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What should we do?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him, “What should I do next?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel. What shall we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give advice as to what we should do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, &#8220Give your advice. What shall we do?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give <i>me</i> your advice. What should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What should we do? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, &#8220Give me your advice. What should we do?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said, "Give us your advice! What should we do?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Absalom asked Ahithophel, "What's your advice? What should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said, "Now that we are here, what do you advise us to do?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Absalom asked Ahithophel, "What's your advice? What should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, ?Give me counsel. What should we do??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give us your advice. What should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your counsel. What should we do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Absalom says to Ahithophel, “Give counsel for yourself [for] what we do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Absalom saith unto Ahithophel, 'Give for you counsel what we do.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Absalom will say to Ahithophel, Bring counsel to yourselves what we shall do.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Achitophel: Consult what we are to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Present a counsel as to what we ought to do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Offer your counsel on what we should do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your counsel; what shall we do?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, Give me counsel, as to what we shall do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Abishlum said to Akhithuphel: “Counsel me. What shall I do?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then said Absalom to Ahithophel: 'Give your counsel what we shall do.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abessalom said to Achitophel, Deliberate among yourselves concerning what we should do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4693" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Then Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/302.htm" title="302: ’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el (N-proper-ms) -- An adviser of David. From 'ach and taphel; brother of folly; Achithophel, an Israelite.">Ahithophel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3051.htm" title="3051: hā·ḇū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To give. A primitive root; to give; generally, to put; imperatively come.">“Give me</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ê·ṣāh (N-fs) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">counsel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">should we do?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a></span><br />While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-11</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-6.htm">1 Kings 22:6-8</a></span><br />So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-33.htm">1 Chronicles 27:33</a></span><br />Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-5.htm">Proverbs 12:5</a></span><br />The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></span><br />Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18</a></span><br />Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11-14</a></span><br />The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16-22</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. / They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’ / But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">Matthew 26:3-4</a></span><br />At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1</a></span><br />When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-1.htm">Mark 14:1</a></span><br />Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-2.htm">Luke 22:2-6</a></span><br />and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. / Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-53</a></span><br />Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.</p><p class="hdg">Give counsel</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-10.htm">Exodus 1:10</a></b></br> Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and <i>so</i> get them up out of the land.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-2.htm">Psalm 2:2</a></b></br> The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, <i>saying</i>,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12,13</a></b></br> The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Opinion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Opinion</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">At Bahurim, Shimei curses David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ahithophel's counsel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Absalom said to Ahithophel,</b><br>Absalom, the third son of King David, is in the midst of a rebellion against his father. His request for counsel from Ahithophel, David's former advisor, highlights the political intrigue and betrayal within David's court. Ahithophel was known for his wisdom and his counsel was highly regarded, akin to seeking divine guidance (<a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a>). This moment underscores the tension and division within the kingdom of Israel, as Absalom seeks to consolidate his power.<p><b>“Give me counsel.</b><br>Absalom's request for advice from Ahithophel indicates his reliance on human wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance. This reflects a broader theme in the Bible where leaders often face the choice between divine direction and human counsel. The importance of seeking God's will is emphasized in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, which advises trusting in the Lord rather than leaning on one's own understanding.<p><b>What should we do?”</b><br>This question reveals Absalom's uncertainty and the gravity of his rebellion. It also sets the stage for Ahithophel's infamous advice, which would further the divide between Absalom and David. The phrase "What should we do?" echoes the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. It also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Absalom, as his actions are not aligned with God's plan for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and charismatic personality. He led a rebellion against his father, King David, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a></b><br>A highly esteemed counselor of King David, known for his wisdom. He defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion, offering strategic advice to help Absalom secure his claim to the throne.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel at the time, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. He was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel and the political and spiritual center of the nation. It was the location of King David's palace and the site of Absalom's rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebellion.htm">Rebellion</a></b><br>The event in which Absalom sought to overthrow his father, King David, and take control of the kingdom of Israel. This rebellion was marked by political intrigue and familial betrayal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_ungodly_counsel.htm">The Danger of Ungodly Counsel</a></b><br>Seeking advice from those who do not follow God's ways can lead to destructive decisions. Absalom's choice to consult Ahithophel, who was not aligned with God's will, ultimately contributed to his downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Absalom's rebellion against his father is a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and ambition. It serves as a reminder that rebellion against God's anointed leaders can lead to personal and communal disaster.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_loyalty_and_faithfulness.htm">The Importance of Loyalty and Faithfulness</a></b><br>Ahithophel's betrayal of David underscores the value of loyalty and the pain of betrayal. As Christians, we are called to be faithful to God and to those He has placed in authority over us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's counsel, God's sovereign plan for David's kingship prevailed. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our lives and circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_is_malta_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ahithophel in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_solomon_execute_adonijah.htm">Why did Solomon execute Adonijah for requesting Abishag?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_absalom_reject_ahithophel's_advice.htm">If Hushai's counsel (2 Samuel 17:7-14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel's seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_ahithophel's_suicide_unique.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel's suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Give counsel among you;</span> Hebrew, <span class="accented">for you</span>; but we have no way in English of expressing the force of this phrase. In Greek it is called the ethic dative, and is supposed to give character to the address, and indicate that those to whom the words are spoken have also an interest in the matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Absalom</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Ahithophel,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahithophel -- an adviser of David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Give me</span><br /><span class="heb">הָב֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3051.htm">Strong's 3051: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, to put, imperatively, come</span><br /><br /><span class="word">counsel.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵצָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should we do?”</span><br /><span class="heb">נַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 16:20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel Give your (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>