King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Ish-Boshet couldn't answer Avner a word, because he was afraid of him.
Berean Standard Bible:
And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.
American Standard Version:
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he could{H3201} not answer{H7725} Abner{H74} a word{H1697} again, because he feared{H3372} him.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for 2 Samuel 3:11
2 Samuel 3:11 is a verse that captures a moment of tension and power dynamics within the court of King David. The verse reads, "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him." This statement occurs during a period of political intrigue and maneuvering as David consolidates his power over all Israel.
In the historical context, Abner is the cousin of King Saul and the commander of his army. After Saul's death, Abner supports Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, in opposition to David, who has been anointed king over Judah. The verse reflects a pivotal shift in the narrative where Abner, recognizing the futility of continuing to oppose David, decides to switch his allegiance to him.
The themes present in this verse include fear, power, and political strategy. The unnamed individual who fears to respond to Abner illustrates the commander's formidable reputation and influence. Abner's ability to instill fear indicates his continued authority and the respect, or perhaps fear, he commands among the people. This incident also highlights the precarious nature of loyalty and alliance during this time, as individuals often had to navigate complex relationships and shifting power structures to ensure their survival and success.
In summary, 2 Samuel 3:11 encapsulates the tense atmosphere of King David's court during the early years of his reign. It underscores the significance of Abner's role as a military leader and the impact of his decisions on the political landscape of Israel. The verse reflects the broader narrative of political transition, the consolidation of David's kingdom, and the human emotions that are entangled within these historical events.
*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: H3201
There are 182 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָכֹל
Transliteration: yâkôl
Pronunciation: yaw-kole'
Description: or (fuller) יָכוֹל; a primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. - Strong's Number: H7725
There are 952 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שׁוּב
Transliteration: shûwb
Pronunciation: shoob
Description: a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again; ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. - Strong's Number: H74
There are 1865 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַבְנֵר
Transliteration: ʼAbnêr
Pronunciation: ab-nare'
Description: or (fully) אֲבִינֵר ; from אָב and נִיר; father of light (i.e. enlightening); Abner, an Israelite; Abner. - Strong's Number: H1697
There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּבָר
Transliteration: dâbâr
Pronunciation: daw-baw'
Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. - Strong's Number: H3372
There are 305 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָרֵא
Transliteration: yârêʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-ray'
Description: a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten; affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).