King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:21 in the King James Version says “And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Isra... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

2 Samuel 16:21 · KJV


Context

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.

20

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

22

So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. oracle: Heb. word


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

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 · 24 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 24

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙2 of 24

And Ahithophel

H302

achithophel, an israelite

אֶל3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם4 of 24

unto Absalom

H53

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

בּ֚וֹא5 of 24

Go in

H935

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

אֶל6 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פִּֽלַגְשֵׁ֣י7 of 24

concubines

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

אָבִ֔יךָ8 of 24

of thy father

H1

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 24
H834

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

הִנִּ֖יחַ10 of 24

which he hath left

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

לִשְׁמ֣וֹר11 of 24

to keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַבָּ֑יִת12 of 24

the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְשָׁמַ֤ע13 of 24

shall hear

H8085

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

כָּל14 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 24

and all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּֽי16 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִבְאַ֣שְׁתָּ17 of 24

that thou art abhorred

H887

to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally

אֶת18 of 24
H854

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

אָבִ֔יךָ19 of 24

of thy father

H1

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

וְחָ֣זְק֔וּ20 of 24

of all that are with thee be strong

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

יְדֵ֖י21 of 24

then shall the hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כָּל22 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 24
H834

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

אִתָּֽךְ׃24 of 24
H854

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


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 16:21 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 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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