King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:20 in the King James Version says “Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. go up: Heb. wander in going”

2 Samuel 15:20 · KJV

Truth

Context

18

And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

19

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

20

Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. go up: Heb. wander in going

21

And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

22

And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Rebellion, emphasizing betrayal, trusting God in exile. Absalom's conspiracy demonstrates calculating betrayal and political manipulation. David's flight from Jerusalem parallels later exile experiences, developing themes of trusting God during devastating reversals. The Hebrew emphasizes Absalom's patient, methodical undermining of David's authority. Cross-references to Psalms written during this period (Psalms 3, 63) reveal David's spiritual responses to political catastrophe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 15 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 betrayal, trusting God in exile 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 betrayal, trusting God in exile?
  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 · 19 words
תְּמ֣וֹל׀1 of 19

“but yesterday”

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

בּוֹאֶ֗ךָ2 of 19

“Whereas thou camest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְהַיּ֞וֹם3 of 19

“should I this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲנִֽועֲךָ֤4 of 19

“up and down”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

עִמָּ֙נוּ֙5 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לָלֶ֔כֶת6 of 19

“make thee go”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

וַֽאֲנִ֣י7 of 19
H589

i

הוֹלֵ֑ךְ8 of 19

“with us seeing I go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עַ֥ל9 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲשֶׁר10 of 19
H834

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

אֲנִ֖י11 of 19
H589

i

הוֹלֵ֑ךְ12 of 19

“with us seeing I go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְהָשֵׁ֧ב13 of 19

“thou and take back”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְהָשֵׁ֧ב14 of 19

“thou and take back”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת15 of 19
H853

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

אַחֶ֛יךָ16 of 19

“thy brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

עִמָּ֖ךְ17 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֶ֥סֶד18 of 19

“mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וֶֽאֱמֶֽת׃19 of 19

“and truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

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 15:20 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 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 23:132 Samuel 2:6Hebrews 11:37-38John 1:17Amos 8:12Proverbs 14:22

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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