King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
But howsoever, [said he], let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"I don't care - whatever happens, I want to run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Achima'atz ran by the road through the desert flats and outran the Ethiopian.
Berean Standard Bible:
“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
American Standard Version:
But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But howsoever, said he, let me run{H7323}. And he said{H559} unto him, Run{H7323}. Then Ahimaaz{H290} ran{H7323} by the way{H1870} of the plain{H3603}, and overran{H5674} Cushi{H3569}.
Cross-References (KJV):
John 20:4
- So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for 2 Samuel 18:23
2 Samuel 18:23 is a verse set within the broader narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The verse itself captures a moment of urgency and determination as Ahimaaz, a young priest eager to deliver news to David, seeks permission to run to the king with the latest reports from the battlefield. The historical context is the aftermath of a civil war in Israel, where Absalom's forces have been defeated and Absalom himself has been killed, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with him.
In the verse, Ahimaaz is speaking to Joab, the commander of David's army, expressing his desire to run swiftly to inform the king of the battle's outcome. Joab, recognizing Ahimaaz's eagerness and perhaps understanding the importance of speed in delivering the news, grants him permission with a simple "Run." Ahimaaz then sprints ahead "by the way of the plain," showcasing his swiftness and determination. The phrase "and overran Cushi" indicates that Ahimaaz, despite possibly not being the official messenger (as Cushi might have been intended for that role), outpaces Cushi in his haste to reach David first.
The themes present in this verse include loyalty, urgency, and the human desire to be the bearer of important news. It also touches on the dynamics of royal courts, where the delivery of news could have significant political implications. Ahimaaz's actions reflect the tension and haste that characterized the period, as well as the personal stakes involved for those close to the throne. The race between Ahimaaz and Cushi symbolizes the competition that often arises in the delivery of critical information, which can alter the course of history or, in this case, impact the emotional state of a king awaiting word of his son's fate and the restoration of his kingdom.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7323
There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רוּץ
Transliteration: rûwts
Pronunciation: roots
Description: a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H290
There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֲחִימַעַץ
Transliteration: ʼĂchîymaʻats
Pronunciation: akh-ee-mah'-ats
Description: from אָח and the equivalent of מַעַץ; brother of anger; Achimaats, the name of three Israelites; Ahimaaz. - Strong's Number: H1870
There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
Transliteration: derek
Pronunciation: deh'-rek
Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). - Strong's Number: H3603
There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כִּכָּר
Transliteration: kikkâr
Pronunciation: kik-kawr'
Description: from כָּרַר; a circle, i.e. (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the Ghor or valley of the Jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or large [round] coin); loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. - Strong's Number: H5674
There are 493 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָבַר
Transliteration: ʻâbar
Pronunciation: aw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation); alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. - Strong's Number: H3569
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כּוּשִׁי
Transliteration: Kûwshîy
Pronunciation: koo-shee'
Description: patronymically from כּוּשׁ; a Cushite, or descendant of Cush; Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s).