King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:17 in the King James Version says “And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?”

2 Samuel 16:17 · KJV

Context

15

And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

16

And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live

17

And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

18

And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

19

And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

Read 2 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 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 suffering within God's sovereignty 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 suffering within God's sovereignty?
  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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙2 of 13

“And Absalom”

H53

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

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חוּשַׁ֔י4 of 13

“to Hushai”

H2365

chushai, an israelite

זֶ֥ה5 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חַסְדְּךָ֖6 of 13

“Is this thy kindness”

H2617

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

אֶת7 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֵעֶֽךָ׃8 of 13

“thou not with thy friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לָ֥מָּה9 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לֹֽא10 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָלַ֖כְתָּ11 of 13

“why wentest”

H1980

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

אֶת12 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֵעֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

“thou not with thy friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

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 16:17 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 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 19:25Proverbs 18:24Proverbs 17:17Deuteronomy 32:62 Samuel 15:32-37

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 16 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes