The loyal men who fought for David against Absalom's forces.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Misplaced Affections
David's mourning for Absalom, who sought his life, illustrates the potential for misplaced affections to cloud judgment and leadership responsibilities.

The Importance of Leadership Responsibility
Joab's rebuke highlights the necessity for leaders to balance personal emotions with their duties to those they lead.

The Role of Accountability
Joab's confrontation with David serves as a reminder of the importance of having people in our lives who can speak truth to us, even when it is uncomfortable.

Balancing Grief and Duty
While grief is natural, it must be balanced with our responsibilities, especially when others depend on us.

The Cost of Rebellion
Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebellion against God-ordained authority.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

You love
לְאַֽהֲבָה֙ (lə·’a·hă·ḇāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

those who hate you
שֹׂ֣נְאֶ֔יךָ (śō·nə·’e·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

and hate
וְלִשְׂנֹ֖א (wə·liś·nō)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8130: To hate

those who love you!
אֹהֲבֶ֑יךָ (’ō·hă·ḇe·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

For you have made it clear
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ (hig·gaḏ·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

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

that
כִּ֣י ׀ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the commanders
שָׂרִ֣ים (śā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

and soldiers
וַעֲבָדִ֔ים (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

mean nothing
אֵ֤ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

to you.
לְךָ֙ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

I know
יָדַ֣עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

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

that
כִּ֣י ׀ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

if
ל֣וּ (lū)
Preposition
Strong's 3863: If, would that!

Absalom
אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

were alive
חַי֙ (ḥay)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

and all
וְכֻלָּ֤נוּ (wə·ḵul·lā·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of us were dead,
מֵתִ֔ים (mê·ṯîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

it would have pleased you!
יָשָׁ֥ר (yā·šār)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

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OT History: 2 Samuel 19:6 In that you love those who hate (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)