2 Samuel 20:11
New International Version
One of Joab’s men stood beside Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!”

New Living Translation
One of Joab’s young men shouted to Amasa’s troops, “If you are for Joab and David, come and follow Joab.”

English Standard Version
And one of Joab’s young men took his stand by Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.”

Berean Standard Bible
One of Joab’s young men stood near Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!”

King James Bible
And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

New King James Version
Meanwhile one of Joab’s men stood near Amasa, and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David—follow Joab!”

New American Standard Bible
Now one of Joab’s young men stood by him and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!”

NASB 1995
Now there stood by him one of Joab’s young men, and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.”

NASB 1977
Now there stood by him one of Joab’s young men, and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now there stood by him one of Joab’s young men, and said, “Whoever delights in Joab and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.”

Amplified Bible
Now one of Joab’s young men stood by him and said, “Whoever favors Joab and is for David, let him follow Joab!”

Christian Standard Bible
One of Joab’s young men had stood over Amasa saying, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One of Joab’s young men had stood over Amasa saying, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!”

American Standard Version
And there stood by him one of Joab's young men, and said, He that favoreth Joab, and he that is for David, let him follow Joab.

Contemporary English Version
One of Joab's soldiers stood by Amasa and shouted, "If any of you are for Joab and David, then follow Joab!"

English Revised Version
And there stood by him one of Joab's young men, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him follow Joab.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One of Joab's young men stood beside Amasa and said, "Anyone who favors Joab and is on David's side should follow Joab."

Good News Translation
One of Joab's men stood by Amasa's body and called out, "Everyone who is for Joab and David follow Joab!"

International Standard Version
One of Joab's soldiers stood by Amasa while he lay dying and announced, "Whoever is in favor of Joab and David, let him follow Joab."

Majority Standard Bible
One of Joab’s young men stood near Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!”

NET Bible
One of Joab's soldiers who stood over Amasa said, "Whoever is for Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!"

New Heart English Bible
And one of Joab's young men stood beside Amasa and said, "Whoever is the one that favors Joab and whoever belongs to David, follow Joab."

Webster's Bible Translation
And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoreth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

World English Bible
One of Joab’s young men stood by him, and said, “He who favors Joab, and he who is for David, let him follow Joab!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a man has stood by him, of the young men of Joab, and says, “He who has delight in Joab, and he who [is] for David—after Joab!”

Young's Literal Translation
And a man hath stood by him, of the young men of Joab, and saith, 'He who hath delight in Joab, and he who is for David -- after Joab!'

Smith's Literal Translation
And a man from Joab's boys stood by him, and he will say, Who delighted in Joab, and who that is for David, after Joab.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the mean time some men of Joab's company stopping at the dead body of Amasa, said: Behold he that would have been in Joab's stead the companion of David.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Meanwhile, certain men, from the company of Joab, when they had stopped beside the dead body of Amasa, said: “Behold, the one who wished to be in the place of Joab, the companion of David.”

New American Bible
One of Joab’s attendants stood by Amasa and said, “Let him who favors Joab and is for David follow Joab.”

New Revised Standard Version
And one of Joab’s men took his stand by Amasa, and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And one of Joab's men went and stood by Amasa, and said to those who passed by, To whom do you belong? Are you of the men of David who are after Joab?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And one man of the Servants of Yuab went and stood by him and he said to him: “From whom are you, of David who are after Yuab?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And there stood by him one of Joab's young men, and said: 'He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David let him follow Joab.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there stood over him one of the servants of Joab, and said, Who is he that is for Joab, and who is on the side of David following Joab?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sheba's Rebellion
10Amasa 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. 11One of Joab’s young men stood near Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!” 12But Amasa wallowed in his blood in the middle of the road, and when the man saw that all the troops were stopping there, he dragged the body off the road into a field and threw a garment over it.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 2:18-23
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ...

2 Samuel 3:30
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

1 Kings 2:5
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.

1 Kings 2:32
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.

2 Samuel 18:2
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”

2 Samuel 19:13
And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

1 Chronicles 11:6
Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

1 Chronicles 2:16
Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.

1 Chronicles 2:17
Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:43-46
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 18:3-5
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. / Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” / “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them.

Acts 1:16-20
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. / He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” / (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favors Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

He that

2 Samuel 20:6,7,13,21
And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us…

for David

2 Samuel 20:4
Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

2 Kings 9:32
And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

Jump to Previous
Amasa Ama'sa David Delight Favors Follow Joab Jo'ab Joab's Jo'ab's Side Stand Stood Young
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Amasa Ama'sa David Delight Favors Follow Joab Jo'ab Joab's Jo'ab's Side Stand Stood Young
2 Samuel 20
1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
23. David's officers














One of Joab’s young men
This phrase introduces us to a character who is not named but is identified by his association with Joab, a prominent military leader in King David's army. The Hebrew term for "young men" is "נַעַר" (na'ar), which can refer to a servant, attendant, or young warrior. This indicates the hierarchical structure within the military ranks and the loyalty expected from those serving under a commander like Joab. Historically, Joab was known for his fierce loyalty to David, but also for his ruthless methods, which often put him at odds with others in the kingdom.

stood near Amasa
Amasa was appointed by Absalom as commander of the army during Absalom's rebellion against David and was later pardoned and appointed by David as commander in place of Joab. The Hebrew root "עָמַד" (amad) for "stood" suggests a position of readiness or alertness, indicating the young man's preparedness to act or speak on behalf of Joab. Amasa's presence here, lying dead, is a stark reminder of the brutal power struggles and the often-violent shifts in loyalty and leadership during this tumultuous period in Israel's history.

and said
The act of speaking here is significant. In the ancient Near Eastern context, proclamations were often made publicly to rally support or declare allegiance. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) implies a declaration or command, emphasizing the authority with which the young man speaks, despite his lower rank.

Whoever favors Joab
This phrase is a call to allegiance. The Hebrew word "חָפֵץ" (chaphets) for "favors" conveys delight or pleasure, suggesting that those who find favor with Joab are those who align themselves with his cause and leadership. Joab, despite his controversial actions, was a key figure in maintaining David's rule, and this call to favor him is a call to support the established order under David.

and whoever is for David
Here, the allegiance is broadened to include loyalty to King David himself. The Hebrew "לְדָוִד" (le-David) indicates a direct association or belonging to David. This reflects the political and spiritual significance of David as the anointed king, chosen by God to lead Israel. Supporting David was not just a political stance but a spiritual one, aligning with God's covenant promises to David and his descendants.

let him follow Joab!
The command to "follow" uses the Hebrew "אַחֲרֵי" (acharei), meaning to go after or pursue. This is a call to action, urging those loyal to Joab and David to actively support their cause. In the historical context, following a leader like Joab meant engaging in the military and political efforts to secure David's kingdom against internal and external threats. This call to follow is both a test of loyalty and a rallying cry for unity among David's supporters.

(11) One of Joab's man.--Com. 2Samuel 20:7. Time was too precious for Joab himself to wait. He must put down the rebellion of Sheba by rapid action, and thereby render himself impregnable in the high office which had been his, and which he had now again usurped. He left one of his trusty men, however, by the body of Amasa, with a battle cry which should suggest that he had rightly been put to death for his doubtful loyalty, and that all who were attached to Joab and loyal to David should follow Joab. Joab's real motive for murdering Amasa, as for murdering Abner (2Samuel 3:27), was personal jealousy and ambition.

Verse 11. - One of Joab's men. Joab left one of his personal followers to prevent any halt of the people round Amasa's body, and to suggest that he was a traitor. For he was to say to them as they came up, not only that "whosoever had pleasure in Joab," but also that "all who were for David, were to go after Joab." All loyal men were to regard him as captain of the host, and to disobey him would be rebellion. Naturally they would conclude from this that Amasa had not really been true to David, and that his death was the punishment inflicted on him for his past guilt.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One
וְאִישׁ֙ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

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

young men
מִֽנַּעֲרֵ֖י (min·na·‘ă·rê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

stood
עָמַ֣ד (‘ā·maḏ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5976: Be at a stand

near Amasa
עָלָ֔יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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

“Whoever
מִי֩ (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

favors
חָפֵ֧ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

Joab,
בְּיוֹאָ֛ב (bə·yō·w·’āḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

and whoever
וּמִ֥י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is for David,
לְדָוִ֖ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

[let him] follow
אַחֲרֵ֥י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

Joab!”
יוֹאָֽב׃ (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 20:11 There stood by him one of Joab's (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 20:10
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