2 Samuel 2:22
New International Version
Again Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?”

New Living Translation
Again Abner shouted to him, “Get away from here! I don’t want to kill you. How could I ever face your brother Joab again?”

English Standard Version
And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Berean Standard Bible
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

King James Bible
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

New King James Version
So Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face your brother Joab?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside for your own good from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

NASB 1995
Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

NASB 1977
And Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Amplified Bible
Abner repeated again, “Turn away from following me. Why should I have to strike you to the ground? How would I be able to face Joab your brother [and look him in the eye]?”

Christian Standard Bible
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face?”

American Standard Version
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

Contemporary English Version
Abner said, "If you don't turn back, I'll have to kill you! Then I could never face your brother Joab again."

English Revised Version
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Abner spoke again to Asahel. "Stop following me," he said. "Why should I kill you? How could I look your brother Joab in the face again?"

Good News Translation
Once more Abner said to him, "Stop chasing me! Why force me to kill you? How could I face your brother Joab?"

International Standard Version
so Abner told Asahel again, "Stop following me. Why should I strike you down? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?"

Majority Standard Bible
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

NET Bible
So Abner spoke again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me! I do not want to strike you to the ground. How then could I show my face in the presence of Joab your brother?"

New Heart English Bible
Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: Why should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

World English Bible
Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abner adds again, saying to Asahel, “Turn aside from after me, why do I strike you to the earth? And how do I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Abner addeth again, saying unto Asahel, 'Turn thee aside from after me, why do I smite thee to the earth? and how do I lift up my face unto Joab thy brother?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abner will add yet to say to Asahel, Turn aside for thyself from after me: wherefore shall I strike thee to the earth? and how shall I lift up my face to Joab thy brother?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And again Abner said to Asael: Go off, and do not follow me, lest I be obliged to stab thee to the ground, and I shall not be able to hold up my face to Joab thy brother.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And again, Abner said to Asahel: “Withdraw, and do not choose to follow me. Otherwise, I will be compelled to stab you to the ground, and I will not be able to lift up my face before your brother, Joab.”

New American Bible
Once more Abner said to Asahel: “Stop pursuing me! Why must I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

New Revised Standard Version
Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me; why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abner spoke again to Ashael, to turn from following him, saying, Turn from following me, lest I smite you and throw you on the ground; how then could I lift up my face and look at Joab your brother.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abnir continued again telling Shayel to turn from after him and said: “Turn yourself from after me lest I strike you and I throw you on the ground, and how will I lift my face and gaze at Yuab your brother?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abner said again to Asahel: 'Turn thee aside from following me; wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abenner said yet again to Asael, Stand aloof from me, lest I smite thee to the ground? and how should I lift up my face to Joab?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
War Between the Houses of David and Saul
21So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. 22Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” 23But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

1 Samuel 24:6-7
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” / With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 2:32-33
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

1 Chronicles 11:18-19
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, / saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.

Deuteronomy 19:10
Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

Numbers 35:33-34
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. / Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”

Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

Proverbs 6:17
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.


Treasury of Scripture

And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I smite you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?

wherefore

2 Kings 14:10-12
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? …

Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Ecclesiastes 6:10
That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

how then

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Jump to Previous
Abner Addeth Asahel As'ahel Chasing End Face Following Ground Hold Joab Jo'ab Lift Repeated Shamed Side Smite Stop Strike Turn Warned Wherefore
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Abner Addeth Asahel As'ahel Chasing End Face Following Ground Hold Joab Jo'ab Lift Repeated Shamed Side Smite Stop Strike Turn Warned Wherefore
2 Samuel 2
1. David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron
4. where he is made king of Judah
5. He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel
8. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel
12. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.
18. Asahel is slain
25. At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat
32. Asahel's burial














So Abner said again
The repetition of Abner's plea underscores the seriousness of the situation. Abner, a seasoned military commander, is aware of the potential consequences of his actions. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just speaking, but a declaration or command. This highlights Abner's authoritative position and his attempt to avert unnecessary bloodshed.

to Asahel
Asahel, the brother of Joab and a son of Zeruiah, is known for his swiftness, as noted earlier in the chapter. His pursuit of Abner is driven by both personal ambition and familial loyalty. The historical context reveals the intense tribal and familial loyalties that characterized the period of the Judges and early monarchy in Israel.

Turn aside from following me
Abner's plea for Asahel to "turn aside" is both a literal and metaphorical call for a change in direction. The Hebrew verb סוּר (sur) implies a departure or deviation from a path. Abner is urging Asahel to reconsider his pursuit, recognizing the potential for tragic consequences. This reflects the broader biblical theme of repentance and turning away from destructive paths.

Why should I strike you to the ground?
Abner's rhetorical question reveals his reluctance to harm Asahel. The phrase "strike you to the ground" uses the Hebrew verb נָכָה (nakah), which often denotes a fatal blow. Abner's question is not just about physical violence but also about the moral and relational implications of such an act. It highlights the value of life and the weight of responsibility in leadership.

How could I show my face to your brother Joab?
This phrase underscores the personal and communal dimensions of the conflict. "Show my face" is a Hebrew idiom reflecting honor and reputation. Abner is acutely aware of the familial ties and the potential for escalating violence between the house of Saul and the house of David. The mention of Joab, a formidable military leader and Asahel's brother, adds a layer of personal accountability and foreshadows future tensions between Abner and Joab.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Once again,
וַיֹּ֧סֶף (way·yō·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

Abner
אַבְנֵ֗ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

warned
לֵאמֹר֙ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Asahel,
עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל (‘ă·śā·h·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6214: Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites

“Stop
ס֥וּר (sūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

chasing me.
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑י (mê·’a·ḥă·rāy)
Preposition-m | first person common singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Why
לָ֤מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should I strike
אַכֶּ֙כָּה֙ (’ak·kek·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

you to the ground?
אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

How
וְאֵיךְ֙ (wə·’êḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where

could I show
אֶשָּׂ֣א (’eś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

my face
פָנַ֔י (p̄ā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

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

your brother
אָחִֽיךָ׃ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Joab?”
יוֹאָ֖ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites


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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:22 Abner said again to Asahel Turn you (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 2:21
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