2 Samuel 17:6
New International Version
When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, “Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.”

New Living Translation
When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, “What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel’s advice? If not, what do you suggest?”

English Standard Version
And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”

King James Bible
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.

New King James Version
And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up.”

New American Standard Bible
When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Ahithophel has proposed this plan. Should we carry out his plan? If not, say so yourself.”

NASB 1995
When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Ahithophel has spoken thus. Shall we carry out his plan? If not, you speak.”

NASB 1977
When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Ahithophel has spoken thus. Shall we carry out his plan? If not, you speak.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Hushai came to Absalom. And Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken thus. Shall we carry out his word? If not, you speak.”

Amplified Bible
When Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Ahithophel has advised this [plan of action]. Should we do what he says? If not, you speak [and explain why not].”

Christian Standard Bible
So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him, “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him: “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say?”

American Standard Version
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not, speak thou.

Contemporary English Version
Hushai came in, and Absalom told him what Ahithophel had planned. Then Absalom said, "Should we do what he says? And if we shouldn't, can you come up with anything better?"

English Revised Version
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not, speak thou.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Hushai arrived, Absalom said to him, "Ahithophel has told us his plan. Should we do what he says? If not, tell us."

Good News Translation
When Hushai arrived, Absalom said to him, "This is the advice that Ahithophel has given us; shall we follow it? If not, you tell us what to do."

International Standard Version
When Hushai approached Absalom, Absalom asked him, "Here's what Ahithophel had to advise. Should we do what he says? Or if not, say so!"

Majority Standard Bible
So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, ?Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say??

NET Bible
So Hushai came to Absalom. Absalom said to him, "Here is what Ahithophel has advised. Should we follow his advice? If not, what would you recommend?"

New Heart English Bible
When Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken thus. Should we follow his advice? And if not, speak up."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not, speak thou.

World English Bible
When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken like this. Shall we do what he says? If not, speak up.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Hushai comes to Absalom, and Absalom speaks to him, saying, “According to this word Ahithophel has spoken; do we do his word? If not, you—speak.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Hushai cometh in unto Absalom, and Absalom speaketh unto him, saying, 'According to this word hath Ahithophel spoken; do we do his word? if not, thou -- speak thou.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Hushai will come to Absalom, and Absalom will say to him, saying, According to this word spake Ahithophel: shall we do his word? if not, speak thou.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Chusai was come to Absalom, Absalom said to him: Achitophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do it or not? what counsel dost thou give?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Hushai had gone to Absalom, Absalom said to him: “Ahithophel has spoken a word in this manner. Should we do it or not? What counsel do you give?”

New American Bible
When Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him: “This is Ahithophel’s plan. Shall we follow his plan? If not, give your own.”

New Revised Standard Version
When Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “This is what Ahithophel has said; shall we do as he advises? If not, you tell us.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, Ahithophel has spoken after this manner; shall we do what he has said? If not, you speak.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Khushi came to Abishlum and Abishlum said to him: “Thus and so Akhithuphel said. Shall we do what he says, and if it is not proper, speak”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke unto him, saying: 'Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner; shall we do after his saying? if not, speak thou.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Chusi went in to Abessalom, and Abessalom spoke to him, saying, After this manner spoke Achitophel: shall we do according to his word? but if not, do thou speak.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice
5Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.” 6So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?” 7Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 16:23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

1 Kings 12:6-8
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 20:18
Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

1 Kings 22:5-8
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” ...

2 Chronicles 18:4-7
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” ...

Isaiah 19:11-13
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.

Jeremiah 18:18
Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”

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

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 26:59-61
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Mark 14:55-59
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...

Luke 22:66-71
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said, / “If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. / And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. ...

Acts 5:33-39
When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. / But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. / “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, Ahithophel has spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak you.

saying [heb] word

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Absalom Ab'salom Advice Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Carry Hushai Manner Plan Speak Speaketh Word
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Absalom Ab'salom Advice Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Carry Hushai Manner Plan Speak Speaketh Word
2 Samuel 17
1. Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's
15. Secret intelligence is sent unto David
23. Ahithophel hangs himself
25. Amasa is made captain
27. David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions














So Hushai came to Absalom
Hushai, known as "the Archite," was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. His presence in Absalom's court was part of a strategic plan to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, who had defected to Absalom's side. The Hebrew root of "came" (בּוֹא, bo) implies an intentional arrival, suggesting Hushai's deliberate mission to serve David's interests. Historically, this moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providence in preserving David's kingdom.

who told him
The phrase indicates a direct communication between Absalom and Hushai. In the context of ancient Near Eastern courts, such direct dialogue underscores the trust and authority Absalom placed in his advisors. This moment reflects the political intrigue and the weight of counsel in royal decisions, highlighting the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership.

Ahithophel has spoken this word
Ahithophel was renowned for his counsel, which was considered as if one inquired of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). The Hebrew term for "word" (דָּבָר, dabar) often signifies a matter or thing of importance. Ahithophel's advice carried significant weight, and his defection to Absalom was a severe blow to David. This phrase sets the tension between divine providence and human wisdom, as Ahithophel's counsel, though wise, was ultimately thwarted by God's intervention.

Should we do as he says?
This question reveals Absalom's reliance on counsel and his uncertainty in leadership. The Hebrew verb for "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies action and decision-making. Absalom's inquiry reflects the critical nature of the decision at hand and the potential consequences of following Ahithophel's advice. It underscores the theme of seeking guidance and the responsibility of leaders to weigh counsel carefully.

If not, give us your opinion
Absalom's request for Hushai's opinion demonstrates the value of multiple perspectives in decision-making. The Hebrew root for "opinion" (יָעַץ, ya'ats) means to advise or counsel, indicating the role of advisors in shaping the course of events. This moment highlights the divine orchestration at play, as Hushai's counsel would ultimately serve God's purpose in preserving David's throne. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking godly wisdom and the assurance that God's plans will prevail despite human schemes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Hushai
חוּשַׁי֮ (ḥū·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites

came
וַיָּבֹ֣א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

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

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

“Ahithophel
אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

has spoken
דִּבֶּ֣ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

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

proposal.
כַּדָּבָ֤ר (kad·dā·ḇār)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

Should we carry it out?
הֲנַעֲשֶׂ֖ה (hă·na·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

not,
אַ֖יִן (’a·yin)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

what do you
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

say?”
דַבֵּֽר׃ (ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT History: 2 Samuel 17:6 When Hushai was come to Absalom Absalom (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 17:5
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