Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Joab said to the man who had told him this, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt.” New Living Translation “What?” Joab demanded. “You saw him there and didn’t kill him? I would have rewarded you with ten pieces of silver and a hero’s belt!” English Standard Version Joab said to the man who told him, “What, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” Berean Standard Bible “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” Berean Literal Bible And Joab said to the man who told him, “And behold, you saw him, and why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given to you ten shekels of silver and one belt.” King James Bible And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle. New King James Version So Joab said to the man who told him, “You just saw him! And why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt.” New American Standard Bible Then Joab said to the man who had informed him, “So behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And it would have been my duty to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” NASB 1995 Then Joab said to the man who had told him, “Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” NASB 1977 Then Joab said to the man who had told him, “Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Joab said to the man who had told him, “Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” Amplified Bible Joab said to the man who informed him, “You saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” Berean Annotated Bible “You just saw him! Joab (YHWH is father) exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver <4 oz / 114 g> and a warrior’s belt! Christian Standard Bible “You just saw him! ” Joab exclaimed. “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten silver pieces and a belt! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you 10 silver pieces and a belt!” American Standard Version And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest it, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten pieces of silver, and a girdle. Contemporary English Version Joab said, "You saw Absalom? Why didn't you kill him? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a special belt." English Revised Version And Joab said unto the man that told him, And behold, thou sawest it, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten pieces of silver, and a girdle. GOD'S WORD® Translation "What! You saw that!" Joab said to the man who told him. "Why didn't you strike him to the ground? Then I would have felt obligated to give you four ounces of silver and a belt." Good News Translation Joab answered, "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him on the spot? I myself would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt." International Standard Version Joab asked the man who was reporting to him, "What! You saw him? Why didn't you kill him right then and there? I would've given you ten pieces of silver and a warrior's sash!" NET Bible Joab replied to the man who was telling him this, "What! You saw this? Why didn't you strike him down right on the spot? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a commemorative belt!" New Heart English Bible Then Joab said to the man who reported it, "Look, you saw this. So why didn’t you strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten pieces of silver, and a belt." Webster's Bible Translation And Joab said to the man that told him, And behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” World English Bible Joab said to the man who told him, “Behold, you saw it, and why didn’t you strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a sash.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joab says to the man who is declaring [it] to him, “And behold, you have seen—and why did you not strike him there to the earth—and [it would be] on me to give to you ten pieces of silver and one girdle?” Berean Literal Bible And Joab said to the man who told him, “And behold, you saw him, and why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given to you ten shekels of silver and one belt.” Young's Literal Translation And Joab saith to the man who is declaring it to him, 'And lo, thou hast seen -- and wherefore didst thou not smite him there to the earth -- and on me to give to thee ten silverlings and one girdle?' Smith's Literal Translation And Joab will say to the man announcing to him, And behold, thou sawest, and wherefore didst thou not strike him there to the earth? and for me to give to thee ten of silver and one girdle. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Joab said to the man that told him: If thou sawest him, why didst thou not stab him to the ground, and I would have given thee ten sicles of silver, and belt? Catholic Public Domain Version And Joab said to the man who had reported it to him, “If you saw him, why did you not stab him to the ground, and I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt?” New American Bible Joab said to the man who told him this: “If you saw him, why did you not strike him to the ground on the spot? Then it would have been my duty to give you fifty pieces of silver and a belt.” New Revised Standard Version Joab said to the man who told him, “What, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Joab said to the man who told him, When you saw him, why then did you not smite him there and throw him to the ground? And I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a garment. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Yuab said to the man who told him: “When you saw him, why did you not strike him and throw him on the ground, and I would have given you ten silver pieces and one garment?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Joab said unto the man that told him: 'And, behold, thou sawest it, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have had to give thee ten pieces of silver, and a girdle.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joab said to the man who reported it to him, And, behold, thou didst see him: why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten pieces of silver, and a girdle. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom Killed…10When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” 11“You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” 12The man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’… Cross References “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. 1 Samuel 26:8-11 Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” / But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. … 2 Samuel 1:14-16 So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 2 Samuel 4:9-12 But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, / when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! / How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!” … “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? 1 Samuel 24:4-7 So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” … 1 Samuel 17:49-51 Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” I would have given you ten shekels of silver Zechariah 11:12-13 Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. 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. Genesis 37:28 So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. and a warrior’s belt!” 1 Samuel 18:4 And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. Isaiah 22:21 I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, 2 Samuel 17:2-4 I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” / This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 2 Samuel 14:30-33 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?” / “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.” … 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 2:32-34 The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” / So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. Treasury of Scripture And Joab said to the man that told him, And, behold, you saw him, and why did you not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given you ten shekels of silver, and a girdle. Jump to Previous Band Belt Bits Declaring Earth Girdle Glad Ground Joab Jo'ab News Pieces Right Robe Sash Sawest Shekels Silver Smite Strike Sword Ten Warrior's WhereforeJump to Next Band Belt Bits Declaring Earth Girdle Glad Ground Joab Jo'ab News Pieces Right Robe Sash Sawest Shekels Silver Smite Strike Sword Ten Warrior's Wherefore2 Samuel 18 1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim 9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit 18. Absalom's place 19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David 33. David mourns for Absalom You just saw him! Joab's exclamation indicates urgency and surprise. The context is the battle between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom. Joab, David's military commander, is addressing a soldier who had the opportunity to kill Absalom, David's rebellious son. This moment highlights the tension between loyalty to the king and the practicalities of warfare. The soldier's hesitation reflects the complexity of the situation, as Absalom is both an enemy and the king's son. Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt! Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. He is a central figure in the events surrounding Absalom's rebellion. 2. Absalom The son of King David who rebelled against his father, leading to a civil war in Israel. His rebellion and subsequent death are pivotal events in 2 Samuel. 3. The unnamed man A soldier who reported seeing Absalom hanging in a tree but refrained from killing him, respecting King David's command to deal gently with Absalom. 4. The forest of Ephraim The location where the battle between David's forces and Absalom's forces took place, leading to Absalom's death. 5. The rebellion of Absalom A significant event in Israel's history where Absalom sought to overthrow his father, King David, resulting in a tragic conflict. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityThe unnamed soldier's decision to spare Absalom reflects a respect for King David's authority and command. As Christians, we are called to respect and honor those in authority over us, even when it is challenging. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's rebellion against his father serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. It reminds us to examine our own hearts for rebellion against God's will. The Dangers of Vengeance Joab's willingness to kill Absalom for a reward highlights the dangers of taking vengeance into our own hands. We are reminded to trust in God's justice and timing. Moral Courage The soldier's refusal to kill Absalom, despite the potential reward, demonstrates moral courage. We are encouraged to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with pressure or temptation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:11?2. Why did Joab refuse the reward for killing Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:11? 3. How does Joab's response reflect his understanding of David's wishes for Absalom? 4. What does 2 Samuel 18:11 teach about loyalty and obedience to leadership? 5. How can we apply Joab's actions to our own decision-making processes today? 6. Compare Joab's actions with other biblical examples of loyalty and leadership. 7. Why did Joab question the soldier's decision not to kill Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:11? 8. What does Joab's reaction in 2 Samuel 18:11 reveal about his character and leadership? 9. How does 2 Samuel 18:11 reflect the value of loyalty versus obedience in biblical narratives? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18? 11. Do archaeological findings or historical records outside the Bible provide evidence confirming or contradicting the events described in 2 Samuel 18? 12. How does David's claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20-24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)? 13. Why does Joab's direct killing of Absalom contradict David's explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency? 14. Who were the mighty men of David? What Does 2 Samuel 18:11 Mean You just saw him!– The messenger had personally witnessed Absalom hanging helplessly from the oak (2 Samuel 18:10). – That eyewitness detail removed all doubt; Joab had actionable intelligence. – Contrast David’s earlier plea, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake” (18:5). – Similar moments when sight demands a response: Numbers 13:30–31 (spies), John 1:36–37 (disciples who “saw” Jesus and followed). Joab exclaimed – Joab’s tone is sharp and demanding, consistent with his history of decisive, often ruthless leadership (2 Samuel 3:27; 11:15–17). – His impatience reveals a heart driven by military expediency rather than the king’s compassion. – Proverbs 29:22 warns that an angry man stirs up strife; Joab embodies that warning here. Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? – Joab wanted immediate elimination of the rebel leader to secure victory. – The soldier held back because he feared violating the king’s direct command (18:12). – Obedience over opportunism parallels 1 Samuel 24:4–7, where David spares Saul despite pressure to kill. – This tension underscores Romans 13:1—authority must be honored, even on the battlefield. I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt! – Joab dangles wealth and honor to override conscience. – Ten shekels ≈ 100 days’ wages, plus a military sash signifying promotion (cf. 1 Samuel 18:4). – Scripture repeatedly warns against bribery and covetous incentives: Proverbs 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:10; Acts 8:18–20. – The messenger’s refusal echoes Balaam’s stance—“Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of the LORD” (Numbers 24:13). summary 2 Samuel 18:11 captures a clash of loyalties. Joab, intent on ending the rebellion, pressures a subordinate to violate David’s explicit order by offering a rich reward. The verse exposes Joab’s pragmatic but disobedient mindset, the soldier’s principled restraint, and the perennial danger of letting personal gain override obedience to God-ordained authority. Verse 11. - A girdle. This was an important article of dress (Ezekiel 23:15), and was often richly embroidered. Absalom's death was well deserved, and there can be little doubt that, if he had gained the victory, he would have massacred David and all his family. The dishonour done to his father at Jerusalem was even intended by Ahithophel to render all reconciliation impossible. But Joab was disobeying the king's express orders, and as Absalom was incapable of making resistance, he ought to have taken him prisoner, and left it to David to decide what his punishment should be.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “You justוְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! saw him!” רָאִ֔יתָ (rā·’î·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see Joab יוֹאָ֗ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites exclaimed. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Why וּמַדּ֛וּעַ (ū·mad·dū·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason? did you not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no strike him הִכִּית֥וֹ (hik·kî·ṯōw) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike to the ground אָ֑רְצָה (’ā·rə·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land right there? שָׁ֖ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither I would have given לָ֤תֶת (lā·ṯeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set you לְךָ֙ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew ten [shekels] עֲשָׂ֣רָה (‘ă·śā·rāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 6235: Ten of silver כֶ֔סֶף (ḵe·sep̄) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3701: Silver, money and a אֶחָֽת׃ (’e·ḥāṯ) Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first warrior's belt!” וַחֲגֹרָ֖ה (wa·ḥă·ḡō·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2290: A belt, girdle Links 2 Samuel 18:11 NIV2 Samuel 18:11 NLT 2 Samuel 18:11 ESV 2 Samuel 18:11 NASB 2 Samuel 18:11 KJV 2 Samuel 18:11 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 18:11 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 18:11 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 18:11 French Bible 2 Samuel 18:11 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 18:11 Joab said to the man who told (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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