King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:31 in the King James Version says “And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 18:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וְהִנֵּ֥ה1 of 16
H2009

lo!

הַכּוּשִׁ֗י2 of 16

“And behold Cushi”

H3569

a cushite, or descendant of cush

בָּ֑א3 of 16

“came”

H935

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר4 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַכּוּשִׁ֗י5 of 16

“And behold Cushi”

H3569

a cushite, or descendant of cush

יִתְבַּשֵּׂר֙6 of 16

“Tidings”

H1319

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

אֲדֹנִ֣י7 of 16

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ8 of 16

“the king”

H4428

a king

כִּֽי9 of 16
H3588

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

שְׁפָטְךָ֤10 of 16

“hath avenged”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

יְהוָה֙11 of 16

“for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַיּ֔וֹם12 of 16

“thee 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

מִיַּ֖ד13 of 16

“of all them”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כָּל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַקָּמִ֥ים15 of 16

“that rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עָלֶֽיךָ׃16 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great 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 18:31 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 18:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 18:19Luke 18:7-82 Samuel 22:48-49Psalms 94:1-4Psalms 58:10Deuteronomy 32:35-36

Places in This Verse

EthiopiaRegion · Modern: Meroe · 16.94°N, 33.75°E7 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 18 →

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