King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:31 in the King James Version says “And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

2 Samuel 15:31 · KJV

Prayer

Context

29

Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

30

And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. and wept: Heb. going up and weeping

31

And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

32

And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

33

Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

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 · 15 words
דָּוִ֔ד1 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הִגִּ֣יד2 of 15

“And one told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר3 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל4 of 15

“Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

בַּקֹּֽשְׁרִ֖ים5 of 15

“is among the conspirators”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עִם6 of 15
H5973

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

אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם7 of 15

“with Absalom”

H53

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔ד9 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

סַכֶּל10 of 15

“into foolishness”

H5528

to be silly

נָ֛א11 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

עֲצַ֥ת13 of 15

“I pray thee turn the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל14 of 15

“Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 15:31 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 15:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 17:14Psalms 41:92 Samuel 17:23James 3:15Job 5:121 Corinthians 3:18-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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