King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:3 in the King James Version says “And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. th...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. there: or, none will hear thee from the king downward”

2 Samuel 15:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2

And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. came: Heb. to come

3

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. there: or, none will hear thee from the king downward

4

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

5

And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear 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 · 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙2 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם3 of 12

“And Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

רְאֵ֥ה4 of 12

“unto him See”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

דְבָרֶ֖יךָ5 of 12

“thy matters”

H1697

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

טוֹבִ֣ים6 of 12

“are good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּנְכֹחִ֑ים7 of 12

“and right”

H5228

straightforward, i.e., (figuratively), equitable, correct, or (abstractly), integrity

וְשֹׁמֵ֥עַ8 of 12

“to hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵין9 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְךָ֖10 of 12
H0
מֵאֵ֥ת11 of 12
H853

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃12 of 12

“but there is no man deputed of the king”

H4428

a king

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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:17Ezekiel 22:7Numbers 16:13-14Numbers 16:3Acts 23:5Proverbs 30:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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