2 Samuel 18:27 The watchman said, "The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok." "This is a good man," said the king. "He comes with good news."

Bible > 2 Samuel > Chapter 18 > Verse 27

◄ 2 Samuel 18:27 ►

New International Version
The watchman said, “It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “He’s a good man,” the king said. “He comes with good news.”

New Living Translation
“The first man runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok,” the watchman said. “He is a good man and comes with good news,” the king replied.

English Standard Version
The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.”

Berean Standard Bible
The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”

King James Bible
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

New King James Version
So the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.”

New American Standard Bible
The watchman said, “I think the running form of the first one is like the running form of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man, and he is coming with good news.”

NASB 1995
The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.”

NASB 1977
And the watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the watchman said, “I see that the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.”

Amplified Bible
The lookout said, “I think the man in front runs like Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man and is coming with good news.”

Christian Standard Bible
The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs.” “This is a good man; he comes with good news,” the king commented.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs."” This is a good man; he comes with good news,” the king commented.

American Standard Version
And the watchman said, I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

Contemporary English Version
The soldier on the roof shouted, "The first one runs just like Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." This time David said, "He's a good man. He must have some good news."

English Revised Version
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The watchman said, "It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz, Zadok's son." "He's a good man," the king said. "He must be coming with good news."

Good News Translation
The lookout said, "I can see that the first man runs like Ahimaaz." "He's a good man," the king said, "and he is bringing good news."

International Standard Version
Then the watchman observed, "It looks to me that the runner out in front is running like Zadok's son Ahimaaz!" The king replied, "This is a good man bearing good news!"

Majority Standard Bible
The watchman said, ?The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.? ?This is a good man,? said the king. ?He comes with good news.?

NET Bible
The watchman said, "It appears to me that the first runner is Ahimaaz son of Zadok." The king said, "He is a good man, and he comes with good news."

New Heart English Bible
Then the watchman said, "I think the first runner is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man, and comes with good news."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the watchman said, I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good news.

World English Bible
The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the watchman says, “I see the running of the first as the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” And the king says, “This [is] a good man, and he comes with good tidings.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the watchman saith, 'I see the running of the first as the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.' And the king saith, 'This is a good man, and with good tidings he cometh.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the watcher will say, I saw the running of the first as the running of Ahimaaz, Zadok's son. And the king will say, A good man this, and he will come for good news.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the watchman said: The running of the foremost seemeth to me like the running of Achimaas the son of Sadoc. And the king said: He is a good man: and cometh with good news.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the watchman said, “The running of the closest one seems like the running of Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man, and he arrives bearing good news.”

New American Bible
Then the lookout said, “I notice that the first one runs like Ahimaaz, son of Zadok.” The king replied, “He is a good man; he comes with good news.”

New Revised Standard Version
The sentinel said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good tidings.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Moreover the watchman said, I see the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said. He is a good man and comes with good tidings.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Watchman said: “I see the running of the first like the running of Akhimaz, son of Tsaduq.” The King said to him: “He is a good man, and he has come with precious good news!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the watchman said: 'I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.' And the king said: 'He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the watchman said, I see the running of the first as the running of Achimaas the son of Sadoc. And the king said, He is a good man, and will come to report glad tidings.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David Mourns for Absalom
…26the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. 27The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.” 28Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 15:36
Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.”

2 Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.

2 Samuel 19:27
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 1:42
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”

1 Samuel 4:13-14
When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. / Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli.

2 Kings 9:17-20
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...

2 Samuel 15:32-34
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. / David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. / 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 17:20-21
When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. / After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.”

2 Samuel 19:18-20
and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king / and said, “My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. / For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”

1 Samuel 26:23
May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

1 Samuel 29:6
So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright, and it seems right in my sight that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you are not good in the sight of the leaders.

2 Samuel 14:17
And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”

2 Samuel 14:20
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.”

2 Samuel 15:10-11
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!’” / 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.

2 Samuel 16:16-19
And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” / “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” / “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And the watchman said, Me thinks the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and comes with good tidings.

Me thinketh [heb] I see

2 Kings 9:20
And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

he is a good

1 Kings 1:42
And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

Proverbs 25:13,25
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters…

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

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Ahimaaz Ahi'ma-Az First Foremost Good He's News Running Runs Seems Think Thinketh Tidings Watchman Zadok

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Ahimaaz Ahi'ma-Az First Foremost Good He's News Running Runs Seems Think Thinketh Tidings Watchman Zadok

2 Samuel 18

1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. 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

Berean Study Bible

The watchman said
The role of the watchman in ancient Israel was crucial for the safety and communication of a city or army. Positioned on high walls or towers, the watchman was responsible for observing and reporting any approaching individuals or threats. In this context, the watchman serves as a vigilant observer, highlighting the importance of discernment and readiness in spiritual life. The Hebrew root for "watchman" is "צָפָה" (tsaphah), which means to look out or keep watch, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance.

The first man
This phrase indicates the priority and significance of the individual approaching. In the context of the narrative, the first man is a messenger, and his arrival is eagerly anticipated. The emphasis on "first" underscores the importance of being a bearer of news, drawing a parallel to the role of believers as messengers of the Gospel. Historically, messengers were vital for communication in ancient times, often carrying news of great importance.

appears to be running
The act of running signifies urgency and purpose. In ancient times, running was often associated with delivering important messages swiftly. The Hebrew word "רָץ" (ratz) conveys the idea of running with intent, reflecting the urgency of the message being delivered. This can inspire believers to approach their spiritual mission with the same fervor and dedication.

like Ahimaaz son of Zadok
Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, was known for his swiftness and reliability as a messenger. His lineage as the son of Zadok, a faithful priest, adds a layer of trustworthiness and honor to his character. The mention of Ahimaaz highlights the importance of reputation and integrity in service to God. Historically, Zadok was a high priest during the reign of King David, and his family was esteemed in Israel.

'This is a good man,'
The king's recognition of Ahimaaz as a "good man" speaks to his character and the trust placed in him. The Hebrew word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which encompasses goodness, moral integrity, and favor. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the value of living a life that reflects God's goodness, earning the trust and respect of others.

said the king
The king, in this context, is King David, a central figure in the narrative. His authority and judgment are significant, as he discerns the character of the messenger. David's role as king underscores the importance of wise and discerning leadership, both in secular and spiritual realms. Historically, David is revered as a man after God's own heart, whose leadership was marked by both triumphs and trials.

'He comes with good news.'
The anticipation of "good news" reflects the hope and relief that often accompany divine messages. The Hebrew term for "good news" is "בְּשׂוֹרָה" (besorah), which is also used in the context of the Gospel, the ultimate good news for believers. This phrase serves as a reminder of the joy and hope found in the message of salvation and God's promises. In the historical context, news of victory or peace was eagerly awaited, much like the spiritual victory believers anticipate in Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The watchman
הַצֹּפֶ֔ה (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

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

“The first man
הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן (hā·ri·šō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

appears
רֹאֶה֙ (rō·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

to me
אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

to be running
מְרוּצַ֣ת (mə·rū·ṣaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4794: A running, course

like Ahimaaz
אֲחִימַ֣עַץ (’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 290: Ahimaaz -- 'my brother is wrath', two Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zadok.”
צָד֑וֹק (ṣā·ḏō·wq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites

“This
זֶ֔ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

is a good
ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

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

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

the king.
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

“He comes
יָבֽוֹא׃ (yā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

with
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

good
טוֹבָ֖ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

news.”
בְּשׂוֹרָ֥ה (bə·śō·w·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1309: Glad tidings, reward for, good news

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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:27 The watchman said I think the running (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)