King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:8 in the King James Version says “For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. chafed: Heb. bitter of soul”

2 Samuel 17:8 · KJV

Context

6

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou. his saying: Heb. his word

7

And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. given: Heb. counselled

8

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. chafed: Heb. bitter of soul

9

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom. overthrown: Heb. fallen

10

And he also that is valiant , whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Competing Counsel, emphasizing divine providence over human wisdom. The contrast between Ahithophel's shrewd counsel and Hushai's divinely-blessed alternative demonstrates God's providential control over human wisdom. The text explicitly states "the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" (v. 14), emphasizing divine sovereignty. Ahithophel's suicide demonstrates despair when human wisdom fails. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over human planning, divine protection of His anointed, and the inadequacy of worldly wisdom apart from God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 17 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 divine providence over human wisdom 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 divine providence over human wisdom?
  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
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 24

“For said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חוּשַׁ֗י2 of 24

“Hushai”

H2365

chushai, an israelite

אַתָּ֣ה3 of 24
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָ֠דַעְתָּ4 of 24

“thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת5 of 24
H853

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

וְאָבִ֙יךָ֙6 of 24

“and thy father”

H1

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

וְאֶת7 of 24
H853

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

אִ֣ישׁ8 of 24

“is a man”

H376

a 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)

כִּ֧י9 of 24
H3588

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

גִבֹּרִ֣ים10 of 24

“that they be mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

הֵ֗מָּה11 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּמָרֵ֥י12 of 24

“and they be chafed”

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

נֶ֙פֶשׁ֙13 of 24

“in their minds”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הֵ֔מָּה14 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּדֹ֥ב15 of 24

“as a bear”

H1677

the bear (as slow)

שַׁכּ֖וּל16 of 24

“robbed”

H7909

bereaved

בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה17 of 24

“of her whelps in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְאָבִ֙יךָ֙18 of 24

“and thy father”

H1

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

אִ֣ישׁ19 of 24

“is a man”

H376

a 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)

מִלְחָמָ֔ה20 of 24

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְלֹ֥א21 of 24
H3808

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

יָלִ֖ין22 of 24

“and will not lodge”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

אֶת23 of 24
H854

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

הָעָֽם׃24 of 24

“with the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 17:8 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 17:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 13:81 Samuel 16:18Hebrews 11:32-34Daniel 7:5Proverbs 17:122 Samuel 23:8-9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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