King David Weeps For Absalom

1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

1 Then it was told Joab, “Behold, (A)the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom.”

1 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.”

1 Someone informed Joab, "The king is weeping bitterly, mourning for Absalom."

1 It was told to Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.”

2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.

2 The (a)victory that day was turned to mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.”

2 That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.”

2 The victory had become an occasion for the army to mourn, because on that very day the troops heard the announcement, "The king is grieving for his son!"

2 So the victory on that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said on that day, “The king grieves for his son.”

3 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

3 So the people went by stealth into the city that day, as people who are humiliated steal away when they flee in battle.

3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle.

3 So men snuck into the city that day like men do who are ashamed after they've run away from a battle.

3 The people stole into the city [of Mahanaim] that day, as people who are humiliated and ashamed steal away when they retreat in battle.

4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

4 The king (B)covered his face and (b)cried out with a loud voice, “(C)O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

4 But the king hid his face(A) and cried out at the top of his voice, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

4 Meanwhile, the king veiled his face and kept on crying loudly, "My son Absalom! Absalom my son, my son!"

4 But the king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines,

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers—those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines.

5 Joab went up to the palace and rebuked the king: "Today you've humiliated your entire army who just saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, and the lives of your wives and mistresses!

5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have put all your servants to shame who this day have saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters, and the lives of your wives and (a)concubines.

6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

6 by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that (c)princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then (d)you would be pleased.

6 You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!(a)

6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! You've made it abundantly clear today that your officers and the men under them mean nothing to you! I've learned today that you would rather have Absalom alive today and all the rest of us dead!

6 For you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have shown today that commanders and servants are nothing to you; for today I know that if Absalom had lived and all the rest of us had died today, then you would be pleased.

7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

7 Now therefore arise, go out and speak (e)kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, surely (D)not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.”

7 “Now get up! Go out and encourage(b) your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight.(B) This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!”

7 Now get up and restore the morale of your army. I swear by the LORD that if you don't get out there, you won't have a single man left in your army by nightfall! You'll be in more trouble today than all the disasters you've been through from your boyhood until now!"

7 So now stand up, go out and speak kindly and encouragingly to your servants; for I swear by the Lord that if you do not go out, not a man will stay with you tonight. And this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.”

David Returns To Jerusalem

8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

8 So the king arose and sat in the gate. When they told all the people, saying, “Behold, the king is (E)sitting in the gate,” then all the people came before the king.Now (F)Israel had fled, each to his tent.

8 So the king got up and sat in the gate,(C) and all the people were told: “Look, the king is sitting in the gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence.Meanwhile, each Israelite had fled to his tent.(D)

8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the army was informed, "The king is sitting in the gateway!" they all gathered together in his presence.

8 Then the king stood and sat at the gate [of Mahanaim]. And they told all the people, “The king is sitting at the gate,” and all the people came before the king.But Israel [Absalom’s troops] had fled, every man to his tent.

David Returns From Exile

9 And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

9 All the people were quarreling throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “(G)The king delivered us from the (f)hand of our enemies and (H)saved us from the (g)hand of the Philistines, but now (I)he has fled out of the land from Absalom.

9 All the people among all the tribes of Israel were arguing: “The king delivered us from the grasp of our enemies,(E) and he rescued us from the grasp of the Philistines,(F) but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.(G)

9 Meanwhile, the Israelis had run away back to their own homes. Throughout the tribes of Israel, everyone was quarreling with one another: "The king delivered us from the domination of our enemies"." "He's the one who rescued us from Philistine control"." "Now he's fleeing the country because of Absalom"!"

9 All the people were quarreling throughout the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king rescued us from the hands of our enemies, and he saved us from the hands of the Philistines, but now he has fled out of the land from Absalom.

10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

10 However, Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now then, why are you silent about bringing the king back?”

10 But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

10 "The very same Absalom we anointed to rule just died in battle"!" "Now then, why remain silent about bringing the king back"?"

10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. So now, why are you [leaders] doing nothing about bringing back the king?”

11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.

11 Then King David sent to (J)Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, since the word of all Israel has come to the king, even to his house?

11 King David sent word to the priests, Zadok and Abiathar:(H) “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace? The talk of all Israel has reached the king at his house.

11 So King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Ask the elders of Judah, "Why are you the last to bring the king back to his palace, considering that what's being reported throughout all of Israel has come to the king at his palace?

11 Then King David sent word to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house [in Jerusalem], since the word of all Israel has come to the king, and to his house?

12 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

12 You are my brothers; (K)you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?’

12 You are my brothers, my flesh and blood.(I) So why should you be the last to restore the king?’

12 You're my relatives! You're my own flesh and blood! So why are you the last to bring back the king?'

12 You are my brothers (relatives, relations); you are my bone and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’

13 And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

13 Say to (L)Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? (M)May God do so to me, and more also, if you will not be (N)commander of the army before me continually (O)in place of Joab.’”

13 And tell Amasa,(J) ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me and do so severely if you don’t become commander of the army from now on instead of Joab!’”

13 Then ask Amasa, "Aren't you my own flesh and blood? So may God deal with me, no matter how severely, if from this day forward you don't take Joab's place as commander of my army.'

13 Say to Amasa [the commander of Absalom’s troops], ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and more also, if you will not be commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’”

14 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.

14 Thus he turned the hearts of all the men of Judah (P)as one man, so that they sent word to the king, saying, “Return, you and all your servants.”

14 So he won over(c) all the men of Judah, and they sent word to the king: “Come back, you and all your servants.”

14 By doing things like this, he persuaded all the men of Judah to unite in support of him. They sent the king this message: "Come on back, you and all of your army!"

14 In this way he changed the hearts of all the men of Judah as one man, so they sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your (b)servants.”

David's Return To Jerusalem

15 So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

15 The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan. And Judah came to (Q)Gilgal in order to go to meet the king, to bring the king across the Jordan.

15 Then the king returned. When he arrived at the Jordan, Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan.

15 So the king returned to Israel as far as the Jordan River.

15 So David returned and came to the Jordan. And [supporters from] Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king, to escort him across the Jordan.

David Pardons His Enemies

16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

16 Then (R)Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite who was from Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David.

16 Shimei son of Gera,(K) a Benjaminite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David.

16 The men of Judah went out as far as Gilgal to greet the king and escort him across the Jordan River while Gera's son Shimei, a descendant of Benjamin from Bahurim, accompanied them to meet King David.

16 Then Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men [from the tribe of] of Judah to meet King David,

17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

17 There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, with (S)Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they rushed to the Jordan before the king.

17 There were 1,000 men from Benjamin with him. Ziba, an attendant from the house of Saul,(L) with his 15 sons and 20 servants also rushed down to the Jordan ahead of the king.

17 Ziba, the steward in charge of Saul's household, and 1,000 descendants of Benjamin accompanied him, along with Ziba's fifteen sons and 20 servants. They rushed toward the Jordan River ahead of the king

17 and a thousand men [from the tribe] of Benjamin with him. And Ziba, the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants with him, rushed down to the Jordan before the king.

18 And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

18 Then they kept crossing the ford to bring over the king’s household, and to do what was good in his sight. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he was about to cross the Jordan.

18 They forded the Jordan to bring the king’s household across and do whatever the king desired.(d)When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king

18 and forded it to assist the king at the crossing so he could do whatever he wished.

18 Then they [repeatedly] crossed the ford to bring over the king’s household (family), and to do what pleased him. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he was about to cross the Jordan,

David's Mercy To Shimei

19 And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.

19 So he said to the king, “(T)Let not my lord consider me guilty, nor remember what your servant did wrong on the day when my lord the king came out from Jerusalem, so that the king would (h)take it to heart.

19 and said to him, “My lord, don’t hold me guilty, and don’t remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem.(M) May the king not take it to heart.

19 Just as the king was about to ford the Jordan River, Gera's son Shimei fell down in front of the king and addressed him, "May your majesty not hold me guilty. Don't remember how your servant did wrong the day your majesty the king left Jerusalem. May the king not let it burden his heart,

19 and said to the king, “Let not my lord consider me guilty, nor remember what your servant did (c)wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem, so that the king would take it to heart.

20 For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

20 For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, (U)the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.”

20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. But look! Today I am the first one of the entire house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

20 because your servant knows that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first one from the entire house of Joseph to meet your majesty the king."

20 For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore, behold, I have come today, the first of all the (d)house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?

21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah said, “(V)Should not Shimei be put to death for this, (W)because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?”

21 Abishai son of Zeruiah asked, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?”(N)

21 But Zeruiah's son Abishai asked, "Why shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? After all, he cursed the LORD's anointed!"

21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah said, “Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?”

22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

22 David then said, “(X)What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? (Y)Should any man be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?”

22 David answered, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything?(O) Have you become my adversary today? Should any man be killed in Israel today? Am I not aware that today I’m king over Israel?”

22 David replied, "What do you sons of Zeruiah have in common with me? You've become my enemies today! Should anyone be executed in Israel today? Don't you know that I've been reinstated as king over Israel today?"

22 David said, “What (e)business is this of yours, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be an adversary to me today? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?”

23 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

23 The king said to Shimei, “(Z)You shall not die.” Thus the king swore to him.

23 So the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” Then the king gave him his oath.(P)

23 Then the king addressed Shimei, "You won't die!" affirming his promise with an oath.

23 Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not be put to death.” And so the king gave him his promise.(A)

David Shows Kindness To Mephibosheth

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

24 Then (AA)Mephibosheth the (i)son of Saul came down to meet the king; and (AB)he had neither (j)cared for his feet, nor (k)trimmed his mustache, nor (AC)washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came home in peace.

24 Mephibosheth,(Q) Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.

24 Meanwhile, Saul's grandson Mephibosheth also went out to greet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.

24 Then Mephibosheth the [grand]son of Saul came down to meet the king, but he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned in peace and safety.

25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

25 It was when he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, “(AD)Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”

25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you come with me?”

25 When he arrived from Jerusalem to greet the king, the king asked him, "So why didn't you come with me, Mephibosheth?"

25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”

26 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

26 So he answered, “O my lord, the king, my servant deceived me; for your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself that I may ride on it and go with the king,’ (AE)because your servant is lame.

26 “My lord the king,” he replied, “my servant Ziba betrayed me. Actually your servant said: ‘I’ll saddle the donkey for myself(e) so that I may ride it and go with the king’—for your servant is lame.(R)

26 He replied, "Well, your majesty, since your servant is lame, I told myself, "I'll have my donkey saddled and I'll ride on it so I can leave with the king.' But my servant Ziba deceived me

26 He said, “My lord the king, my servant [Ziba] betrayed me; for I said, ‘Saddle a donkey for me so that I may ride on it and go with the king,’ for your servant is lame [but he took the donkeys and left without me].(B)

27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

27 Moreover, (AF)he has slandered your servant to my lord the king; but my lord the king is (AG)like the angel of God, therefore do what is good in your sight.

27 Ziba slandered your servant to my lord the king.(S) But my lord the king is like the Angel of God,(T) so do whatever you think best.(f)

27 by slandering your servant to your majesty. But your majesty the king is like an angel from God: so do what you think is best.

27 Further, he has slandered your servant to my lord the king; but my lord the king is like the angel of God; so do what is good in your eyes.

28 For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

28 For (AH)all my father’s household was nothing but dead men before my lord the king; (AI)yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. What right do I have yet that I should (l)complain anymore to the king?”

28 For my grandfather’s entire family deserves death from my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table.(U) So what further right do I have to keep on making appeals to the king?”

28 Everyone from my grandfather's household deserved nothing but death from your majesty the king, but you provided a place for your servant among those who have been eating from your table. So what right do I have to ask for anything more from the king?"

28 For were not all of my father’s household (family) nothing but dead men before my lord the king; yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. So what right do I still have to cry out anymore to the king [for help]?”

29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

29 So the king said to him, “Why do you still speak of your affairs? I have (m)decided, ‘You and Ziba shall divide the land.’”

29 The king said to him, “Why keep on speaking about these matters of yours? I hereby declare: you and Ziba are to divide the land.”(V)

29 In response, the king told him, "What's the point of us talking anymore? My decision is that you and Ziba divide the fields."

29 The king said to him, “Why speak anymore of your affairs? I have said, ‘You and Ziba shall divide the land.’”

30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him even take it all, since my lord the king has come safely to his own house.”

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has come to his palace safely, let Ziba take it all!”

30 But Mephibosheth told the king, "Let him take all of it, now that your majesty the king has returned safely to his palace."

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him even take it all, since my lord the king has returned to his own house in safety and peace.”

David's Kindness To Barzillai

31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

31 Now (AJ)Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; and he went on to the Jordan with the king to (n)escort him over the Jordan.

31 Barzillai the Gileadite(W) had come down from Rogelim and accompanied the king to the Jordan River to see him off at the Jordan.

31 Barzillai the Gileadite also had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with the king and to see him on his way from there.

31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went on to the Jordan with the king to escort him over the Jordan.

32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

32 Now Barzillai was very old, being eighty years old; and he had (o)(AK)sustained the king while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very great man.

32 Barzillai was a very old man—80 years old—and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the needs of the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.(X)

32 Now Barzillai was a very old man at the age of 80 years. A very wealthy man, Barzillai had provided for king David during his sojourn in Mahanaim.

32 Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old; and he had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very great and wealthy man.

33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

33 The king said to Barzillai, “You cross over with me and I will (p)sustain you in Jerusalem with me.”

33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I’ll provide for you(g) at my side in Jerusalem.”

33 So the king invited Barzillai, "Cross the Jordan River with me, live with me in Jerusalem, and I'll provide for you there."

33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me and I will provide for you in Jerusalem with me.”

34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

34 But Barzillai said to the king, “(AL)How long (q)have I yet to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

34 Barzillai replied to the king, “How many years of my life are left that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?

34 "How many more years do I have to live," Barzillai replied to the king, "that I should move to Jerusalem with the king?

34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How much longer have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

35 I am (r)now (AM)eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore (AN)the voice of singing men and women? (AO)Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

35 I’m now 80 years old.(Y) Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?(Z)

35 I'm now 80 years old! I can hardly tell the difference between what tastes good or bad! I can't tell what I eat or drink! I can't hear the voice of men and women when they sing! So why should your servant be an added burden to your majesty the king?

35 I am this day eighty years old. Can I [be useful to advise you to] discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or drink? Can I still hear the voices of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

36 Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king compensate me with this reward?

36 Since your servant is only going with the king a little way across the Jordan, why should the king repay me with such a reward?

36 Your servant will cross the Jordan River with the king for a short distance, but why should the king offer me this reward?

36 Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king compensate me with this reward?

37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant (AP)Chimham, let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

37 Please let your servant return so that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham:(AA) let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems good to you.”(h)

37 Please let your servant return so I can die in my own home town near the grave of my father and mother. Meanwhile, here is your servant Chimham! Let him accompany your majesty the king. Please do for him whatever seems best to you."

37 Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own city [and be buried] by the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham [my son]; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.”(C)

38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

38 The king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight; and whatever you (s)require of me, I will do for you.”

38 The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you,(i) and whatever you desire from me I will do for you.”

38 So the king answered, "Chimham will accompany me, and I'll do for him whatever seems best to you! I'll do anything for you that you want!"

38 The king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you; and whatever you ask of me, I will do for you.”

39 And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

39 All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then (AQ)kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned to his home.

39 Then all the people crossed the Jordan River, followed by the king. The king embraced Barzillai, blessed him, and then Barzillai returned to his home.

39 So all the people crossed over the Jordan. When the king had crossed over, he kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

Judah And Israel Argue Over The King

40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him; and all the people of Judah and also (AR)half the people of Israel (t)accompanied the king.

40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half of Israel’s escorted the king.

40 As the king crossed over the Jordan River to Gilgal, Chimham accompanied him, as did all the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel.

40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him; and all the people of Judah and also half the people of Israel accompanied the king.

An Argument Over The King

41 And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

41 And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “(AS)Why had our brothers (AT)the men of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king and his household and all David’s men with him over the Jordan?”

41 Suddenly, all the men of Israel came to the king. They asked him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and transport the king and his household across the Jordan, along with all of David’s men?”

41 Not long afterward, all the men of Israel started coming to the king, complaining to him, "Why did our relatives in Judah's army sneak you away, taking the king and his household over the Jordan River, along with David's army?"

41 And all the men of Israel came to the king and said to him, “Why have our brothers (relatives), the men [from the tribe] of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king and his household and all David’s men with him over the Jordan [instead of waiting for us to arrive]?”

42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?

42 Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because (AU)the king is a close relative to (u)us. Why then (v)are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense, or has (w)anything been taken for us?”

42 All the men of Judah responded to the men of Israel, “Because the king is our relative. Why does this make you angry? Have we ever eaten anything of the king’s or been honored at all?”(j)

42 Everybody from Judah shouted to the men from Israel, "We did this because the king is closely related to us. So why are you angry about this? Have we lived off the king's expense? Have we appropriated anything for ourselves?"

42 Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. So why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has anything been taken for us?”

43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

43 But the men of Israel answered the men of Judah and said, “(x)(AV)We have ten parts in the king, therefore (y)we also have more claim on David than you. Why then did you treat us with contempt? Was it not (z)our advice first to bring back (aa)our king?” Yet the words of the men of Judah were harsher than the words of the men of Israel.

43 The men of Israel answered the men of Judah: “We have 10 shares in the king,(AB) so we have a greater claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Weren’t we the first to speak of restoring our king?”(AC) But the words of the men of Judah were harsher than those of the men of Israel.

43 But the men from Israel answered the men from Judah: "We represent ten of the tribes of Israel! So we have more right to David than you do! Why haven't you taken us seriously? Weren't we the first to talk about bringing back our king?" But what the people of Judah had to say was harsher than what the people of Israel were saying.

43 Then the men of (f)Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten [tribes’] shares in the king, and we have more claim on David than you. Why then did you treat us with contempt and ignore us [by rushing ahead]? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” (g)But the words of the men of Judah were harsher than those of the men of Israel.

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