King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:20 in the King James Version says “To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom o...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.”

2 Samuel 14:20 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

18

Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.

19

And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:

20

To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

21

And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

22

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. thanked: Heb. blessed his servant: or, thy servant

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Return, emphasizing incomplete reconciliation. Joab's elaborate scheme to restore Absalom demonstrates human wisdom that undermines divine purposes. The partial reconciliation (Absalom returns but doesn't see David's face) proves insufficient for genuine restoration. Theological themes include the inadequacy of human reconciliation methods apart from genuine repentance, the danger of manipulation even for apparently good ends, and the necessity of complete rather than partial restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 14 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding incomplete reconciliation provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of incomplete reconciliation?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
לְבַֽעֲב֤וּר1 of 21

“To”

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

סַבֵּב֙2 of 21

“fetch about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת3 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּנֵ֣י4 of 21

“this form”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַדָּבָ֣ר5 of 21

“of speech”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עָשָׂ֛ה6 of 21

“done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עַבְדְּךָ֥7 of 21

“hath thy servant”

H5650

a servant

יוֹאָ֖ב8 of 21

“Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶת9 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר10 of 21

“of speech”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַֽאדֹנִ֣י12 of 21

“and my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

חָכָ֗ם13 of 21

“is wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

כְּחָכְמַת֙14 of 21

“according to the wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

מַלְאַ֣ךְ15 of 21

“of an angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים16 of 21

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָדַ֖עַת17 of 21

“to know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶֽת18 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל19 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃21 of 21

“all things that are in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 14:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:172 Samuel 19:271 Corinthians 8:1-2Job 32:21-22Proverbs 29:5Job 38:16-41

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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