What number verse is 2 Samuel 2:21 in the Bible?

2 Samuel 2:21 is the 8,071st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Samuel 2:21 sits at position 8,071.

Translation

King James Version

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Abner ^H74 said ^H559 to him, Turn thee aside ^H5186 to thy right hand ^H3225 or to thy left ^H8040, and lay thee hold ^H270 on one ^H259 of the young men ^H5288, and take ^H3947 thee his armour ^H2488. But Asahel ^H6214 would ^H14 not turn aside ^H5493 from following ^H310 of him.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Avner said to him, "Turn off to your right or your left, catch one of the young men and take his armor." But 'Asah'el wouldn't turn aside and kept following him.

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Berean Standard Bible

So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him.

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American Standard Version

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.

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World English Bible Messianic

Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Then Abner said, Turne thee either to the right hande, or to the left, and take one of the yong men, and take thee his weapons: and Asahel would not depart from him.

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Young's Literal Translation

And Abner saith to him, `Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and seize for thee one of the youths, and take to thee his armour;' and Asahel hath not been willing to turn aside from after him.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

This pivotal verse encapsulates a critical juncture in the nascent civil war between the house of Saul, championed by its seasoned general Abner, and the emerging kingdom of David. It vividly portrays Abner's urgent attempt to avert a tragic and politically disastrous confrontation with Asahel, Joab's exceptionally swift brother and one of David's elite warriors, whose relentless and ill-advised pursuit of Abner ultimately precipitates a profound and far-reaching blood feud.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated immediately after the "deadly game" at the Pool of Gibeon, where twelve men from each side engaged in a fatal contest, escalating into full-scale battle, as described in 2 Samuel 2:14-17. Following the rout of Abner's forces, Asahel, renowned for his exceptional speed, described as being "as light of foot as a wild roe" in 2 Samuel 2:18, fixates on pursuing Abner, the commander of Saul's army. His repeated warnings in 2 Samuel 2:20-21 underscore his earnest desire to avoid a personal vendetta that would further destabilize the fragile political landscape between the houses of Saul and David. This immediate context sets the stage for Asahel's tragic demise and the subsequent, long-lasting consequences.
Historical & Cultural Context: The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous period in Israelite history, immediately following the death of King Saul and the subsequent anointing of David as king over Judah in Hebron, detailed in 2 Samuel 2:4. The rest of Israel, however, remained loyal to Saul's house, with Abner installing Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, as recounted in 2 Samuel 2:9. This division ignited a civil war, characterized by skirmishes and strategic maneuvers rather than large-scale pitched battles. Crucially, the concept of the "blood avenger" (Hebrew: go'el haddam) was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite society, as seen in passages like Numbers 35:19 and Deuteronomy 19:6. The killing of a close relative, especially a prominent one, would obligate the family to seek vengeance, potentially leading to generations of feuding. Abner's actions are thus informed by a profound awareness of these cultural norms and the severe repercussions of such an act on the already volatile political climate and the delicate balance of power.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights The Peril of Reckless Ambition and Impetuosity. Asahel's single-minded pursuit, despite clear warnings and a viable alternative, demonstrates the destructive nature of unchecked zeal or a desire for personal glory, foreshadowing the tragic consequences detailed in 2 Samuel 2:23. Secondly, it underscores The Wisdom of De-escalation and Prudence. Abner's repeated attempts to divert Asahel, even offering him an honorable alternative, reveal a seasoned commander's foresight and a desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and the inevitable blood feud with Joab, which ultimately materializes later in 2 Samuel 3. Finally, the passage illustrates The Inexorable Consequences of Disobedience and Stubbornness. Asahel's refusal to heed Abner's counsel directly leads to his demise, setting in motion a chain of events that deeply impacts the relationship between David's and Saul's houses, culminating in Joab's revenge against Abner in 2 Samuel 3:27.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Turn thee aside (Hebrew, çûwr', H5493): This primitive root signifies "to turn off," "depart," or "remove oneself." Abner's repeated use of this command (also in 2 Samuel 2:20) emphasizes his earnest desire for Asahel to cease his pursuit and avoid a direct, personal confrontation. It conveys a plea for Asahel to exercise discretion and change his course of action, indicating a strong warning against the path he is currently on.
Young men (Hebrew, naʻar', H5288): While literally referring to a "boy" or "child," in military contexts, this term often denotes foot soldiers, squires, or lesser-ranked combatants, distinct from veteran commanders or "mighty men." Abner's offer for Asahel to "lay thee hold on one of the young men" is not an insult but a pragmatic suggestion from a professional soldier: gain glory and spoils from an easier, less consequential target, thereby avoiding a direct, high-stakes duel with Abner himself, which would inevitably lead to a blood feud.
Armour (Hebrew, chălîytsâh', H2488): Derived from a root meaning "to draw off" or "strip," this term refers to "spoil" or "plunder," specifically the military equipment stripped from a defeated foe. Abner's offer was for Asahel to take the chălîytsâh of a lesser opponent, implying a legitimate and honorable way to gain material reward and demonstrate prowess without forcing a fatal confrontation with Abner, which would have severe and undesirable political repercussions.

Verse Breakdown

"And Abner said to him": This simple opening highlights the direct, personal, and urgent nature of Abner's appeal. It is not a general command to his fleeing troops, but a specific, urgent warning directed at Asahel, underscoring Abner's awareness of Asahel's identity, his relentless pursuit, and the potentially dire repercussions if Asahel persists.
"Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left": Abner's plea is an urgent command for Asahel to deviate from his current, dangerous course. The phrase "right hand or to thy left" is an idiomatic expression emphasizing the absolute necessity of changing direction, indicating that any alternative path is preferable to the one Asahel is stubbornly pursuing. It is an explicit offer of escape from a deadly, high-stakes confrontation.
"and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour": This clause presents a clear, honorable, and pragmatic alternative. Abner offers Asahel a chance to achieve glory and spoils (the "armour" or equipment) by engaging a less significant combatant. This reveals Abner's strategic thinking and his attempt to de-escalate the situation by providing Asahel with a face-saving, yet less perilous, objective, demonstrating his desire to avoid a personal feud.
"But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him": The conjunction "But" signals a stark contrast and highlights Asahel's unwavering, almost defiant, refusal. This final clause is the tragic pivot point of the verse, demonstrating Asahel's stubborn determination and sealing his fate, despite Abner's clear and repeated warnings. His refusal to heed counsel sets the stage for the inevitable and devastating consequence, revealing a fatal flaw in his character.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic tension and thematic depth. Foreshadowing is prominent, as Abner's urgent warnings and Asahel's stubborn refusal directly anticipate the tragic outcome described in 2 Samuel 2:23 and the subsequent blood feud that defines much of the early narrative of 2 Samuel. There is a strong element of Contrast between Abner's seasoned prudence and strategic foresight, and Asahel's youthful impetuosity and unyielding resolve. Abner seeks de-escalation, offering a pragmatic alternative, while Asahel, perhaps driven by a desire for singular glory or a lack of battle experience, rejects all counsel. The Characterization of Asahel as swift but ultimately reckless is solidified here, setting him apart from the more calculating figures like Abner and Joab. Furthermore, the scene carries a subtle Irony: Abner, the enemy commander, is attempting to save Asahel's life, while Asahel, a "mighty man" of David, is unwittingly rushing towards his own destruction.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This seemingly simple exchange resonates with profound theological and thematic implications. It underscores the biblical emphasis on wisdom, discernment, and the dangers of unchecked zeal or pride. Asahel's unyielding pursuit, despite a clear warning from an experienced adversary, serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of stubbornness and the refusal to heed counsel, echoing wisdom literature's warnings about the destructive path of the foolish. Abner's attempt at de-escalation, driven by a recognition of the broader consequences of a blood feud, highlights the value of seeking peace and avoiding unnecessary conflict, a principle often championed in scripture. The tragic outcome of this encounter also speaks to the sovereignty of God, even amidst human folly and conflict, as the unfolding events contribute to the eventual consolidation of David's kingdom, albeit through painful means.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The dramatic confrontation in 2 Samuel 2:21 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our own responses to counsel, ambition, and conflict. Asahel's tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in allowing personal ambition, pride, or a singular focus to override wisdom and prudence. In our own lives, how often do we, like Asahel, stubbornly pursue a course of action despite clear warnings from those with greater experience or insight, whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual walk? The verse also compels us to consider the wisdom of de-escalation. Abner, though an adversary, sought to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and the long-term repercussions of a blood feud. This prompts us to reflect on our own willingness to seek peace, to offer alternatives, and to step back from conflicts that may escalate into far greater sorrow, even when we feel justified in pressing forward. Ultimately, this passage calls us to cultivate discernment, humility, and a readiness to change course when confronted with wise counsel, recognizing that true strength often lies in restraint and obedience rather than unyielding will.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your life might you be stubbornly pursuing a path despite warnings or clear alternatives, potentially leading to undesirable outcomes?
How can you cultivate greater humility and discernment to recognize and heed wise counsel, even when it comes from unexpected or challenging sources?
When faced with potential conflict, what steps can you take to de-escalate the situation and seek peaceful resolutions, rather than pressing for personal victory or an unsustainable course?

FAQ

Why was Abner so keen to avoid killing Asahel?

Answer: Abner understood the severe cultural and political ramifications of killing Asahel. Asahel was not just any soldier; he was the brother of Joab, David's formidable army commander, and a prominent figure among David's "mighty men," known for his exceptional speed as noted in 2 Samuel 2:18. In ancient Israel, the killing of a close relative obligated the family to seek vengeance through a "blood avenger" (go'el haddam), a deeply ingrained cultural practice (e.g., Numbers 35:19). Abner, a shrewd military and political strategist, knew that killing Asahel would ignite a personal blood feud with Joab, further exacerbating the already tense civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. He sought to avoid this escalation, which indeed came to pass later when Joab assassinated Abner in revenge for Asahel's death (2 Samuel 3:27).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 2 Samuel 2:21 details a tragic human conflict rooted in stubbornness and the pursuit of earthly glory, it subtly points to the profound contrast with the ultimate divine strategy of reconciliation found in Christ. Asahel's refusal to "turn aside" from his self-destructive path highlights humanity's fallen tendency to resist divine wisdom and stubbornly pursue its own will, often leading to death, as seen from the very beginning in Genesis 3. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true and greater Abner, did not seek to avoid conflict for His own preservation, but willingly "turned aside" from the glory of heaven to embrace the path of suffering and death for humanity's sake, as beautifully articulated in Philippians 2:6-8. He is the one who offers us a true "turning aside" – a repentance from our self-destructive pursuits to find life in Him, as proclaimed in Acts 3:19. Unlike Asahel, who refused the offer of a lesser prize and met death, Christ, by His ultimate sacrifice, secured for us the greatest prize – eternal life and reconciliation with God, a truth foundational to the Gospel in John 3:16. His mission was not to avoid a blood feud, but to shed His own blood to end the cosmic feud between God and humanity, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a path to peace and redemption that Asahel tragically rejected.

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Commentary on 2 Samuel 2 verses 18–24

18 ¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.

21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.

22 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

23 Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

We have here the contest between Abner and Asahel. Asahel, the brother of Joab and cousin-german to David, was one of the principal commanders of David's forces, and was famous for swiftness in running: he was as light of foot as a wild roe (Sa2 2:18); this he got the name of by swift pursuing, not swift flying. Yet, we may suppose, he was not comparable to Abner as a skilful experienced soldier; we must therefore observe,

I. How rash he was in aiming to make Abner his prisoner. He pursued after him, and no other, Sa2 2:19. Proud of his relation to David and Joab, his own swiftness, and the success of his party, no less a trophy of victory would now serve the young warrior than Abner himself, either slain or bound, which he thought would put an end to the war and effectually open David's way to the throne. This made him very eager in the pursuit, and careless of the opportunities he had of seizing others in his way, on his right hand and on his left; his eye was on Abner only. The design was brave, had he been par negotio - equal to its accomplishment: but let not the swift man glory in his swiftness, any more than the strong man in his strength; magnis excidit ausis - he perished in an attempt too vast for him.

II. How generous Abner was in giving him notice of the danger he exposed himself to, and advising him not to meddle to his own hurt, Ch2 25:19. 1. He bade him content himself with a less prey (Sa2 2:21): "Lay hold of one of the young men, plunder him and make him thy prisoner, meddle with thy match, but pretend not to one who is so much superior to thee." It is wisdom in all contests to compare our own strength with that of our adversaries, and to take heed of being partial to ourselves in making the comparison, lest we prove in the issue enemies to ourselves, Luk 14:31. 2. He begged of him not to put him upon the necessity of slaying him in his own defence, which he was very loth to do, but must do rather than be slain by him, Sa2 2:22. Abner, it seems, either loved Joab or feared him; for he was very loth to incur his displeasure, which he would certainly do if he slew Asahel. It is commendable for enemies to be thus respectful one to another. Abner's care how he should lift up his face to Joab gives cause to suspect that he really believed David would have the kingdom at last, according to the divine designation, and then, in opposing him, he acted against his conscience.

III. How fatal Asahel's rashness was to him. He refused to turn aside, thinking that Abner spoke so courteously because he feared him; but what came of it? Abner, as soon as he came up to him, gave him his death's wound with a back stroke (Sa2 2:23): He smote him with the hinder end of his spear, from which he feared no danger. This was a pass which Asahel was not acquainted with, nor had learned to stand upon his guard against; but Abner, perhaps, had formerly used it, and done execution with it; and here it did effectual execution. Asahel died immediately of the wound. See here, 1. How death often comes upon us by ways that we least suspect. Who would fear the hand of a flying enemy or the butt-end of a spear? yet from these Asahel receives his death's wound. 2. How we are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of. Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no kindness, but forwarded his fate, and with it he ran upon his death, instead of running from it. Asahel's fall was not only Abner's security from him, but put a full stop to the conqueror's pursuit and gave Abner time to rally again; for all that came to the place stood still, only Joab and Abishai, instead of being disheartened, were exasperated by it, pursued Abner with so much the more fury (Sa2 2:24), and overtook him at last about sunset, when the approaching night would oblige them to retire.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–24. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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