King James Version
2 Samuel 18:10 in the King James Version says “And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.”
2 Samuel 18:10 · KJV
For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. devoured: Heb. multiplied to devour
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. receive: Heb. weigh upon mine hand Beware: Heb. Beware whosoever ye be of, etc
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Behold I saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“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)
“it and told”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
“Behold I saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.