2 Samuel 13:26
New International Version
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon come with us.” The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?”

New Living Translation
“Well, then,” Absalom said, “if you can’t come, how about sending my brother Amnon with us?” “Why Amnon?” the king asked.

English Standard Version
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

Berean Standard Bible
“If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked.

King James Bible
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

New King James Version
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Absalom said, “If not, please have my brother Amnon go with us.” But the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

NASB 1995
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

NASB 1977
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

Amplified Bible
Then Absalom said, “If not, then at least let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

Christian Standard Bible
“If not,” Absalom said, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king asked him, “Why should he go with you? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If not,” Absalom said, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?”

American Standard Version
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

Contemporary English Version
Absalom said, "If you won't go, at least let my brother Amnon come with us." David asked, "Why should he go with you?"

English Revised Version
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Absalom said, "If you won't go, then please let my brother Amnon go with us." "Why should he go with you?" the king asked him.

Good News Translation
But Absalom said, "Well, then, will you at least let my brother Amnon come?" "Why should he?" the king asked.

International Standard Version
So Absalom responded, "If you aren't coming, please allow my brother Amnon to accompany us." The king asked, "Why should he go with you?"

Majority Standard Bible
“If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked.

NET Bible
Then Absalom said, "If you will not go, then let my brother Amnon go with us." The king replied to him, "Why should he go with you?"

New Heart English Bible
Then Absalom said, "If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us." The king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, Why should he go with thee?

World English Bible
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Absalom says, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us”; and the king says to him, “Why does he go with you?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Absalom saith, 'If not -- let, I pray thee, Amnon my brother go with us;' and the king saith to him, 'Why doth he go with thee?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Absalom will say, And shall not Amnon my brother now go with us? And the king will say to him, Wherefore shall he go with thee?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Absalom said: If thou wilt not come, at least let my brother Amnon, I beseech thee, come with us. And the king said to him: It is not necessary that he should go with thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Absalom said, “If you are not willing to come, I beg you, at least let my brother Amnon come with us.” And the king said to him, “It is not necessary that he go with you.”

New American Bible
Absalom then said, “If not you, then please let my brother Amnon come with us.” The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said Absalom, Why should not my brother Amnon go with me? The king said to him, Why should he go with you?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Abishlum said to him: “And how would Khamnun my brother not come with me?” The King said to him, “Why does he go with you?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Absalom: 'If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us.' And the king said unto him: 'Why should he go with thee?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessalom said to him, And if not, let I pray thee, my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, Why should he go with thee?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom's Revenge on Amnon
25“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. 26“If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. 27But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 14:29-33
Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come. / Then Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. / Then Joab came to Absalom’s house and demanded, “Why did your servants set my field on fire?” ...

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Samuel 15:7-9
After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. / For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’” / “Go in peace,” said the king. So Absalom got up and went to Hebron.

2 Samuel 12:10-12
Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ / 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.’”

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

Genesis 4:8
Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 37:18-20
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”

1 Samuel 18:25
Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 20:27-29
But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” / Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem, / saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.”

1 Kings 21:8-14
Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” ...

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:43-45
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray you, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, Why should he go with you?

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2 Samuel 11:13-15
And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house…

2 Samuel 20:9
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

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Absalom Ab'salom Amnon Please Reason
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Absalom Ab'salom Amnon Please Reason
2 Samuel 13
1. Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.
15. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away
19. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose
23. At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon
31. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab
37. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur














If not, said Absalom
The phrase "If not" indicates a conditional request, showing Absalom's persistence and strategic thinking. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "אִם־לֹא" (im-lo), which often introduces a condition or alternative. Absalom's approach is calculated, reflecting his cunning nature. Historically, Absalom is known for his charm and political acumen, which he uses to manipulate situations to his advantage. This moment foreshadows his deeper intentions and the brewing conflict within David's family.

please let my brother Amnon go with us
The request for "my brother Amnon" to accompany them is laden with irony and hidden motives. The Hebrew word for "brother" is "אָח" (ach), which emphasizes familial ties, yet here it is used deceptively. Absalom's outward show of brotherly affection masks his true intent of vengeance for the rape of his sister Tamar by Amnon. This request is a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy. The historical context of this passage highlights the complexities of royal family dynamics in ancient Israel, where personal vendettas often intersected with political maneuvers. Absalom's calculated request is a reminder of the destructive power of unresolved anger and the importance of justice and reconciliation within a family.

(26) If not . . . let . . . Amnon.--Absalom then asks that if the king himself will not come, Amnon, as his eldest son and heir-apparent, may represent him at the feast. David hesitates, but as he could not well refuse without acknowledging a suspicion which he was unwilling to express, he finally consents.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“If not,”
וָלֹ֕א (wā·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

said
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Absalom,
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

“please
נָ֥א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let my brother
אָחִ֑י (’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Amnon
אַמְנ֣וֹן (’am·nō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 550: Amnon -- 'faithful', two Israelites

go
יֵֽלֶךְ־ (yê·leḵ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with us.”
אִתָּ֖נוּ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

“Why
לָ֥מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should he go
יֵלֵ֖ךְ (yê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with you?”
עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

asked.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 2 Samuel 13:26 Then said Absalom If not please let (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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