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2 Samuel 18:23 "No matter what, I want to run!" he replied. "Then run!" Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
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Joab finally said, “All right, go ahead.” So Ahimaaz took the less demanding route by way of the plain and ran to Mahanaim ahead of the Ethiopian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But howsoever, <i>said he</i>, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“But whatever happens,” <i>he said,</i> “let me run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“But whatever happens,” <i>he said,</i> “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed by the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“But whatever happens,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed up the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But whatever happens,” <i>he said,</i> “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed up the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“But whatever happens,” <i>he said</i>, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“But whatever happens, Let me run.” So Joab said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain [of the Jordan River] and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“No matter what, I want to run! ” “Then run! ” Joab said to him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No matter what, I want to run!"” Then run!” Joab said to him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"I'll run no matter what!" Ahimaaz insisted. "All right then, run!" Joab said. Ahimaaz took the road through the Jordan Valley and outran the Ethiopian. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and overran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Whatever happens, I'd like to run," [replied Ahimaaz.] "Run," Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran along the valley road and got ahead of the Sudanese messenger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Whatever happens," Ahimaaz said again, "I want to go." "Then go," Joab said. So Ahimaaz ran off down the road through the Jordan Valley, and soon he passed the slave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"No matter what, I'm running," Ahimaaz replied. So Joab told Ahimaaz, "Run!" And Ahimaaz ran, taking the Jordan Valley road, passing the Ethiopian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But he said, "Whatever happens, I want to go!" So Joab said to him, "Then go!" So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Jordan plain, and he passed the Cushite. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But he said, "But whatever happens, I will run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But however, said he, let me run. And he said to him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran Cushi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“But come what may,” he said, “I will run.” He said to him, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“And whatever happens,” he said, “let me run.” And he says to him, “Run”; and Ahimaaz runs the way of the circuit, and passes by the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And, whatever it be, said he, let me run.' And he saith to him, 'Run;' and Ahimaaz runneth the way of the circuit, and passeth by the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And what will be, I will run. And he will say to him, Run. And Ahimaaz will run the way of the circuit, and pass by Cushi.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He answered: But what if I run? And he said to him: Run. Then Achimaas running by a nearer way passed Chusai. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he responded, “But what if I do run?” And he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz, running along a shorter way, passed Hushai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But he insisted, “Come what may, I want to run.” Joab said to him, “Run.” Ahimaaz took the way of the Jordan plain and outran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He said to him, What is the difference? Let me run. And he said to him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and passed Cushi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He said to him, “What then? I shall run!” He said to him, “Run!” And Akhimaz ran on the road of Kakar and he passed Kushi<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But come what may, [said he,] I will run.' And he said unto him: 'Run.' Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and overran the Cushite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Why should I not run? and Joab said to him, Run. And Achimaas ran along the way of Kechar, and outran Chusi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-23.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=5356" 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/18.htm">David Mourns for Absalom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “Regardless of whatever may happen, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“No matter what,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: ’ā·rūṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">I want to run!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wî·hî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">he replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: rūṣ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">“Then run!”</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.">Joab told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/290.htm" title="290: ’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ (N-proper-ms) -- My brother is wrath, two Isr. From 'ach and the equivalent of Ma'ats; brother of anger; Achimaats, the name of three Israelites.">So Ahimaaz</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: way·yā·rāṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">ran</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">by way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3603.htm" title="3603: hak·kik·kār (Art:: N-fs) -- From karar; a circle, i.e. a circumjacent tract or region, expec. The Ghor or valley of the Jordan; also a loaf; also a talent (round) coin).">of the plain</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and outran</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3569.htm" title="3569: hak·kū·šî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Cush. Patronymically from Kuwsh; a Cushite, or descendant of Cush.">the Cushite.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.…<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/18-19.htm">2 Samuel 18:19-22</a></span><br />Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24-27</a></span><br />Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. / So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, / the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1</a></span><br />Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">2 Samuel 17:17-21</a></span><br />Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. / But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. / Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-42.htm">1 Kings 1:42</a></span><br />As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-20</a></span><br />Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12</a></span><br />That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10</a></span><br />Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">2 Samuel 17:16</a></span><br />Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-1.htm">2 Samuel 19:1-8</a></span><br />Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-6.htm">1 Kings 14:6</a></span><br />So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-20.htm">2 Samuel 1:20</a></span><br />Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">2 Samuel 15:13</a></span><br />Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-18.htm">2 Samuel 17:18</a></span><br />But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a></span><br />And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said to him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.</p><p class="hdg">overran Cushi</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/20-4.htm">John 20:4</a></b></br> So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Ahimaaz</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahi'ma-Az</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">Circuit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Cushi</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Cushite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Cushy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">Happens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Howsoever</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/judges/1-9.htm">Lowland</a> <a href="/john/20-4.htm">Outran</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Outstripped</a> <a href="/judges/20-43.htm">Overran</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-24.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Road</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Run</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Running</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-4.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Whatever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Ahimaaz</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Ahi'ma-Az</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Circuit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-31.htm">Cushi</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-31.htm">Cushite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-31.htm">Cushy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Happens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-10.htm">However</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Howsoever</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-27.htm">Lowland</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Outran</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Outstripped</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-5.htm">Overran</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-31.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-39.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-13.htm">Road</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-30.htm">Run</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Whatever</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </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/18.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>He replied</b><br />This phrase indicates a response, suggesting a dialogue or interaction. In the context of ancient Israel, communication was often direct and decisive, especially in military or urgent situations. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which can also mean to answer or respond. This reflects the immediacy and clarity expected in such exchanges, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in fulfilling one's duty.<p><b>Run!</b><br />The command to "run" is imperative and urgent. The Hebrew word רוּץ (ruts) conveys not just the physical act of running but also the urgency and swiftness required in the situation. In the biblical narrative, running often symbolizes urgency, mission, or the need to deliver important news swiftly. This command underscores the critical nature of the message Ahimaaz is tasked to deliver.<p><b>So Ahimaaz ran</b><br />Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest, is known for his swiftness and eagerness to deliver messages. His running is not just a physical act but a demonstration of his dedication and zeal. The act of running in the biblical context often signifies a willingness to serve and fulfill one's duty with enthusiasm and commitment.<p><b>by way of the plain</b><br />The "plain" refers to a flat, open area that would allow for faster travel compared to hilly or rugged terrain. In the historical and geographical context of ancient Israel, choosing the route of the plain would be strategic for speed. This choice reflects Ahimaaz's wisdom and understanding of the land, ensuring that he could deliver his message as quickly as possible.<p><b>and outran the Cushite</b><br />The Cushite, likely a foreigner or someone of African descent, was also tasked with delivering news. The fact that Ahimaaz outran him highlights not only Ahimaaz's physical prowess but also his determination and possibly divine favor. In the biblical narrative, being able to outrun another can symbolize superiority in mission or divine assistance. This phrase emphasizes the theme of God's providence and the fulfillment of His plans through His chosen messengers.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">By the way of the plain.</span>--The word used here is generally applied to the valley of the Jordan and hence it has been argued that the battle could not have been fought on the eastern side of the river, since, in that case, Ahimaaz could not have reached Mahanaim by the Jordan valley except by a long and tedious detour. But the word simply means <span class= "ital">circuit, </span>or <span class= "ital">surrounding country, </span>and is used in <a href="/nehemiah/12-28.htm" title="And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;">Nehemiah 12:28</a> for the country about Jerusalem. Here it means that Ahimaaz ran "by the way of the circuit," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>in all probability, by a longer but smoother road than that taken by the Cushite, so that he was able to outrun him.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain;</span> Hebrew, <span class="accented">the kikkar</span>, or <span class="accented">Jordan valley.</span> The battle, as we saw in ver. 6, was fought on the eastern side of the river, and Absalom's army, in their flight, would endeavour to reach the fords of the Jordan (comp. <a href="/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5</a>); and probably Joab had pursued them for some distance before the man found in the thicket the body of the unfortunate Absalom. The large slaughter of twenty thousand men (ver. 7) proves that the defeated rebels were vigorously followed. In carrying the news he evidently went back by the route which the troops had followed; while Ahimaaz took a longer course to the west, but one that avoided the tangles and the deep defiles of the forest. Strictly, the Kikkar, as we have seen, was the name of the Jordan valley near Jericho; but it was probably applicable also to the same sort of formation further north. On approaching Mahanaim, Ahimaaz would strike inland, and the two routes would join one another; and one reason which made Ahimaaz go more to the west was that he did net wish the Cushite to know that he had a rival. He would thus go at a steady pace, picking his way through the forest, while Ahimaaz was using his utmost speed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-23.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">“No matter what,</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(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">I want to run!”</span><br /><span class="heb">אָר֔וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וִיהִי־</span> <span class="translit">(wî·hî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Then run!”</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֑וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(rūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joab told</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">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">So Ahimaaz</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_290.htm">Strong's 290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahimaaz -- 'my brother is wrath', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ran</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤רָץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·rāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by way</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֣רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the plain</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכִּכָּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kik·kār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3603.htm">Strong's 3603: </a> </span><span class="str2">A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and outran</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Cushite.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכּוּשִֽׁי׃</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kū·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3569.htm">Strong's 3569: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cushite -- descendant of Cush</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-23.htm">2 Samuel 18:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-23.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:23 But come what may said he (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:24" /></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>