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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 16:21 Ahithophel replied, "Sleep with your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/16-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/10_2Sa_16_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 16:21 - The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ahithophel replied, Sleep with your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/16-21.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/16-21.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/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 21</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="/ad1.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/16-20.htm" title="2 Samuel 16:20">◄</a> 2 Samuel 16:21 <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm" title="2 Samuel 16:22">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.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/16.htm">New International Version</a> Ahithophel answered, &#8220Sleep with your father&#8217s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Ahithophel told him, “Go and sleep with your father’s concubines, for he has left them here to look after the palace. Then all Israel will know that you have insulted your father beyond hope of reconciliation, and they will throw their support to you.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Have relations with your father’s concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, &#8220Go in to your father&#8217s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened [by your boldness and audacity].” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Ahithophel replied to Absalom, &#8220Sleep with your father&#8217s concubines he left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, that he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then will the hands of all that are with thee be strong. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ahithophel answered, "Some of your father's wives were left here to take care of the palace. You should have sex with them. Then everyone will find out that you have publicly disgraced your father. This will make you and your followers even more powerful." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Ahithophel told Absalom, "Sleep with your father's concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear about how you have made your father despise you. Everyone who is with you will support you even more." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Ahithophel answered, "Go and have intercourse with your father's concubines whom he left behind to take care of the palace. Then everyone in Israel will know that your father regards you as his enemy, and your followers will be greatly encouraged." <a href="/isv/2_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ahithophel responded, "Go inside and have sex with your father's mistresses , whom he left to keep the palace in order. Then everyone in Israel will hear how your father has come to hate you and everyone who has joined you will be emboldened to act." <a href="/msb/2_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” <a href="/net/2_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Ahithophel replied to Absalom, "Have sex with your father's concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you." <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father’s secondary wives, that he has left to care for the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father. Then those on your side will be motivated to support you." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred by thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. <a href="/web/2_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Ahithophel says to Absalom, “Go in to the concubines of your father, whom he left to keep the house, and all Israel has heard that you have been abhorred by your father, and the hands of all who [are] with you have been strong.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Ahithophel saith unto Absalom, 'Go in unto the concubines of thy father, whom he left to keep the house, and all Israel hath heard that thou hast been abhorred by thy father, and the hands of all who are with thee have been strong.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Ahithophel will say to Absalom, Come in to thy father's concubines which he left to watch the house; and all Israel hearing that thou madest thy father loathsome, and the hands of all that are with thee were strengthened.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Achitophel said to Absalom: Go in to the concubines of thy father, whom he hath left to keep the house: that when all Israel shall hear that thou hast disgraced thy father, their hands may be strengthened with thee. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Ahithophel said to Absalom: “Enter to the concubines of your father, whom he left behind in order to care for the house. Thus, when all of Israel will hear that you disgraced your father, their hands may be strengthened with you.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Ahithophel replied to Absalom: “Go to your father’s concubines, whom he left behind to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears how odious you have made yourself to your father, all those on your side will take courage.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, the ones he has left to look after the house; and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep his house; and when all Israel shall hear that you have gone in to your father's concubines, then shall the hands of all who are with you be strengthened. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Akhithuphel said to Abishlum: “Go into the Concubines of your father whom he left to keep his house, and whenever all Israel hears that you were with the Concubines of your father, the hands of everyone whoever is with you will be strengthened”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Ahithophel said unto Absalom: 'Go in unto thy father's concubines, that he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that thou art abhorred of thy father; then will the hands of all that are with thee be strong.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Achitophel said to Abessalom, Go in to thy father's concubines, whom he left to keep his house; and all Israel shall hear that thou hast dishonoured thy father; and the hands of all that are with thee shall be strengthened. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4698" 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/16.htm">The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai</a> …20Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?” 21<a href="/hebrew/302.htm" title="302: ’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el (N-proper-ms) -- An adviser of David. From 'ach and taphel; brother of folly; Achithophel, an Israelite.">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/hebrew/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/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lōm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bō·w (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">“Sleep with</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">your father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6370.htm" title="6370: pi·laḡ·šê (N-fpc) -- Concubine. Or pilegesh; of uncertain derivation; a concubine; also a paramour.">concubines,</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.">whom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: hin·nî·aḥ (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">he has left</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mō·wr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">to keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·bā·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the palace.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">When all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: wə·šā·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">hears</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/887.htm" title="887: niḇ·’aš·tā (V-Nifal-Perf-2ms) -- To have a bad smell, to stink. A primitive root; to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally.">you have become a stench</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.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">your father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yə·ḏê (N-fdc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">then the hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</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.">who are</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: wə·ḥā·zə·qū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">will be strengthened.”</a> 22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.…<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="/2_samuel/12-11.htm">2 Samuel 12:11-12</a> This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. / You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a> While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4</a> Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. <a href="/leviticus/18-8.htm">Leviticus 18:8</a> You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. <a href="/deuteronomy/22-30.htm">Deuteronomy 22:30</a> A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed. <a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Deuteronomy 27:20</a> ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a> King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1</a> These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. <a href="/ezekiel/22-10.htm">Ezekiel 22:10</a> In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. <a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">Hosea 4:13-14</a> They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. / I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin. <a href="/matthew/1-6.htm">Matthew 1:6</a> and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">Matthew 5:27-28</a> You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ / But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. <a href="/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9</a> Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Mark 10:11-12</a> So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a> Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your father's concubines, which he has left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that you are abhorred of your father: then shall the hands of all that are with you be strong.Go in<a href="/genesis/6-4.htm">Genesis 6:4</a> There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.<a href="/genesis/38-16.htm">Genesis 38:16</a> And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?unto thy<a href="/2_samuel/12-11.htm">2 Samuel 12:11</a> Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.<a href="/2_samuel/15-16.htm">2 Samuel 15:16</a> And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.<a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">2 Samuel 20:3</a> And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.abhorred<a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Genesis 34:30</a> And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.<a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">1 Samuel 13:4</a> And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.thy father<a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3,4</a> Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: … then shall<a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">1 Samuel 27:12</a> And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.the hands<a href="/2_samuel/2-7.htm">2 Samuel 2:7</a> Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.<a href="/zechariah/8-13.htm">Zechariah 8:13</a> And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Abhorred</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-16.htm">Care</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-16.htm">Concubines</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-19.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-36.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-11.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-10.htm">Nostrils</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">Odious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">Stench</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-7.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/11-25.htm">Abhorred</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Care</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Concubines</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-9.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-9.htm">Nostrils</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-6.htm">Odious</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-6.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-6.htm">Stench</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Strong</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 16</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance</a> 5. <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">At Bahurim, Shimei curses David</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel</a> 20. <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ahithophel's counsel</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </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>Ahithophel replied Ahithophel was a counselor to King David, known for his wisdom and insight. His name in Hebrew means "brother of folly," which is ironic given his reputation for wise counsel. However, his advice here is morally corrupt, reflecting a departure from godly wisdom. This highlights the danger of human wisdom when it is not aligned with God's righteousness.Sleep with your father’s concubines This phrase is a direct and shocking command. In the ancient Near Eastern context, taking possession of a king's concubines was a declaration of power and a claim to the throne. It was a public act meant to demonstrate dominance and sever ties with the previous ruler. The Hebrew word for "concubines" (פִּילַגְשִׁים, pilagshim) indicates women who were secondary wives, often used to solidify political alliances. This act was not only a personal betrayal but a public scandal.whom he left to keep the house This phrase indicates that these women were left behind to maintain the household, a position of trust and responsibility. The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) often symbolizes not just a physical structure but the dynasty or family line. By violating these women, Absalom was symbolically attacking David's legacy and household.Then all Israel will hear The phrase underscores the public nature of the act. In a time when news spread by word of mouth, such an event would quickly become known throughout the nation. The Hebrew word for "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but understanding and responding. This act was meant to send a clear message to the people of Israel about Absalom's intentions and power.you have made yourself a stench to your father The imagery of a "stench" (נִבְעַשׁ, niv'ash) is powerful, suggesting something repulsive and offensive. In biblical terms, a stench often symbolizes sin and rebellion against God. This act was not just a personal affront to David but a spiritual rebellion, reflecting Absalom's complete break from his father's authority and God's anointed king.and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened This phrase suggests that Absalom's followers would gain confidence and resolve from this act. The Hebrew word for "strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq) means to be strong, courageous, or firm. In a military and political context, this act was intended to solidify Absalom's support and embolden his followers by demonstrating his decisive break from David.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) And Ahithophel said.--The counsel of Ahithophel was in effect that Absalom should make the breach between him and his father absolute and irreconcilable. His followers would thus be assured of the impossibility of his securing a pardon for himself while they were left to their fate. After adopting this course, he must necessarily persist to the end. The taking of the harem of his predecessor by the incoming monarch was an Oriental custom, to the enormity of which the mind was blunted by the practice of polygamy.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Ahithophel said. Ahithophel's counsel was utterly abominable, even though the deed would not be regarded by any of the Israelites as incestuous. A king inherited his predecessor's harem, and Absalom's act was a coarse and rude assertion that David's rights were at an end, and that crown and lands and property, even to his wives, now all belonged to the usurper. But, while polygamy had thus degraded the wives and concubines into mere chattels, the harem was the property most jealously guarded by its owner (<a href="/2_samuel/3-7.htm">2 Samuel 3:7</a>; <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a>); and Absalom's act was an outrage which David could never have pardoned. And this was what Ahithophel wanted. He was afraid that if Absalom's cause began to decline, he might come to terms with his father, who would readily forgive a son if he submitted, but would certainly punish Ahithophel. For his own selfish purposes, therefore, he led Absalom on to a crime which rendered a reconciliation with David impossible, and pledged all the conspirators to carry out the matter to the bitter end; and that end could only be the death of David if the conspiracy succeeded. But this bitterness to David would vex all moderate men, and weaken Absalom's cause. It was of advantage only to such as were deeply committed to the rebellion, and bent on killing David. To him it was terrible sorrow; for he knew that this open shame was the punishment of his own secret infamy (<a href="/2_samuel/12-11.htm">2 Samuel 12:11, 12</a>); and in it, again, he saw the meshes of the avenger's net tightening around him. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Ahithophel אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙ (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David replied, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Sleep with בּ֚וֹא (bō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go your father’s אָבִ֔יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father concubines פִּלַגְשֵׁ֣י (pi·laḡ·šê) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6370.htm">Strong's 6370: </a> A concubine, a paramour whom אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’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 he has left הִנִּ֖יחַ (hin·nî·aḥ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3240.htm">Strong's 3240: </a> Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, to keep לִשְׁמ֣וֹר (liš·mō·wr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to the palace. הַבָּ֑יִת (hab·bā·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house When all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc hears וְשָׁמַ֤ע (wə·šā·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you have become a stench נִבְאַ֣שְׁתָּ (niḇ·’aš·tā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_887.htm">Strong's 887: </a> To smell bad, to be offensive to אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among your father, אָבִ֔יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father then the hands יְדֵ֖י (yə·ḏê) Noun - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every who are אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’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 with you אִתָּֽךְ׃ (’it·tāḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among will be strengthened.” וְחָ֣זְק֔וּ (wə·ḥā·zə·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 16:21 Ahithophel said to Absalom Go (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:22" /></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>