King James Version
2 Samuel 18:21 in the King James Version says “Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.”
2 Samuel 18:21 · KJV
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
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
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
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
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“tell”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“what thou hast seen”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“bowed”
H7812to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
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 18:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.