2 Samuel 3:11
 2 Samuel 3:11 
New International Version (©2011)
Ish-Bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

New Living Translation (©2007)
Ishbosheth didn't dare say another word because he was afraid of what Abner might do.

English Standard Version (©2001)
And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner because he was afraid of him.

International Standard Version (©2012)
Ish-bosheth couldn't say another word in response to Abner, because he was terrified of him.

NET Bible (©2006)
Ish-bosheth was unable to answer Abner with even a single word because he was afraid of him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Ishbosheth couldn't respond to a single word, because he was afraid of Abner.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

American King James Version
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

American Standard Version
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he could not answer him a word, because he feared him.

Darby Bible Translation
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

English Revised Version
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

World English Bible
He could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Young's Literal Translation
And he is not able any more to turn back Abner a word, because of his fearing him.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:7-21 Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes, who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of being guilty. While men go on in sin, and apparently without concern, they are often conscious that they are fighting against God. Many mean to serve their own purposes; and will betray those who trust them, when they can get any advantage. Yet the Lord serves his own designs, even by those who are thus actuated by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. There was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was separated from him partly by her father's authority. Let no man set his heart on that which he is not entitled to. If any disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the blessing of God, let them be reconciled, and live together in love.


Pulpit Commentary

Verse 11. - He could not answer Abner. Though the reply was one of open treason, and was spoken with violence, yet Ishbosheth did not venture to bring the matter to an issue. Perhaps he looked round upon his officers to see if any would take his side, and, when all were silent, he was too feeble to dare to order the arrest and trial of his too powerful captain.


Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And he could not answer Abner a word again,.... That is, he would not, he durst not; otherwise, if it was fact he charged him with, he could have insisted on the truth of it, and aggravated the crime and scandal of it; and observed it to him, that the kindness he had shown him was no excuse for it; but such things, though he would, he durst not say:

because he feared him; he had the army at his command, and could dethrone him when he pleased; and it has been the fate of greater men than Ishbosheth to be awed by their generals, and even David himself; see 2 Samuel 3:39.


2 Samuel 3:11 Parallel Commentaries

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Bible Hub: Online Parallel Bible


Abner Joins David
10To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. 11And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him. 12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make your league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel to you. …

2 Samuel 3:10 and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba."
2 Samuel 3:12 Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, "Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you."