2 Samuel 19:37
New International Version
Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.”

New Living Translation
Then let me return again to die in my own town, where my father and mother are buried. But here is your servant, my son Kimham. Let him go with my lord the king and receive whatever you want to give him.”

English Standard Version
Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.”

Berean Standard Bible
Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

King James Bible
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

New King James Version
Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.”

New American Standard Bible
Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

NASB 1995
“Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant Chimham, let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

NASB 1977
“Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant Chimham, let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant Chimham, let him pass over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

Amplified Bible
Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own city [and be buried] by the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham [my son]; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.”

Christian Standard Bible
Please let your servant return so that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems good to you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Please let your servant return so that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham: let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems good to you.”

American Standard Version
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

Contemporary English Version
Just let me return to my hometown, where I can someday be buried near my father and mother. My servant Chimham can go with you, and you can treat him as your own.

English Revised Version
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Please let me go back so that I can die in my city near the grave of my father and mother. But here is Chimham. Let him go across with you. And do for him what you think is right."

Good News Translation
Then let me go back home and die near my parents' grave. Here is my son Chimham, who will serve you; take him with you, Your Majesty, and do for him as you think best."

International Standard Version
Please let your servant return so I can die in my own home town near the grave of my father and mother. Meanwhile, here is your servant Chimham! Let him accompany your majesty the king. Please do for him whatever seems best to you."

Majority Standard Bible
Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.?

NET Bible
Let me return so that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But look, here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever seems appropriate to you."

New Heart English Bible
Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and my mother. But look, here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Let thy servant, I pray thee, return again, that I may die in my own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to thee.

World English Bible
Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Please let your servant turn back again, and I die in my own city, near the burying-place of my father and of my mother—and behold, your servant Chimham, let him pass over with my lord the king, and do to him that which [is] good in your eyes.”

Young's Literal Translation
Let, I pray thee, thy servant turn back again, and I die in mine own city, near the burying-place of my father and of my mother, -- and lo, thy servant Chimham, let him pass over with my lord the king, and do thou to him that which is good in thine eyes.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Turn back now thy servant and I will die in my city, by the grave of my father and my mother: and behold, thy servant Chimham shall pass over with my lord the king; and do to him what is good in thine eyes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But I beseech thee let thy servant return, and die in my own city, and be buried by the sepulchre of my father, and of my mother. But there is thy servant Chamaam, let him go with thee, my lord, the king, and do to him whatsoever seemeth good to thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I beg you that I, your servant, may be returned and may die in my own city, and may be buried beside the sepulcher of my father and my mother. But there is your servant Chimham; let him go with you, my lord the king. And do for him whatever seems good to you.”

New American Bible
Please let your servant go back to die in my own city by the tomb of my father and mother. Here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever seems good to you.”

New Revised Standard Version
Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own town, near the graves of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do for him whatever seems good to you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city and be buried beside the grave of my father and my mother. But behold here is with you your servant Bimham my son; let him go over with my lord the king, and do you to him what seems good in your sight.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Let your Servant stay. I shall die in my city by the side of the tomb of my father and of my mother. See your Servant with you, my son Bemhem; let him pass with you my Lord King and do for him whatever is good in your eyes!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Let, I pray thee, thy servant remain, and I will die in my city, by the tomb of my father and of my mother. And, behold, thy servant Chamaam shall go over with my lord the king; and do thou to him as it seems good in thine eyes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Kindness to Barzillai
36Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” 38The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.”…

Cross References
Genesis 47:29-30
When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”

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.”

1 Kings 2:7
But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

2 Samuel 15:19-22
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ...

1 Samuel 22:3-4
From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab, where he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother stay with you until I learn what God will do for me.” / So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold.

1 Kings 2:32-33
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.”

2 Samuel 9:1-13
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” / And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. / So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” ...

2 Samuel 17:27-29
When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

1 Kings 2:36-38
Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.

2 Samuel 19:31-33
Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there. / Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. / The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”

2 Samuel 19:38-39
The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” / So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

2 Samuel 19:40-43
Then the king crossed over to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king. / Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” ...

Matthew 8:21-22
Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Luke 9:59-62
Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” / Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.” ...

John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.


Treasury of Scripture

Let your servant, I pray you, turn back again, that I may die in my own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.

Ecclesiastes 12:1
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

I may die

Genesis 48:21
And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Joshua 23:14
And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.

Luke 2:29,30
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: …

by the grave

Genesis 47:30
But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

Genesis 49:29-31
And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, …

Genesis 50:13
For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

Chimham

2 Samuel 19:40
Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

1 Kings 2:7
But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

Jeremiah 41:17
And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

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2 Samuel 19
1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning
9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back
11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah
18. Shimei is pardoned
24. Mephibosheth excused
32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family
41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them














Please let your servant return
This phrase reflects a humble request, emphasizing the speaker's deference and respect. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "ebed," which denotes a position of subservience and loyalty. In the context of ancient Israel, a servant often held a trusted position within a household or kingdom, indicating a relationship of mutual respect and duty. The plea to "return" suggests a deep longing for one's homeland, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing a return to one's roots and heritage.

that I may die in my own city
The desire to die in one's own city underscores the importance of one's birthplace and familial connections in ancient Near Eastern culture. The Hebrew word for "city" is "ir," which not only refers to a physical location but also to a community and shared identity. This reflects the biblical theme of belonging and the significance of one's final resting place being among one's ancestors, highlighting the continuity of family and tradition.

near the tomb of my father and mother
Tombs in ancient Israel were often family burial sites, signifying a connection to one's lineage and heritage. The Hebrew word for "tomb" is "qeber," which conveys a sense of permanence and respect for the deceased. This phrase illustrates the biblical value placed on honoring one's parents and ancestors, as well as the belief in a familial bond that transcends death.

But here is your servant Chimham
Introducing Chimham, the speaker offers a substitute to serve the king, demonstrating loyalty and the willingness to support the king's needs. The name "Chimham" is significant, as it is associated with hospitality and provision in later biblical texts. This act of offering Chimham reflects the biblical principle of selflessness and the importance of serving others, especially those in authority.

Let him cross over with my lord the king
The phrase "cross over" is often used in the Bible to signify a transition or change, both physically and spiritually. The Hebrew word "abar" implies movement and progression, suggesting a new chapter or opportunity. Referring to the king as "my lord" denotes respect and recognition of the king's authority, aligning with the biblical teaching of honoring those in leadership.

Do for him what seems good to you
This expression of trust in the king's judgment highlights the biblical theme of wisdom and discernment. The Hebrew word "tov," meaning "good," encompasses moral goodness, favor, and well-being. By entrusting Chimham to the king's care, the speaker demonstrates faith in the king's ability to make righteous decisions, reflecting the biblical ideal of wise and just leadership.

(37) Chimham.--It appears from 1Kings 2:7, where David gives charge to Solomon to care for Barzillai's sons, that Chimham was his son. This might be supposed from the narrative here, but is not expressly stated. In Jeremiah 41:17 mention is made of "the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem," from which it is supposed that David conveyed to Chimham a house upon his own paternal estate.

Verse 37. - That I may die in mine own city...by the grave of my father and of my mother. The inserted words, "and be buried," are very matter of fact and commonplace. What Barzillai wished was that, when death overtook him, it should find him in the old abode of his family, where his father and mother had died, and where their tombs were. This regard for the family sepulchre was hereditary among the Israelites, who followed in it the example of their forefather (see Genesis 49:29-31). Chimham. David remembered Barzillai's kindness to the last, and. on his dying bed specially commended Chimham and his brothers to the care of Solomon. In Jeremiah 41:17 we read of "the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem," whence it has been supposed that David also endowed the sen of Barzillai with land near his own city. Stanley ('Jewish Church,' 2:201) considers that this was a caravanserai founded by Chimham for the hospitable lodging of travellers on their way to Egypt, and that Mary and Joseph found shelter there. It lay to the south of Bethlehem; but there is nothing more than the name to connect it with the son of Barzillai. In ver. 40 he is called in the Hebrew Chimhan.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Please
נָ֤א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֙ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

return,
יָֽשָׁב־ (yā·šāḇ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

that I may die
וְאָמֻ֣ת (wə·’ā·muṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

in my own city
בְּעִירִ֔י (bə·‘î·rî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

near
עִ֛ם (‘im)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the tomb
קֶ֥בֶר (qe·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6913: A grave, sepulcher

of my father
אָבִ֖י (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

and mother.
וְאִמִּ֑י (wə·’im·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

But here
וְהִנֵּ֣ה ׀ (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

is your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֣ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

Chimham.
כִמְהָ֗ם (ḵim·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3643: Chimham -- an attendant of David, also a place near Bethlehem

Let him cross over
יַֽעֲבֹר֙ (ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

my lord
אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

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

and do
וַעֲשֵׂה־ (wa·‘ă·śêh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for him
ל֕וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

what
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is good
ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

in your sight.?
בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ׃ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


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OT History: 2 Samuel 19:37 Please let your servant turn back again (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 19:36
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