King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:30 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:30 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 18:30 · KJV

Context

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

32

And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 7 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 7

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 7

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּסֹּ֖ב3 of 7

“And he turned aside”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

הִתְיַצֵּ֣ב4 of 7

“and stand”

H3320

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

כֹּ֑ה5 of 7

“here”

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

וַיִּסֹּ֖ב6 of 7

“And he turned aside”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

וַֽיַּעֲמֹֽד׃7 of 7

“and stood still”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

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 18:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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