2 Samuel 14:20
New International Version
Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God—he knows everything that happens in the land.”

New Living Translation
He did it to place the matter before you in a different light. But you are as wise as an angel of God, and you understand everything that happens among us!”

English Standard Version
In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.”

Berean Standard Bible
Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.”

King James Bible
To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

New King James Version
To bring about this change of affairs your servant Joab has done this thing; but my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that is in the earth.”

New American Standard Bible
In order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is on the earth.”

NASB 1995
in order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is in the earth.”

NASB 1977
in order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is in the earth.”

Legacy Standard Bible
in order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is in the earth.”

Amplified Bible
In order to change the appearance of things [between Absalom and you, his father] your servant Joab did this thing. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that is in the earth.”

Christian Standard Bible
Joab your servant has done this to address the issue indirectly, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, knowing everything on earth.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joab your servant has done this to address the issue indirectly, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the Angel of God, knowing everything on earth.”

American Standard Version
to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

Contemporary English Version
but only to show you the other side of this problem. You must be as wise as the angel of God to know everything that goes on in this country."

English Revised Version
to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your servant Joab has done this to portray the matter in a different light. You are as wise as God's Messenger, who knows everything on earth."

Good News Translation
But he did it in order to straighten out this whole matter. Your Majesty is as wise as the angel of God and knows everything that happens."

International Standard Version
intending to change the outcome of this matter. Nevertheless, your majesty is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to be aware of everything that's going on throughout the earth."

Majority Standard Bible
Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.?

NET Bible
Your servant Joab did this so as to change this situation. But my lord has wisdom like that of the angel of God, and knows everything that is happening in the land."

New Heart English Bible
Your servant Joab did this in order to change this situation. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of an angel of God for knowing things in the land."

Webster's Bible Translation
To bring about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are on the earth.

World English Bible
Your servant Joab has done this thing to change the face of the matter. My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Your servant Joab has done this thing in order to bring around the appearance of the thing, and my lord [is] wise, according to the wisdom of a messenger of God, to know all that [is] in the land.”

Young's Literal Translation
in order to bring round the appearance of the thing hath thy servant Joab done this thing, and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of a messenger of God, to know all that is in the land.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For the sake of turning about the face of the word, thy servant Joab did this word: and my lord was wise according to the wisdom of a messenger of God, to know all which is upon the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That I should come about with this form of speech, thy servant Joab, commanded this: but thou, my lord, O king, art wise, according to the wisdom of ail angel of God, to understand all things upon earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Thus did I turn to this figure of speech, because your servant Joab instructed it. But you, my lord the king, are wise, just as an Angel of God has wisdom, so that you understand all that is upon the earth.”

New American Bible
Your servant Joab did this in order to approach the matter in a roundabout way. But my lord is wise with the wisdom of an angel of God, knowing all things on earth.”

New Revised Standard Version
In order to change the course of affairs your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because he wanted to do it through me, that is why your servant Joab has done this thing; and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are on the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
So that you would act on my behalf, because Yuab your Servant did thus, and my Lord is wise like the wisdom of the Angels of God, to know all that is in the Earth!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab done this thing; and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In order that this form of speech might come about it was that thy servant Joab has framed this matter: and my lord is wise as is the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom's Return to Jerusalem
19So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?” The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say. 20Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.” 21Then the king said to Joab, “I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...

1 Kings 10:24
The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

1 Kings 4:29-34
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. ...

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Job 12:13
Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.

Psalm 147:5
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.

Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 Corinthians 1:24
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.


Treasury of Scripture

To fetch about this form of speech has your servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

fetch

2 Samuel 5:23
And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

according

2 Samuel 14:17
Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.

2 Samuel 19:27
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.

Job 32:21,22
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man…

to know

Genesis 3:5
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Job 38:16
Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

1 Corinthians 8:1,2
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth…

Jump to Previous
Affairs Angel Appearance Business Change Changed Course Earth Face Fetch Form Happens Hoping Joab Jo'ab Matter Order Present Servant Situation Speech Wisdom Wise
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Affairs Angel Appearance Business Change Changed Course Earth Face Fetch Form Happens Hoping Joab Jo'ab Matter Order Present Servant Situation Speech Wisdom Wise
2 Samuel 14
1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,
21. brings him home to Jerusalem
25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children
28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab














In order to change the course of events
This phrase indicates a deliberate intervention in the natural progression of circumstances. The Hebrew root here suggests a purposeful redirection, akin to steering a ship. Joab, King David's military commander, orchestrates a plan to reconcile David with his estranged son Absalom. This reflects the biblical theme of divine providence, where God often uses human actions to fulfill His purposes, even when those actions are flawed or morally ambiguous.

your servant Joab did this
Joab is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, often acting with a mix of loyalty and self-interest. The term "servant" here is significant, as it denotes a position of submission and duty. Joab's actions, though politically motivated, are presented as service to the king. This highlights the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in Scripture.

But my lord has wisdom
The acknowledgment of David's wisdom is crucial. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "chokmah," implies not just knowledge but the skillful application of knowledge in practical situations. David's wisdom is portrayed as divinely inspired, setting a standard for godly leadership. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will.

like the wisdom of the Angel of God
This comparison elevates David's wisdom to a near-divine level. Angels in the Bible are often messengers of God, possessing insight beyond human understanding. The phrase suggests that David's discernment is extraordinary, almost supernatural. It underscores the biblical ideal that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by righteousness and justice.

to know everything that happens in the land
This phrase speaks to the comprehensive nature of David's insight. The Hebrew concept of "knowing" often implies an intimate, experiential understanding. David's ability to perceive the events in his kingdom reflects his role as a shepherd-king, responsible for the welfare of his people. It also points to the biblical truth that God, the ultimate King, is omniscient, aware of all that transpires in His creation.

Verse 20. - To fetch about this form of speech; correctly, as in the Revised Version, to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab, etc. The matter was that referred to in ver. 15, which the king now understands to refer to Absalom. For in the earth, translate in the land. The Hebrew has no means of distinguishing the wider and narrower significations of the word; but while the king would be flattered by the supposition that he knew all that happened in his dominions, the assertion that he knew all that was done in all the world was too broad and general to be agreeable. The Authorized Version has been misled by the thought of what an angel might know; but while it was a compliment to ascribe to the king an angel's intelligence in his own sphere, it would have been bad taste and unmeaning to ascribe to him omniscience. Nay, it is an assumption without proof that even an angel knows "all things that are in the earth."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joab
יוֹאָ֖ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֥ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

has done
עָשָׂ֛ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

to
לְבַעֲב֤וּר (lə·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr)
Preposition-l, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5668: Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that

bring about
סַבֵּב֙ (sab·bêḇ)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

this change
פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of affairs,
הַדָּבָ֔ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

but my lord
וַאדֹנִ֣י (wa·ḏō·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

has wisdom
חָכָ֗ם (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

like the wisdom
כְּחָכְמַת֙ (kə·ḥā·ḵə·maṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

of the Angel
מַלְאַ֣ךְ (mal·’aḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

of God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

to know
לָדַ֖עַת (lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045: To know

everything
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that [happens]
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

in the land.”
בָּאָֽרֶץ׃ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT History: 2 Samuel 14:20 To change the face of the matter (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 14:19
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