King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:27 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:27 in the King James Version says “And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. Me: Heb. I see the running”

2 Samuel 18:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

26

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

27

And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. Me: Heb. I see the running

28

And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king. All: or, Peace be to thee: Heb. Peace delivered: Heb. shut up

29

And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was. Is: Heb. Is there peace?

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַצֹּפֶ֔ה2 of 20

“And the watchman”

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

אֲנִ֤י3 of 20
H589

i

רֹאֶה֙4 of 20

“Me thinketh”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

כִּמְרֻצַ֖ת6 of 20

“is like the running”

H4794

a race (the act), whether the manner or the progress

הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן7 of 20

“of the foremost”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

כִּמְרֻצַ֖ת8 of 20

“is like the running”

H4794

a race (the act), whether the manner or the progress

אֲחִימַ֣עַץ9 of 20

“of Ahimaaz”

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

בֶּן10 of 20

“the 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

צָד֑וֹק11 of 20

“of Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר12 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙13 of 20

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אִֽישׁ14 of 20

“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)

טוֹבָ֖ה15 of 20

“He is a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

זֶ֔ה16 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְאֶל17 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּשׂוֹרָ֥ה18 of 20

“tidings”

H1309

glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news

טוֹבָ֖ה19 of 20

“He is a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

יָבֽוֹא׃20 of 20

“and cometh”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 18:27 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 18:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 9:201 Kings 1:42Romans 10:15Proverbs 25:13Proverbs 25:25Isaiah 52:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 18 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes