2 Samuel 19:39
New International Version
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell, and Barzillai returned to his home.

New Living Translation
So all the people crossed the Jordan with the king. After David had blessed Barzillai and kissed him, Barzillai returned to his own home.

English Standard Version
Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home.

Berean Standard Bible
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

Berean Literal Bible
And all the people passed over the Jordan. And the king had passed over, and the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

King James Bible
And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

New King James Version
Then all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place.

New American Standard Bible
All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

NASB 1995
All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

NASB 1977
All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then all the people passed over the Jordan and the king passed over too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

Amplified Bible
So all the people crossed over the Jordan. When the king had crossed over, he kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

Berean Annotated Bible
So all the people crossed the Jordan (flowing down), and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai (my iron) and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

Christian Standard Bible
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned to his home.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned to his home.

American Standard Version
And all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

Contemporary English Version
David's soldiers went on across the river, while he stayed behind to tell Barzillai goodbye and to wish him well. Barzillai returned home, but

English Revised Version
And all the people went over Jordan, and the king went over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the troops crossed the Jordan River, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Then Barzillai went back home.

Good News Translation
Then David and all of his men crossed the Jordan. He kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessing, and Barzillai went back home.

International Standard Version
Then all the people crossed the Jordan River, followed by the king. The king embraced Barzillai, blessed him, and then Barzillai returned to his home.

NET Bible
So all the people crossed the Jordan, as did the king. After the king had kissed him and blessed him, Barzillai returned to his home.

New Heart English Bible
All the people crossed over the Jordan, but the king remained. Then the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.

Webster's Bible Translation
And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king had come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

World English Bible
All the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. Then the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all the people pass over the Jordan, and the king has passed over, and the king gives a kiss to Barzillai, and blesses him, and he turns back to his place.

Berean Literal Bible
And all the people passed over the Jordan. And the king had passed over, and the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.

Young's Literal Translation
And all the people pass over the Jordan, and the king hath passed over, and the king giveth a kiss to Barzillai, and blesseth him, and he turneth back to his place.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the people will pass over Jordan. And the king passed over, and the king will kiss to Barzillai, and bless him: and he will turn back to his place.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when all the people and the king had passed over the Jordan, the king kissed Berzellai, and blessed him: and he returned to his own place.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the entire people and the king had crossed over the Jordan, the king kissed Barzillai, and he blessed him. And he returned to his own place.

New American Bible
Then all the people crossed over the Jordan but the king remained; he kissed Barzillai and bade him farewell as he returned to his own place.

New Revised Standard Version
Then all the people crossed over the Jordan, and the king crossed over; the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when all the people had crossed the Jordan and the king had crossed also, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the people crossed over the Jordan, also the King crossed over, and the King kissed Barzali and he blessed him and he returned to his place
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over; and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the people went over Jordan, and the king went over; and the king kissed Berzelli, and blessed him; and he returned to his place.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Kindness to Barzillai
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.” 39So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home. 40Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king.…

Cross References
So all the people crossed the Jordan,

2 Samuel 17:22
So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.

Joshua 3:17
The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.

Joshua 4:10-11
Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until the people had completed everything the LORD had commanded Joshua to tell them, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried across, / and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the LORD crossed in the sight of the people.
and then the king crossed over.

2 Samuel 15:23
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.

1 Kings 2:8
Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’

Genesis 32:10
I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps.
The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him,

Genesis 31:55
Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.

Genesis 27:26-27
Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come near and kiss me, my son.” / So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

2 Samuel 14:33
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.
and Barzillai returned home.

Ruth 1:22
So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Exodus 18:27
Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.

Genesis 18:33
When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home.
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 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 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.


Treasury of Scripture

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.

kissed Barzillai

Genesis 31:55
And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Genesis 45:15
Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

Ruth 1:14
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

blessed

2 Samuel 6:18,20
And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts…

2 Samuel 13:25
And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

Genesis 14:19
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

returned

Genesis 31:55
And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Numbers 24:25
And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

1 Samuel 24:22
And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

Jump to Previous
Barzillai Barzil'lai Blessed Blesseth Blessing Crossed Home Jordan Kiss Kissed Passed Turneth
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Barzillai Barzil'lai Blessed Blesseth Blessing Crossed Home Jordan Kiss Kissed Passed Turneth
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












So all the people crossed the Jordan
This phrase marks the return of King David to Jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. The crossing of the Jordan River is significant as it symbolizes a transition and a return to God's favor. The Jordan River often represents a boundary or a point of change in biblical narratives, such as the Israelites entering the Promised Land (Joshua 3). The crossing here signifies the restoration of David's kingship and the unity of Israel under his rule.

and then the king crossed over
David's crossing of the Jordan follows the people, emphasizing his role as their leader and shepherd. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who leads His people and goes before them. David's leadership is restored, and his crossing signifies his acceptance and the people's loyalty to him as their rightful king.

The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him
Barzillai, a wealthy and aged supporter of David, had provided for the king during his time of need (2 Samuel 17:27-29). The kiss and blessing are expressions of gratitude and honor. In the cultural context, a kiss was a sign of respect and affection, while a blessing conveyed favor and goodwill. This interaction highlights the importance of loyalty and support within the community of God's people.

and Barzillai returned home
Barzillai's return home to Gilead reflects his contentment and humility. Despite David's offer to care for him in Jerusalem, Barzillai chooses to return to his own land, valuing his heritage and family. This decision underscores the biblical theme of contentment and the significance of one's roots and legacy. Barzillai's actions serve as a reminder of the blessings that come from faithfulness and integrity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, who is returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom.

2. Barzillai
An elderly and wealthy man from Rogelim who supported King David during Absalom's rebellion.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical landmark in Israel, symbolizing transition and change.

4. The People
Refers to the Israelites who were with David, supporting his return to power.

5. The Crossing
The act of moving from one side of the Jordan River to the other, symbolizing a return to normalcy and restoration of the kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Loyalty
Barzillai's support for David during a time of crisis exemplifies the value of loyalty and faithfulness. In our lives, we should strive to be loyal friends and supporters, especially during difficult times.

Blessings and Gratitude
David's blessing of Barzillai highlights the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have been a blessing to us. We should not take the kindness of others for granted but should actively show appreciation.

Transitions and New Beginnings
The crossing of the Jordan represents a significant transition for David and his people. In our spiritual journey, we often face transitions that require faith and trust in God's plan for restoration and renewal.

Generational Impact
Barzillai's actions had a lasting impact, as seen in David's later instructions to Solomon. Our actions today can influence future generations, encouraging us to live with integrity and purpose.

God's Provision Through Others
Barzillai's support is a reminder that God often provides for us through the generosity and kindness of others. We should be open to receiving help and also be willing to be used by God to support others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:39?

2. How does 2 Samuel 19:39 demonstrate the importance of honoring commitments to others?

3. What can we learn about loyalty from David's actions in 2 Samuel 19:39?

4. How does David's farewell to Barzillai reflect Christ's teachings on gratitude?

5. In what ways can we show appreciation to those who support us, like David?

6. How can 2 Samuel 19:39 inspire us to build stronger community relationships today?

7. What is the significance of Barzillai's actions in 2 Samuel 19:39 for Christian hospitality?

8. How does 2 Samuel 19:39 reflect the theme of loyalty in the Bible?

9. What does David's farewell to Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19:39 teach about gratitude?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19?

11. Who was Barzillai in the Bible?

12. Does the tribal conflict between Judah and Israel in 2 Samuel 19:40-43 align with other historical sources, or is there a possible inconsistency in how the tribes' loyalties shift?

13. How can 2 Samuel 19:18-23 reconcile David's promise to spare Shimei with later biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 2:8-9) commanding his execution?

14. Why does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)?
What Does 2 Samuel 19:39 Mean
So all the people crossed the Jordan

• After Absalom’s rebellion, the nation had been fractured (2 Samuel 15:13–14). David’s restoration begins here, with “all the people” symbolically united again.

• The Jordan was often a boundary between old trouble and new beginnings (Joshua 3:17; 2 Kings 2:6–8). Their safe passage shows God’s favor and the people’s renewed confidence in David’s God-given kingship.

• In earlier flight, they crossed the same river in grief (2 Samuel 15:23). Now they return in relief, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to restore what sin and conflict had broken (Psalm 30:5).


and then the king crossed over

• David waits until the end, letting everyone else move first—servant leadership in action (Mark 10:43–45).

• His crossing last also guarantees protection, much like a shepherd ensuring every sheep is inside the fold (2 Samuel 18:1–4; John 10:11).

• The reversal from exile to reinstatement points to God’s pattern of exalting the humbled (1 Peter 5:6) and keeping covenant promises to His anointed (Psalm 89:20–24).


The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him

• Barzillai of Gilead had supplied David during his darkest hour (2 Samuel 17:27–29). A kiss and blessing publicly affirm that loyalty never escapes the king’s notice (Hebrews 6:10).

• David’s blessing carries weight; later he instructs Solomon to “show kindness to the sons of Barzillai” (1 Kings 2:7), underscoring lasting reward for faithfulness.

• The scene previews Christ’s promise that even a cup of cold water given in His name will be remembered (Matthew 10:42).


and Barzillai returned home

• Though invited to live at court, the eighty-year-old declines, content with God’s provision where he is (2 Samuel 19:34–37).

• His humility contrasts with those who seek status; he chooses obscurity over prestige, mirroring Proverbs 15:16—“Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.”

• Barzillai’s legacy continues through Chimham, who accompanies David (2 Samuel 19:38,40). God often honors the humble by blessing their descendants (Psalm 112:1–2).


summary

2 Samuel 19:39 captures a pivotal moment of restoration: the people reunited, the king reinstated, the loyal friend honored, and the humble servant content to return home. Together these actions reveal God’s faithfulness to heal division, exalt servant leaders, reward steadfast love, and bless those who walk humbly with Him.

(39) All the people.--As "Israel" has been used throughout this narrative for Absalom's supporters, so "the people" is used for those faithful to David.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people
הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

crossed
וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Jordan,
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

and then the king
וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (wə·ham·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

crossed over.
עָבָ֑ר (‘ā·ḇār)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

The king
הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

kissed
וַיִּשַּׁ֨ק (way·yiš·šaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

Barzillai
לְבַרְזִלַּי֙ (lə·ḇar·zil·lay)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1271: Barzillai -- 'man of iron', three Israelites

and blessed him,
וַיְבָ֣רֲכֵ֔הוּ (way·ḇā·ră·ḵê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

and Barzillai returned
וַיָּ֖שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

home.
לִמְקֹמֽוֹ׃ (lim·qō·mōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition


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OT History: 2 Samuel 19:39 All the people went over the Jordan (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 19:38
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