King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:20 in the King James Version says “And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. bear tidings this: Heb. be a man of tidings, etc”

2 Samuel 18:20 · KJV

Context

18

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

19

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies . avenged: Heb. judged him from the hand, etc

20

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. bear tidings this: Heb. be a man of tidings, etc

21

Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

22

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? howsoever: Heb. be what may ready: or, convenient

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Death, emphasizing tragedy of rebellion. Absalom's death despite David's orders demonstrates the tragic consequences of rebellion against God's anointed. The graphic description of Absalom caught in oak branches suggests divine judgment. David's overwhelming grief ("O my son Absalom") reveals parental love even for rebellious children. Theological themes include the tragedy of rebellion, the reality that sin leads to death, parental love's persistence, and the danger of prioritizing family over kingdom responsibilities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 18 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 tragedy of rebellion 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 tragedy of rebellion?
  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 · 21 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר1 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֣וֹ2 of 21
H0
יוֹאָ֗ב3 of 21

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

לֹא֩4 of 21
H3808

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

אִ֨ישׁ5 of 21

“unto him Thou”

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)

בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה6 of 21

“shalt not bear tidings”

H1309

glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news

אַתָּה֙7 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְהַיּ֤וֹם8 of 21

“but this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֔ה9 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר10 of 21

“but thou shalt bear tidings”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

וְהַיּ֤וֹם11 of 21

“but this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַחֵ֑ר12 of 21

“another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְהַיּ֤וֹם13 of 21

“but this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּה֙14 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לֹ֣א15 of 21
H3808

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

תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר16 of 21

“but thou shalt bear tidings”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

כִּֽי17 of 21
H3588

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

עַל18 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֶּן19 of 21

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ20 of 21

“because the king's”

H4428

a king

מֵֽת׃21 of 21

“is dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 18:20 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 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 18:332 Samuel 17:16-212 Samuel 18:272 Samuel 18:292 Samuel 18:5

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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