King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:32 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:32 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and al...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 18:32 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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 · 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 19

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 19

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכּוּשִׁ֗י4 of 19

“And Cushi”

H3569

a cushite, or descendant of cush

הֲשָׁל֥וֹם5 of 19

“safe”

H7965

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

כַנַּ֙עַר֙6 of 19

“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

לְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם7 of 19

“Absalom”

H53

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 19

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַכּוּשִׁ֗י9 of 19

“And Cushi”

H3569

a cushite, or descendant of cush

יִֽהְי֤וּ10 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַנַּ֙עַר֙11 of 19

“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

אֹֽיְבֵי֙12 of 19

“The enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

אֲדֹנִ֣י13 of 19

“of my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ14 of 19

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְכֹ֛ל15 of 19
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר16 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קָ֥מוּ17 of 19

“and all that rise”

H6965

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

עָלֶ֖יךָ18 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְרָעָֽה׃19 of 19

“against thee to do thee hurt”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 18:32 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 18:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 5:311 Samuel 25:262 Samuel 18:29Psalms 68:1-2Daniel 4:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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