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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 16:17 "Is this the loyalty you show your friend?" Absalom replied. "Why did you not go with your friend?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/16-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/10_2Sa_16_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 16:17 - The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Is this the loyalty you show your friend? Absalom replied. 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If he&#8217s your friend, why didn&#8217t you go with him?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Is this the way you treat your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why aren’t you with him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, <i>Is</i> this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Absalom said to Hushai, “<i>Is</i> this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Absalom said to Hushai, &#8220Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your lovingkindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Is this your loyalty to your friend? ” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Is this your loyalty to your friend?&#8221 Absalom asked Hushai. &#8220Why didn&#8217t you go with your friend?"&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this how you show loyalty to your friend David? Why didn't you go with him?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Is that how loyal you are to your friend?" Absalom asked Hushai. "Why didn't you go with him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?" Absalom asked him. "Why didn't you go with him?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Absalom asked Hushai, "So this is how you demonstrate your loyalty to your closest friends? Why didn't you leave with your friend?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Absalom said to Hushai, "Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?” <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 Hushai, “[Is] this your kindness with your friend? Why have you not gone with your friend?”<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 Hushai, 'This thy kindness with thy friend! why hast thou not gone with thy friend?'<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 Hushai, This thy mercy with thy friend? wherefore wentest thou not with thy friend?<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 him: Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Absalom said to him: “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Absalom asked Hushai: “Is this your devotion to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?<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 Khushi: “This is the love of your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Absalom said to Hushai: 'Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?'<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 Chusi, <i>Is</i> this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not forth with thy friend?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/16-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4662" 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">16</span>And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">“Is this</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥas·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">the loyalty</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">you show</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘e·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">your friend?”</a> <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.">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.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2365.htm" title="2365: ḥū·šay (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From chuwsh; hasty; Chushai, an Israelite."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did you not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘e·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">your friend?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.…<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/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34</a></span><br />But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-25.htm">2 Samuel 19:25-27</a></span><br />And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, / and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">1 Kings 1:7-8</a></span><br />So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. / But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.<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="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a></span><br />Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a></span><br />For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a></span><br />The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-4.htm">Jeremiah 9:4</a></span><br />“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Micah 7:5-6</a></span><br />Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. / For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a></span><br />Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-50</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-10.htm">Mark 14:10-11</a></span><br />Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Mark 14:43-45</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-3.htm">Luke 22:3-6</a></span><br />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. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? why went you not with your friend?</p><p class="hdg">Is this thy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Deuteronomy 32:6</a></b></br> Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? <i>is</i> not he thy father <i>that</i> hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?</p><p class="hdg">why wentest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">2 Samuel 15:32-37</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that <i>when</i> David was come to the top <i>of the mount</i>, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-25.htm">2 Samuel 19:25</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a></b></br> A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-20.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Loyalty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-25.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-9.htm">Wentest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-51.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/101-1.htm">Loyalty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-26.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-25.htm">Wentest</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>And Absalom asked Hushai</b><br />This phrase introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative. Absalom, the son of King David, is in the midst of a rebellion against his father. The name "Absalom" in Hebrew means "father of peace," which is ironic given his actions. Hushai, known as "Hushai the Archite," is a loyal friend and advisor to David. The historical context here is rich with tension, as Hushai's presence in Absalom's court is part of a strategic plan to undermine Absalom's rebellion. This moment is a test of loyalty and wisdom, reflecting the broader theme of divine providence and human agency.<p><b>Is this the loyalty you show your friend?</b><br />The word "loyalty" in Hebrew is "chesed," which encompasses steadfast love, kindness, and faithfulness. It is a covenantal term often used to describe God's unwavering love for His people. Absalom's question is loaded with irony and suspicion, as he challenges Hushai's allegiance. The concept of "friend" here is significant, as it underscores the deep personal bonds and the betrayal that Absalom feels. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of true loyalty and the cost of betrayal, both in human relationships and in our relationship with God.<p><b>Why did you not go with your friend?</b><br />This question further probes Hushai's motives and loyalty. The repetition of "friend" emphasizes the personal nature of the conflict. In the historical context, "going with" someone signifies support and allegiance, especially in times of political upheaval. Hushai's decision to stay with Absalom is a strategic move orchestrated by David, highlighting the themes of wisdom and cunning in the face of adversity. This phrase challenges readers to consider the complexities of loyalty and the difficult choices that often accompany it, reminding us of the ultimate loyalty we owe to God above all earthly ties.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Is this thy kindness to thy friend?</span> After carrying the king to Ayephim, on the banks of the Jordan, the narrator now turns back to Absalom, because David was to wait at the caravanserai for news from Jerusalem. And immediately on his arrival, Hushai hastens into Absalom's presence, loudly exclaiming, "Long live the king!" for such is the meaning of the Hebrew. The young man is surprised; for Hushai was David's friend and trusted confidant. Yet he does not suspect this sudden breaking of old ties, but, looking at the bright side only, sees in it a proof that his party was looked upon as sure of success, and David's cause as hopeless. He welcomes, therefore, so notable an adherent, and Hushai's pretences confirm his self-deceit; for he professes to regard Absalom as king, not by fraud and violence, but by the formal choice of both Jehovah and the people. On this assumption, obedience to the nation's choice became a religious duty, and Hushai's love to the father was a pledge of love to the son. We must not, however, condemn Absalom for too easy credulity. The nation was in his favour, and, had he acted with promptitude, David's cause would have been lost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/16-17.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">“Is this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the loyalty</span><br /><span class="heb">חַסְדְּךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(ḥas·də·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[you show]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your friend?”</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Absalom</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙</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">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</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">did you not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלַ֖כְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·laḵ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your friend?”</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/16-17.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 16:17 Absalom said to Hushai Is this your (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:18" /></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>