2 Samuel 15:11
New International Version
Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter.

New Living Translation
He took 200 men from Jerusalem with him as guests, but they knew nothing of his intentions.

English Standard Version
With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing.

Berean Standard Bible
Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter.

King James Bible
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

New King James Version
And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything.

New American Standard Bible
Then two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem, who were invited and went innocently, for they did not know anything.

NASB 1995
Then two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem, who were invited and went innocently, and they did not know anything.

NASB 1977
Then two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem, who were invited and went innocently, and they did not know anything.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem, who were invited and went innocently, and they did not know anything.

Amplified Bible
Then two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited [as guests to his sacrificial feast] went with Absalom. They went innocently and knew nothing [about his plan against David].

Christian Standard Bible
Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom. They had been invited and were going innocently, for they did not know the whole situation.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom. They had been invited and were going innocently, for they knew nothing about the whole matter.

American Standard Version
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they knew not anything.

English Revised Version
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they knew not any thing.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Two hundred men invited from Jerusalem went with Absalom. They went innocently, knowing nothing [about Absalom's plans].

Good News Translation
There were two hundred men who at Absalom's invitation had gone from Jerusalem with him; they knew nothing of the plot and went in all good faith.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, 200 men left Jerusalem with Absalom. They had been invited to go along, but were innocent, not knowing anything about what was happening.

Majority Standard Bible
Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter.

NET Bible
Now two hundred men had gone with Absalom from Jerusalem. Since they were invited, they went naively and were unaware of what Absalom was planning.

New Heart English Bible
Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they did not know anything.

Webster's Bible Translation
And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

World English Bible
Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn’t know anything.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And two hundred men have gone with Absalom out of Jerusalem, invited ones, and they are going in their simplicity, and have not known anything;

Young's Literal Translation
And with Absalom have gone two hundred men, out of Jerusalem, invited ones, and they are going in their simplicity, and have not known anything;

Smith's Literal Translation
And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem, being called; going uprightly, and they knew not any word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now there went with Absalom two hundred men out of Jerusalem that were called, going with simplicity of heart, and knowing nothing of the design.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now having been called, two hundred men from Jerusalem went forth with Absalom, going in simplicity of heart and being entirely ignorant of the plan.

New American Bible
Two hundred men had accompanied Absalom from Jerusalem. They had been invited and went in all innocence, knowing nothing.

New Revised Standard Version
Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom; they were invited guests, and they went in their innocence, knowing nothing of the matter.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem, but they went innocently, not knowing anything of the plot.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Abishlum, and they went innocently, not knowing a thing
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they knew not any thing.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there went with Abessalom two hundred chosen men from Jerusalem; and they went in their simplicity, and knew not anything.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom's Conspiracy
10Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ ” 11Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. 12While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.…

Cross References
1 Kings 1:7-8
So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. / But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:25
For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’

1 Kings 2:28
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.

1 Chronicles 12:23-38
Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: / From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears. / From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle. ...

1 Chronicles 12:1-2
Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):

1 Chronicles 12:16-18
Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. / And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” / Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

1 Chronicles 12:32
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

1 Chronicles 12:38-40
All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. / They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them. / And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

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

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

called

1 Samuel 9:13
As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

1 Samuel 16:3-5
And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee…

their simplicity

Genesis 20:5
Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.

1 Samuel 22:15
Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

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Absalom Ab'salom Accompanied Completely Designs Guests Hundred Invited Jerusalem Matter Ones Quite Request Simplicity Unconscious
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Absalom Ab'salom Accompanied Completely Designs Guests Hundred Invited Jerusalem Matter Ones Quite Request Simplicity Unconscious
2 Samuel 15
1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.
7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron
10. He makes there a great conspiracy
13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem
19. Ittai will leave him
24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark
30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping,
31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel
32. Hushai is sent back with instructions














Two hundred men
This phrase indicates a significant number of individuals, suggesting that Absalom's conspiracy was not a small, isolated event but involved a considerable group. In the context of ancient Israel, gathering two hundred men would have been a substantial effort, reflecting Absalom's influence and the seriousness of his intentions. Historically, this number signifies a well-organized plan, as assembling such a group would require careful coordination and resources.

from Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, was the political and spiritual center of Israel. The mention of Jerusalem highlights the gravity of Absalom's actions, as he was drawing support from the very heart of the kingdom. This underscores the betrayal, as these men were leaving the city that symbolized God's covenant with David. Theologically, Jerusalem represents God's chosen place, and the departure of these men with Absalom signifies a turning away from divine order.

who had been invited
The fact that these men were invited suggests a premeditated plan by Absalom. The Hebrew root for "invited" implies a formal summoning, indicating that Absalom was deliberate and strategic in his approach. This reflects the cunning nature of Absalom's rebellion, as he was able to persuade these men to join him under the guise of a legitimate gathering.

and were going innocently
This phrase reveals the deception involved in Absalom's plot. The men were unaware of the true purpose of their journey, highlighting Absalom's manipulative tactics. The Hebrew word for "innocently" conveys a sense of purity or blamelessness, indicating that these men were not complicit in the conspiracy but were misled. This detail emphasizes the moral complexity of the situation, as it shows how Absalom exploited the trust and integrity of others for his own gain.

knowing nothing
The phrase underscores the complete ignorance of the men regarding Absalom's intentions. It highlights the theme of deception and betrayal, as these men were unwitting participants in a rebellion against King David. Theologically, this ignorance can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual blindness, where individuals are led astray without understanding the true nature of their actions. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of discernment and the dangers of being swayed by charismatic leaders without seeking God's guidance.

(11) Went in their simplicity.--The two hundred guests whom Absalom had invited to take part with him in his sacrifices, were doubtless prominent and influential citizens of Jerusalem. That they were entirely ignorant of Absalom's purposes shows the extreme secrecy with which the affair was managed. Absalom, no doubt, hoped when he once had them at Hebron, to secure them for his side, or, failing this, forcibly to prevent their opposition. In any case it would appear to the people that they were with him, and he would thus secure additional prestige.

Verse 11. - Two hundred men. These, doubtless, were courtiers and men of rank, who were so accustomed to Absalom's love of display, that, when called, that is, invited, they would go without suspicion. To Absalom their attendance was most important, not only because, being compromised, many would join him, and even all of them for a time be forced to yield obedience, but because they would make the people of Hebron suppose that Absalom had a powerful body of supporters at Jerusalem. It is quite possible that at Hebron, and generally in Judah, there was great discontent because David had left their tribe to choose a capital elsewhere, and because he did not show them any decided preference over the other tribes, whose good will he would rightly seek to conciliate. The existence of much jealousy between Judah and the ten tribes is plain from 2 Samuel 19:41-43.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Two hundred
מָאתַ֤יִם (mā·ṯa·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 3967: A hundred

men
אִישׁ֙ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

from Jerusalem
מִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (mî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

accompanied
הָלְכ֞וּ (hā·lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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

They had been invited as guests
קְרֻאִ֖ים (qə·ru·’îm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

and they went along
וְהֹלְכִ֣ים (wə·hō·lə·ḵîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

innocently,
לְתֻמָּ֑ם (lə·ṯum·mām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8537: Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate

for they knew
יָדְע֖וּ (yā·ḏə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3045: To know

nothing
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

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

the matter.
דָּבָֽר׃ (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT History: 2 Samuel 15:11 With Absalom went two hundred men out (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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