Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Absalom said to Hushai, “So this is the love you show your friend? If he’s your friend, why didn’t you go with him?” New Living Translation “Is this the way you treat your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why aren’t you with him?” English Standard Version And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” Berean Standard Bible “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” Berean Literal Bible And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did not you go with your friend?” King James Bible And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? New King James Version So Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” New American Standard Bible But Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” NASB 1995 Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” NASB 1977 And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” Legacy Standard Bible And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your lovingkindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” Amplified Bible Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” Berean Annotated Bible “Is this the loyalty you show your friend? Absalom (my father is peace) replied (hastening). “Why did you not go with your friend? Christian Standard Bible “Is this your loyalty to your friend? ” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Is this your loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend?"” American Standard Version And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? Contemporary English Version But Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this how you show loyalty to your friend David? Why didn't you go with him?" English Revised Version And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? GOD'S WORD® Translation "Is that how loyal you are to your friend?" Absalom asked Hushai. "Why didn't you go with him?" Good News Translation "What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?" Absalom asked him. "Why didn't you go with him?" International Standard Version But Absalom asked Hushai, "So this is how you demonstrate your loyalty to your closest friends? Why didn't you leave with your friend?" NET Bible Absalom said to Hushai, "Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?" New Heart English Bible So Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”" Webster's Bible Translation And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” World English Bible Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Absalom says to Hushai, “[Is] this your kindness with your friend? Why have you not gone with your friend?” Berean Literal Bible And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did not you go with your friend?” Young's Literal Translation And Absalom saith unto Hushai, 'This thy kindness with thy friend! why hast thou not gone with thy friend?' Smith's Literal Translation And Absalom will say to Hushai, This thy mercy with thy friend? wherefore wentest thou not with thy friend? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Absalom said to him: Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend? Catholic Public Domain Version And Absalom said to him: “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” New American Bible But Absalom asked Hushai: “Is this your devotion to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” New Revised Standard Version Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Abishlum said to Khushi: “This is the love of your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Absalom said to Hushai: 'Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abessalom said to Chusi, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not forth with thy friend? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai…16And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” 18“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.… Cross References “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” 1 Samuel 20:16-17 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” / And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. John 15:13-15 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. Absalom replied. 2 Samuel 14:32-33 “Look,” said Absalom, “I sent for you and said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ So now, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me.” / So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom. 2 Samuel 15:4-6 And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” / Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. / Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:10 Then 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!’” “Why did you not go with your friend?” Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 2 Samuel 15:34 But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ 2 Samuel 19:25-27 And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, / and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes. 1 Kings 2:5-6 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 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 Chronicles 27:33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. 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. Proverbs 27:6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Treasury of Scripture And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? why went you not with your friend? Is this thy Deuteronomy 32:6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? why wentest 2 Samuel 15:32-37 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: … 2 Samuel 19:25 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? Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom Friend Hushai Kindness Loyalty Show WentestJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom Friend Hushai Kindness Loyalty Show Wentest2 Samuel 16 1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David 9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge 15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel 20. Ahithophel's counsel “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom's question to Hushai highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal, which is central to the narrative of David's reign. In the context of ancient Israel, loyalty to a king or leader was paramount, often seen as a divine mandate. Hushai's presence in Absalom's court raises questions about his allegiance, as he was known to be a close advisor and friend to King David. This moment reflects the tension and division within the kingdom during Absalom's rebellion. The term "friend" here is significant, as it underscores the personal nature of the betrayal. In biblical terms, friendship often implied a covenant relationship, suggesting a deeper level of trust and commitment. This phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of loyalty to God and His anointed, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 24:6, where David refuses to harm Saul, the Lord's anointed. Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David, who rebelled against his father to take over the throne of Israel. His actions are central to the account of 2 Samuel 16. 2. Hushai the Archite A loyal friend and advisor to King David. He pretends to support Absalom to act as a spy for David. 3. David The King of Israel, who is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion. His trust in Hushai is a key element in the unfolding events. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Absalom has entered to establish his rule in David's absence. 5. The Rebellion The broader context of this verse is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, which is a significant event in the history of Israel. Teaching Points Loyalty in FriendshipTrue loyalty may sometimes require difficult decisions and actions that are not immediately understood by others. Hushai's loyalty to David is a profound example of this. Wisdom in Adversity In times of crisis, wisdom and discernment are crucial. Hushai's strategic decision to stay with Absalom demonstrates the importance of wise counsel and action. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's rebellion against his father serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human schemes and rebellion, God's purposes prevail. The unfolding events in David's life remind us of God's ultimate control over history. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:17?2. How does 2 Samuel 16:17 reveal Absalom's betrayal of David's trust? 3. What can we learn about loyalty from Absalom's actions in this passage? 4. How does 2 Samuel 16:17 connect to the commandment to honor one's parents? 5. In what ways can we guard against betrayal in our own relationships? 6. How should Christians respond when faced with betrayal, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:17? 7. Why does Hushai question Absalom's loyalty in 2 Samuel 16:17? 8. How does 2 Samuel 16:17 reflect themes of betrayal and loyalty? 9. What historical context influences the events in 2 Samuel 16:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16? 11. If Hushai's counsel (2 Samuel 17:7-14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel's seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny? 12. Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel's suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response? 13. (2 Samuel 16:5-8) How could God supposedly endorse Shimei's hostile cursing of David if God is just and fair? 14. Who was Hushai in the Bible? What Does 2 Samuel 16:17 Mean Is this the loyalty you show your friend?• Absalom’s very first words expose suspicion. He knows Hushai is a trusted confidant of David (see 2 Samuel 15:32–37, where David calls Hushai “my friend”). • “Loyalty” underscores covenant faithfulness—a quality prized in Scripture (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 1 Samuel 18:3). Absalom measures Hushai’s actions against that standard and finds them questionable. • By using the word “friend,” Absalom reminds Hushai (and the reader) that David is not merely a king but a personal ally. Betrayal of a friend is treated gravely throughout God’s Word (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18). • The question therefore carries a moral challenge: Are you forsaking righteous loyalty for political gain? Absalom replied. • The narrator highlights that these are Absalom’s own words, revealing his heart. Absalom has already proven manipulative, stealing “the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Samuel 15:1–6). • His reply sets the tone for the confrontation. Though he appears to seek clarity, he is testing Hushai, much as he tested his followers earlier. • Scripture often records how leaders respond when their authority is threatened (2 Samuel 16:20–23; 1 Kings 12:6–8). Absalom’s response fits that pattern of self-preservation rather than humble discernment. • The text therefore spotlights the contrast between Absalom’s self-focused rule and David’s God-centered reign (Acts 13:22). Why did you not go with your friend? • Absalom voices the expected norm: a true friend follows his king into exile, danger, or death (2 Samuel 15:19–21; compare Ruth 1:16–17). • The question deepens the accusation: If David is your friend, why are you here? It presses Hushai to declare allegiance. • Throughout Scripture, the failure to stand with God’s appointed leader is portrayed as disloyalty with serious consequences (Mark 14:50; 2 Timothy 4:10). • Hushai’s answer in the following verses (16:18–19) turns the test into an opportunity to serve David covertly, showing that genuine loyalty may at times work beneath the surface for a higher purpose (Proverbs 27:6). summary 2 Samuel 16:17 captures the pivotal moment when Absalom confronts Hushai, probing whether he has abandoned King David. Absalom’s twin questions expose the biblical tension between true friendship and apparent betrayal. The verse highlights: • The sacred value Scripture places on covenant loyalty. • Absalom’s self-interested suspicion in contrast to David’s rightful claim. • The necessity of aligning with God’s chosen leader even when doing so requires wisdom and courage. Ultimately, the passage reminds believers that genuine loyalty stands firm with the one God has anointed, trusting Him to vindicate righteousness in His time. Verse 17. - Is this thy kindness to thy friend? After carrying the king to Ayephim, on the banks of the Jordan, the narrator now turns back to Absalom, because David was to wait at the caravanserai for news from Jerusalem. And immediately on his arrival, Hushai hastens into Absalom's presence, loudly exclaiming, "Long live the king!" for such is the meaning of the Hebrew. The young man is surprised; for Hushai was David's friend and trusted confidant. Yet he does not suspect this sudden breaking of old ties, but, looking at the bright side only, sees in it a proof that his party was looked upon as sure of success, and David's cause as hopeless. He welcomes, therefore, so notable an adherent, and Hushai's pretences confirm his self-deceit; for he professes to regard Absalom as king, not by fraud and violence, but by the formal choice of both Jehovah and the people. On this assumption, obedience to the nation's choice became a religious duty, and Hushai's love to the father was a pledge of love to the son. We must not, however, condemn Absalom for too easy credulity. The nation was in his favour, and, had he acted with promptitude, David's cause would have been lost.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Is thisזֶ֥ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that the loyalty חַסְדְּךָ֖ (ḥas·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty [you show] אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among your friend?” רֵעֶ֑ךָ (rê·‘e·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow Absalom אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites replied. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Why לָ֥מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what did you not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go הָלַ֖כְתָּ (hā·laḵ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among your friend?” רֵעֶֽךָ׃ (rê·‘e·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow Links 2 Samuel 16:17 NIV2 Samuel 16:17 NLT 2 Samuel 16:17 ESV 2 Samuel 16:17 NASB 2 Samuel 16:17 KJV 2 Samuel 16:17 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 16:17 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 16:17 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 16:17 French Bible 2 Samuel 16:17 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 16:17 Absalom said to Hushai Is this your (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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