King James Version
2 Samuel 17:3 in the King James Version says “And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.”
2 Samuel 17:3 · KJV
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. pleased: Heb. was right in the eyes of, etc
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. what: Heb. what is in his mouth
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And I will bring back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“And I will bring back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“unto thee the man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“whom thou seekest”
H1245to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“shall be in peace”
H7965safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
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.
2 Samuel 17:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Samuel 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge