Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “And now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king; perhaps he will grant his servant’s request. New Living Translation “I have come to plead with my lord the king because people have threatened me. I said to myself, ‘Perhaps the king will listen to me English Standard Version Now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid, and your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. Berean Standard Bible Now therefore, I have come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant. King James Bible Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid. New King James Version Now therefore, I have come to speak of this thing to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. And your maidservant said, ‘I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his maidservant. New American Standard Bible Now then, the reason I have come to speak this word to my lord the king is that the people have made me afraid; so your servant said, ‘Let me now speak to the king, perhaps the king will perform the request of his slave. NASB 1995 “Now the reason I have come to speak this word to my lord the king is that the people have made me afraid; so your maidservant said, ‘Let me now speak to the king, perhaps the king will perform the request of his maidservant. NASB 1977 “Now the reason I have come to speak this word to my lord the king is because the people have made me afraid; so your maidservant said, ‘Let me now speak to the king, perhaps the king will perform the request of his maidservant. Legacy Standard Bible So now, the reason I have come to speak this word to my lord the king is that the people have made me afraid; so your servant-woman said, ‘Let me now speak to the king, perhaps the king will perform the word of his maidservant. Amplified Bible Now I came to speak of this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. So your maidservant thought, ‘I will just speak to the king; perhaps the king will do what his maidservant requests. Christian Standard Bible “Now therefore, I’ve come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought: I must speak to the king. Perhaps the king will grant his servant’s request. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now therefore, I’ve come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought: I must speak to the king. Perhaps the king will grant his servant’s request. American Standard Version Now therefore seeing that I am come to speak this word unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. Contemporary English Version Your Majesty, I came here to tell you about my problem, because I was afraid of what someone might do to me. I decided to come to you, because I thought you could help. English Revised Version Now therefore seeing that I am come to speak this word unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. GOD'S WORD® Translation "I've come to say this to you because the people have frightened me. So I thought, 'I will speak to the king about this. Maybe the king will do something for me, his subject. Good News Translation Now, Your Majesty, the reason I have come to speak to you is that the people threatened me, and so I said to myself that I would speak to you in the hope that you would do what I ask. International Standard Version "Now as to why I've come to speak with your majesty the king, it's because the people have made me afraid, so your humble servant told herself, 'I'll go speak to the king, so perhaps the king will do what his humble servant has requested. Majority Standard Bible Now therefore, I have come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, ?I will speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant. NET Bible I have now come to speak with my lord the king about this matter, because the people have made me fearful. But your servant said, 'I will speak to the king! Perhaps the king will do what his female servant asks. New Heart English Bible Then the woman said, "Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king." He said, "Say on." Webster's Bible Translation Now therefore that I have come to speak of this thing to my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid. World English Bible Now therefore, seeing that I have come to speak this word to my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid. Your servant said, ‘I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now that I have come to speak this word to my lord the king, [it is] because the people made me afraid, and your maidservant says, Please let me speak to the king; it may be the king does the word of his handmaid, Young's Literal Translation And now that I have come to speak unto the king my lord this word, it is because the people made me afraid, and thy maid-servant saith, Let me speak, I pray thee, unto the king; it may be the king doth do the word of his handmaid, Smith's Literal Translation And now that I came to speak to the king my lord, this word, for the people will see me, and thy servant will say, I will speak now to the king, perhaps the king will do the word of his servant. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow therefore I am come, to speak this word to my lord the king before the people. And thy handmaid said: I will speak to the king, it maybe the king will perform the request of his handmaid. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, now I have come to speak this word to my lord the king, in the presence of the people. And your handmaid said: I will speak to the king, for perhaps there may be some way for the king to accomplish the word of his handmaid. New American Bible And now, if I have presumed to speak to the king of this matter, it is because the people have given me cause to fear. And so your servant thought: ‘Let me speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the petition of his servant. New Revised Standard Version Now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid; your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow therefore if I have spoken this thing to my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid; and your handmaid said, I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will deliver his handmaid from the hand of men, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Now behold, I have spoken this word to my Lord the King, for the people have troubled me and said that I, your Maid Servant, shall speak to the King; perhaps he will save his Maid Servant from the hands of men OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now therefore seeing that I am come to speak this word unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid; and thy handmaid said: I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. Brenton Septuagint Translation And now whereas I came to speak this word to my lord the king, the reason is that the people will see me, and thy handmaid will say, Let one now speak to my lord the king, if peradventure the king will perform the request of his handmaid; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Return to Jerusalem…14For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. 15Now therefore, I have come to present this matter to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant. 16For the king will hear and deliver his maidservant from the hand of the man who would cut off both me and my son from God’s inheritance.’… Cross References 2 Samuel 14:20 Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.” 2 Samuel 14:17 And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” 2 Samuel 14:19 So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?” The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say. 2 Samuel 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death. 2 Samuel 12:1-7 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ... 1 Kings 3:16-28 At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ... 1 Samuel 25:24-31 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ... 2 Samuel 19:18-23 and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king / and said, “My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. / For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” ... 2 Samuel 18:5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. 2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 19:4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 19:8-10 So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. / And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” 2 Samuel 19:14 So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.” 2 Samuel 19:22 And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” 2 Samuel 19:28 For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?” Treasury of Scripture Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing to my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and your handmaid said, I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid. Jump to Previous Afraid Cause Handmaid Maidservant Maid-Servant Perform Perhaps Reason Request Servant Speak Thought Word WordsJump to Next Afraid Cause Handmaid Maidservant Maid-Servant Perform Perhaps Reason Request Servant Speak Thought Word Words2 Samuel 14 1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,21. brings him home to Jerusalem 25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children 28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab Now therefore, I have come to present this matter to my lord the king This phrase is part of a speech by the wise woman of Tekoa, sent by Joab to King David. The context is a carefully crafted parable to persuade David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. The phrase reflects the formal approach and respect due to a king, highlighting the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society. The use of "my lord the king" underscores the authority and reverence associated with the monarchy, a central institution in Israel's history. because the people have made me afraid Your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king. Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe commander of King David's army who orchestrates the plan to reconcile David with his son Absalom by using a wise woman from Tekoa. 2. The Wise Woman of Tekoa A woman chosen by Joab to present a parable to King David, aiming to convince him to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. 3. King David The ruler of Israel, who is dealing with the estrangement from his son Absalom after Absalom's murder of his brother Amnon. 4. Absalom David's son, who is in exile after killing his brother Amnon in revenge for the rape of their sister Tamar. 5. Tekoa A town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants, from which the woman who speaks to David is brought. Teaching Points The Power of IntercessionThe wise woman of Tekoa serves as an intercessor, demonstrating the importance of speaking up for reconciliation and peace. Believers are called to be peacemakers in their communities. Wisdom in Approach The woman's tactful and respectful approach to King David shows the value of wisdom and discernment in difficult conversations. Christians should seek God's wisdom in their interactions. Courage in Advocacy Despite her fear, the woman speaks to the king, showing courage in advocating for others. Believers are encouraged to overcome fear and stand up for justice and reconciliation. The Role of Fear The woman's fear of the people's reaction highlights how fear can motivate action. Christians should examine how fear influences their decisions and seek to act in faith. Reconciliation and Forgiveness The account underscores the importance of reconciliation within families and communities. Believers are reminded of the call to forgive and restore broken relationships.(15) Because the people have made me afraid.--The woman here seeks to excuse her boldness in addressing the king by the pressure brought to bear upon her from without; but whether she means this in regard to what she has said of Absalom, or of her own. affairs, is very doubtful. In the former case the people would mean the nation generally; in the latter, her own family connections. Certainly in the next verse she returns to her own affairs to keep up the pretence of reality; but here there seems to be an intentional and studied ambiguity.Verses 15-17. - Now therefore that I am come, etc. The woman now professes to return to her old story as the reason for her importunity, but she repeats it in so eager and indirect a manner as to indicate that it had another meaning. Instead, too, of thanking the king for fully granting her petition, she still flatters and coaxes as one whose purpose was as yet ungained. The king's word is, for rest (see margin): it puts an end to vexation, and, by deciding matters, sets the disputants at peace. He is as an angel of God, as God's messenger, whose words have Divine authority; and his office is, not to discern, but "to hear the good and the evil," unmoved, as the Vulgate renders it, by blessing and cursing. His mission is too high for him to be influenced either by good words or by evil, but having patiently heard both sides, and calmly thought over the reasons for and against, he will decide righteously. Finally, she ends with the prayer, And may Jehovah thy God be with thee! By such words she hoped to propitiate the king, who now could not fail to see that the errand of the woman was personal to himself. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now therefore,וְ֠עַתָּה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time I have come בָּ֜אתִי (bā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to present לְדַבֵּ֨ר (lə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that matter הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to my lord אֲדֹנִי֙ (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the people הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock have made me afraid. יֵֽרְאֻ֖נִי (yê·rə·’u·nî) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten Your servant שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙ (šip̄·ḥā·ṯə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant thought: וַתֹּ֤אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say I will speak אֲדַבְּרָה־ (’ă·ḏab·bə·rāh-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the king. הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Perhaps אוּלַ֛י (’ū·lay) Adverb Strong's 194: Perhaps [he] הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king will grant יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה (ya·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make the request דְּבַ֥ר (də·ḇar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of his maidservant. אֲמָתֽוֹ׃ (’ă·mā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave Links 2 Samuel 14:15 NIV2 Samuel 14:15 NLT 2 Samuel 14:15 ESV 2 Samuel 14:15 NASB 2 Samuel 14:15 KJV 2 Samuel 14:15 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 14:15 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 14:15 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 14:15 French Bible 2 Samuel 14:15 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 14:15 Now therefore seeing that I have come (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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