King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:29 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:29 in the King James Version says “And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy se...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Samuel 18:29 · King James Version

Peace

Context

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?

30

And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.

31

And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee. Tidings: Heb. Tidings is brought

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 20

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ2 of 20

“And the king”

H4428

a king

שָׁל֥וֹם3 of 20

“safe”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

לַנַּ֖עַר4 of 20

“Is the young man”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

לְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם5 of 20

“Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 20

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחִימַ֡עַץ7 of 20

“And Ahimaaz”

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

רָאִיתִי֩8 of 20

“I saw”

H7200

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

הֶֽהָמ֨וֹן9 of 20

“tumult”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

הַגָּד֜וֹל10 of 20

“a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לִ֠שְׁלֹחַ11 of 20

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

עַבְדֶּ֔ךָ13 of 20

“and me thy servant”

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ14 of 20

“And the king”

H4428

a king

יוֹאָב֙15 of 20

“When Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶת16 of 20
H853

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

עַבְדֶּ֔ךָ17 of 20

“and me thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְלֹ֥א18 of 20
H3808

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

יָדַ֖עְתִּי19 of 20

“but I knew”

H3045

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

מָֽה׃20 of 20
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

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 18:29 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 18:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 18:222 Samuel 20:92 Samuel 18:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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