King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:34 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:34 in the King James Version says “But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.”

2 Samuel 15:34 · KJV

Context

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:

34

But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

35

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

36

Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

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 · 21 words
וְאִם1 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הָעִ֣יר2 of 21

“to the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

תָּשׁ֗וּב3 of 21

“But if thou return”

H7725

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

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֤4 of 21

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאַבְשָׁלוֹם֙5 of 21

“unto Absalom”

H53

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

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ6 of 21

“I will be thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֲנִ֤י7 of 21
H589

i

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙8 of 21

“O king”

H4428

a king

אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה9 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ10 of 21

“I will be thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אָבִ֤יךָ11 of 21

“as I have been thy father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽאֲנִי֙12 of 21
H589

i

מֵאָ֔ז13 of 21

“hitherto”

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וְעַתָּ֖ה14 of 21
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

וַֽאֲנִ֣י15 of 21
H589

i

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ16 of 21

“I will be thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְהֵֽפַרְתָּ֣ה17 of 21

“then mayest thou for me defeat”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

לִ֔י18 of 21
H0
אֵ֖ת19 of 21
H853

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

עֲצַ֥ת20 of 21

“the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹֽפֶל׃21 of 21

“of Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

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 15:34 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 15:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:202 Samuel 16:16-192 Samuel 17:5-14Matthew 10:16Joshua 8:2

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 15 →

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