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Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/14-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/10_2Sa_14_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 14:14 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/14-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/14-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/14-13.htm" title="2 Samuel 14:13">◄</a> 2 Samuel 14:14 <a href="/2_samuel/14-15.htm" title="2 Samuel 14:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14.htm">New International Version</a> Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a> For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a> For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up. Yet God does not take away life, but makes plans so that the banished one will not be cast out from Him. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from him. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For we shall surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one may not be cast out from him. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life, but thinks up ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from him. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For we will certainly die and are like water that is spilled on the ground and cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not [simply] take away life, but devises plans so that the one who is banished is not driven away from Him. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> We will certainly die and be like water poured out on the ground, which can’t be recovered. But God would not take away a life; he would devise plans so that the one banished from him does not remain banished. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> We will certainly die and be like water poured out on the ground, which can&#8217t be recovered. But God would not take away a life; He would devise plans so that the one banished from Him does not remain banished.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God take away life, but deviseth means, that he that is banished be not an outcast from him. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We each must die and disappear like water poured out on the ground. But God doesn't take our lives. Instead, he figures out ways of bringing us back when we run away. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God take away life, but deviseth means, that he that is banished be not an outcast from him. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We are all going to die; we are all like water that is poured on the ground and can't be gathered up. But doesn't God forgive a person? He never plans to keep a banished person in exile. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> We will all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which can't be gathered again. Even God does not bring the dead back to life, but the king can at least find a way to bring a man back from exile. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> After all, even though we all die, and we're all like water being spilled on the ground that cannot be recovered, nevertheless God doesn't take away life, but carries out his plans so as not to cast away permanently from him those who are presently estranged. <a href="/net/2_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Certainly we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again. But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways for the banished to be restored. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then she said, "Please let the king remember the LORD your God, that the avenger of blood destroy not any more, lest they destroy my son." He said, "As the LORD lives, not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. <a href="/web/2_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a> For we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground, which can’t be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for we surely die, and [are] as water which is running down to the earth, which is not gathered, and God does not accept a person, and has devised plans in that the outcast is not outcast by Him. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for we do surely die, and are as water which is running down to the earth, which is not gathered, and God doth not accept a person, and hath devised devices in that the outcast is not outcast by Him. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For dying, we shall die, and as waters poured out on the earth, which will not be gathered; and God will not lift up the soul: and reckoning, he reckons that the fugitive shall not be driven out from him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> We all die, and like waters that return no more, we fall down into the earth: neither will God have a soul to perish, but recalleth, meaning that he that is cast off should not altogether perish. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> We are all dying, and we are all like waters that flow into the ground and do not return. God does not will to lose a soul. Instead, he renews his efforts, thinking that what has been rejected might not perish altogether. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a> We must indeed die; we are then like water that is poured out on the ground and cannot be gathered up. Yet, though God does not bring back to life, he does devise means so as not to banish anyone from him. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up. But God will not take away a life; he will devise plans so as not to keep an outcast banished forever from his presence.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For we will all surely die, and we are as water that is poured upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither does God destroy a soul, but devises means that no man should go astray from him. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because we are surely dying, and like water we are poured out on the ground, and it is not gathered, and God does not take away the soul, and he devises a plan lest a person would be lost from him<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person; but let him devise means, that he that is banished be not an outcast from him. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For we shall surely die, and be as water poured upon the earth, which shall not be gathered up, and God shall take the life, even as he devises to thrust forth from him his outcast. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/14-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=3797" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Absalom's Return to Jerusalem</a> …13The woman asked, “Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, since he has not brought back his own banished son? 14<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mō·wṯ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: nā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">we will die</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: wə·ḵam·ma·yim (Conj-w, Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">and be like water</a> <a href="/hebrew/5064.htm" title="5064: han·nig·gā·rîm (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over.">poured out</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">on the ground,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">which</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.">cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: yê·’ā·sê·p̄ū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">be recovered.</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">Yet God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">take away</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">a life;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2803.htm" title="2803: wə·ḥā·šaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To think, account. ">but He devises</a> <a href="/hebrew/4284.htm" title="4284: ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Thought, device. Or machashebeth; from chashab; a contrivance, i.e. a texture, machine, or intention, plan.">ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/5080.htm" title="5080: yid·daḥ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To impel, thrust, banish. A primitive root; to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively.">that the banished one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">may not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5080.htm" title="5080: nid·dāḥ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To impel, thrust, banish. A primitive root; to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively.">be cast out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from Him.</a> 15Now therefore, I have come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Ezekiel 18:32</a> For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a> Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8-14</a> The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. / He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. / He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. ... <a href="/lamentations/3-32.htm">Lamentations 3:32-33</a> Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. / For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men. <a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-10</a> For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. / If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, / at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling. ... <a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Hosea 6:1-2</a> Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. / After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence. <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a> Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea. <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a> “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a> Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. <a href="/matthew/18-14.htm">Matthew 18:14</a> In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. <a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20-24</a> So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. / The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ / But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ... <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16-17</a> For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. / For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8-10</a> But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. / Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! / For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a> The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither does God respect any person: yet does he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.we must<a href="/2_samuel/11-25.htm">2 Samuel 11:25</a> Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.<a href="/job/30-23.htm">Job 30:23</a> For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.<a href="/job/34-15.htm">Job 34:15</a> All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.as water<a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-12,14</a> For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease… <a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Psalm 22:14</a> I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.<a href="/psalms/79-3.htm">Psalm 79:3</a> Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.neither, etc.God<a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Deuteronomy 10:17</a> For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:<a href="/job/34-19.htm">Job 34:19</a> How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.<a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matthew 22:16</a> And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.he devise<a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a> And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.<a href="/leviticus/26-40.htm">Leviticus 26:40</a> If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;<a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15,25,28</a> These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-13.htm">Banished</a> <a href="/exodus/35-35.htm">Devise</a> <a href="/nahum/1-11.htm">Devises</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-14.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Expelled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-29.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-7.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-14.htm">Means</a> <a href="/judges/19-20.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-4.htm">Outcast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-14.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/genesis/38-9.htm">Spilled</a> <a href="/luke/5-38.htm">Spilt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Split</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-14.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-27.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/15-12.htm">Banished</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/2-14.htm">Devise</a> <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Devises</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-27.htm">Expelled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-17.htm">Outcast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/matthew/9-17.htm">Spilled</a> <a href="/luke/5-38.htm">Spilt</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-40.htm">Split</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-21.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 14</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,</a> 21. <a href="/2_samuel/14-21.htm">brings him home to Jerusalem</a> 25. <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Absalom's beauty, hair, and children</a> 28. <a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/14.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/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For we will surely die This phrase acknowledges the inevitability of death, a theme consistent throughout Scripture (<a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a>). It reflects the human condition post-Fall, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>, where mortality is introduced as a consequence of sin. The certainty of death serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the need for reconciliation with God.and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. This imagery emphasizes the finality and irreversibility of death. In ancient Near Eastern culture, water was a precious resource, and once spilled, it was lost forever. This metaphor highlights the transient nature of human life, similar to <a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a>, which compares life to grass that withers. It underscores the urgency of seeking God's grace before it's too late.Yet God does not take away a life, Here, the text contrasts human mortality with God's mercy. While death is a natural consequence of sin, God’s character is one of compassion and patience (<a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a>). This reflects His desire for repentance and restoration rather than destruction, aligning with <a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Ezekiel 18:32</a>, where God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked.but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. This phrase reveals God's redemptive plan and His initiative in restoring the estranged. It foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation through Jesus Christ, who is the way back to God (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The concept of devising ways is seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son (<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a>), illustrating God's readiness to welcome back those who return to Him. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of redemption and God's covenant faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who is dealing with the aftermath of his son Absalom's actions and the murder of Amnon. 2. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who has been banished for killing his brother Amnon in revenge for the rape of their sister Tamar. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> David's military commander, who orchestrates a plan to reconcile David and Absalom. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_wise_woman_of_tekoa.htm">The Wise Woman of Tekoa</a> A woman used by Joab to deliver a parable to King David, prompting him to consider reconciliation with Absalom. 5. <a href="/topical/t/tekoa.htm">Tekoa</a> A town in Judah, from where the wise woman hails.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_inevitability_of_death.htm">The Inevitability of Death</a> Recognize that life is fleeting, like water spilled on the ground. This should prompt us to live with an eternal perspective. <a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_reconciliation.htm">God's Heart for Reconciliation</a> God devises means for the banished to return. This reflects His desire for reconciliation, urging us to seek restoration in our relationships. <a href="/topical/d/divine_mercy_and_justice.htm">Divine Mercy and Justice</a> God does not delight in taking away life but seeks ways to restore. We should emulate His mercy and justice in our dealings with others. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intercession.htm">The Role of Intercession</a> Joab's use of the wise woman shows the power of intercession and advocacy. We are called to intercede for others, seeking their restoration. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_return.htm">Repentance and Return</a> Like Absalom, we may find ourselves estranged from God or others. God provides a way back, encouraging us to repent and return.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14</a> <a href="/q/2_sam_14_14_vs._god-sanctioned_deaths.htm">2 Samuel 14:14: If “God does not take away life,” how does this verse reconcile with other biblical passages where God sanctions or orders death? </a> <a href="/q/why_was_david's_child_punished.htm">Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's child?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_2_kings_23_25_exalt_josiah_over_david.htm">Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) We must needs die.--The woman now goes on to a further argument from the uncertainty of life. Whether she would suggest the possibility of Absalom's dying in banishment (as some think), or of David's death before he has been reconciled to his son (as others hold) does not matter. She craftily withdraws attention from the real point--the question of right and justice--and, assuming that the thing ought to be done, suggests that delay is unsafe since life is uncertain. Still another explanation of her argument may be given: "Amnon is dead, and it is useless to grieve longer for him; God does not respect persons, Absalom too must die, and you yourself must die; improve the time and the blessings yet left while there is opportunity."Neither doth God respect any person.--The Hebrew is difficult, but the English is certainly wrong. The literal translation is "And God doth not take away the soul, but thinketh thoughts that He may not banish the banished one;" and the meaning is that God in wrath remembers mercy, and does not press punishment to extremes.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Neither doth God, etc. This translation is altogether wrong. What the woman says is, "God taketh not life [Hebrew, 'a soul'] away, but thinketh thoughts not to banish from him his banished one." Her argument is that death is the common lot, and that there is no way of bringing back the dead to life. But though death is thus a universal law, yet God does not kill. Death is not a penalty exacted as a punishment, but, on the contrary, he is merciful, and when a man has sinned, instead of putting him to death, he is ready to forgive and welcome back one rejected because of his wickedness. The application is plain. The king cannot restore Amnon to life, and neither must he kill the guilty Absalom, but must recall his banished son. The argument is full of poetry, and touching to the feelings, but is not very sound. For God requires repentance and change of heart; and there was no sign of contrition on Absalom's part. The power of the woman's appeal lay in what she says of God's nature. He is not intent on punishing, nor bent on carrying out the sentences of the Law in their stern literalness; but he is ready to forgive, and "deviseth devices" to bring home those now separate from him. There is also much that is worth pondering over in the distinction between death as a law of nature, and death as a penalty. The one is necessary, and often gentle and beneficial; but death as a penalty is stern and terrible. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/14-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction surely מ֣וֹת (mō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill we will die נָמ֔וּת (nā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill and be like water וְכַמַּ֙יִם֙ (wə·ḵam·ma·yim) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen poured out הַנִּגָּרִ֣ים (han·nig·gā·rîm) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5064.htm">Strong's 5064: </a> To flow, to stretch out, to pour out, down, to deliver over on the ground, אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land which אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that cannot לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be recovered. יֵאָסֵ֑פוּ (yê·’ā·sê·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove Yet God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative does not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no take away יִשָּׂ֤א (yiś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take a life; נֶ֔פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion but He devises וְחָשַׁב֙ (wə·ḥā·šaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2803.htm">Strong's 2803: </a> To think, account ways מַֽחֲשָׁב֔וֹת (ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4284.htm">Strong's 4284: </a> A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan so that the banished one יִדַּ֥ח (yid·daḥ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5080.htm">Strong's 5080: </a> To impel, thrust, banish may not לְבִלְתִּ֛י (lə·ḇil·tî) Preposition-l <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until remain estranged נִדָּֽח׃ (nid·dāḥ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5080.htm">Strong's 5080: </a> To impel, thrust, banish from Him. מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 14:14 For we must needs die and (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/14-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/14-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:15" /></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>