2 Samuel 15:31
New International Version
Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

New Living Translation
When someone told David that his adviser Ahithophel was now backing Absalom, David prayed, “O LORD, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!”

English Standard Version
And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

King James Bible
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

New King James Version
Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

New American Standard Bible
Now someone informed David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “LORD, please make the advice of Ahithophel foolish.”

NASB 1995
Now someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.”

NASB 1977
Now someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now David informed them, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Yahweh, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.”

Amplified Bible
David was told, “Ahithophel [your counselor] is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “O LORD, I pray You, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then someone reported to David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” “LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then someone reported to David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom."” LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

American Standard Version
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

Contemporary English Version
Someone told David, "Ahithophel is helping Absalom plot against you!" David said, "Please, LORD, keep Ahithophel's plans from working!"

English Revised Version
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then David was told, "Ahithophel is among those conspiring with Absalom." So David prayed, "LORD, make Ahithophel's advice foolish."

Good News Translation
When David was told that Ahithophel had joined Absalom's rebellion, he prayed, "Please, LORD, turn Ahithophel's advice into nonsense!"

International Standard Version
Just then, someone told David, "Ahithophel is one of Absalom's conspirators!" So David prayed, "LORD, please turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness."

Majority Standard Bible
Now someone told David: ?Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.? So David pleaded, ?O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!?

NET Bible
Now David had been told, "Ahithophel has sided with the conspirators who are with Absalom. So David prayed, "Make the advice of Ahithophel foolish, O LORD!"

New Heart English Bible
Someone told David, saying, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." David said, "LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."

Webster's Bible Translation
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

World English Bible
Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David declared, saying, “Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom”; and David says, “Please make the counsel of Ahithophel foolish, O YHWH.”

Young's Literal Translation
and David declared, saying, 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom;' and David saith, 'Make foolish, I pray Thee, the counsel of Ahithophel, O Jehovah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was announced to David, saying, Ahithophel among those conspiring with Absalom. And David will say, Now make foolish the counsel of Ahithophel, O Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it was told David that Achitophel also was in the conspiracy with Absalom, and David said: Infatuate, O Lord, I beseech thee, the counsel of Achitophel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it was reported to David that Ahithophel also had joined in swearing with Absalom. And David said, “ O Lord, I beg you, to uncover the foolishness of the counsel of Ahithophel.”

New American Bible
When David was told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom,” he said, “O LORD, turn the counsel of Ahithophel to folly!”

New Revised Standard Version
David was told that Ahithophel was among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, “O LORD, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they told David, saying, Ahithophel has conspired with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, nullify the counsel of Ahithophel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they told David and they said to him: “Akhithuphel himself revolted with Abishlum!" And David spoke and said: “Let the counsel of Akhithuphel be nullified!"
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And one told David, saying: 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.' And David said: 'O LORD, I pray Thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it was reported to David, saying, Achitophel also is among the conspirators with Abessalom. And David said, O Lord my God, disconcert, I pray thee, the counsel of Achitophel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Weeps at the Mount of Olives
30But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. 31Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 32When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.…

Cross References
Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

1 Chronicles 27:33
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

2 Samuel 16:23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

2 Samuel 17:14
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

2 Samuel 17:23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

1 Kings 12:6-11
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. ...

1 Kings 22:22-23
And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”

Jeremiah 9:4
“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.

Jeremiah 20:10
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:21-25
And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” / Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. ...

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:18-21
And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.” / They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?” / He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

Ahithophel

2 Samuel 15:12
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

Psalm 3:1
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Psalm 41:9
Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

O Lord

Psalm 55:15
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

Psalm 109:3
They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

turn the counsel

2 Samuel 16:23
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

2 Samuel 17:14,23
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom…

Job 5:12
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

Jump to Previous
Absalom Ab'salom Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's Conspirators Counsel David Foolishness Joined Please Prayed Someone Turn Wisdom Word
Jump to Next
Absalom Ab'salom Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's Conspirators Counsel David Foolishness Joined Please Prayed Someone Turn Wisdom Word
2 Samuel 15
1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.
7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron
10. He makes there a great conspiracy
13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem
19. Ittai will leave him
24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark
30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping,
31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel
32. Hushai is sent back with instructions














Now someone told David
This phrase introduces a moment of revelation and urgency. The Hebrew word for "told" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which implies a formal announcement or report. In the context of ancient Israel, such reports were often delivered by trusted messengers or informants. This moment underscores the gravity of the situation, as David receives news that could alter the course of his reign. It highlights the importance of communication and the role of divine providence in the unfolding of events.

Ahithophel is among the conspirators
Ahithophel was a highly esteemed counselor, known for his wisdom and insight. The Hebrew name "אֲחִיתֹפֶל" (Ahithophel) can be translated as "brother of folly," which is ironic given his reputation for wise counsel. His defection to Absalom's side was a significant blow to David, as it represented not only a loss of a trusted advisor but also a shift in political power. The term "conspirators" (Hebrew: "קָשַׁר" - qashar) indicates a binding alliance against David, emphasizing the seriousness of the rebellion.

with Absalom
Absalom, David's son, is central to this narrative. His name in Hebrew, "אַבְשָׁלוֹם" (Avshalom), means "father of peace," yet his actions are anything but peaceful. This juxtaposition highlights the tragic nature of his rebellion. Historically, Absalom's revolt was a culmination of personal grievances and political ambition, reflecting the complexities of familial and national loyalty in ancient Israel.

So David prayed
In response to the dire news, David turns to prayer, demonstrating his reliance on God in times of crisis. The Hebrew verb "פָּלַל" (palal) for "prayed" conveys a sense of intercession and supplication. This act of prayer is a testament to David's faith and his understanding that true wisdom and deliverance come from the LORD. It serves as a model for believers to seek divine guidance and intervention in challenging circumstances.

O LORD
The invocation of "LORD" (Hebrew: "יְהוָה" - Yahweh) is significant, as it calls upon the covenant name of God. This name is associated with God's eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. By addressing God in this manner, David acknowledges the LORD's sovereignty and his own dependence on divine will. It is a reminder of the personal relationship between God and His chosen leaders.

please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness
David's prayer is specific and strategic. The word "turn" (Hebrew: "הָפַךְ" - haphak) suggests a complete reversal or transformation. David seeks not just the failure of Ahithophel's advice but its conversion into "foolishness" (Hebrew: "סִכְלוּת" - siklut), which denotes a lack of understanding or insight. This request underscores the belief that God can intervene in human affairs to thwart the plans of the wicked. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to protect His anointed and to bring about justice.

(31) One told David.--This is no doubt the meaning, but the preposition has dropped out of the Hebrew text, leaving it unintelligible, and reading literally, and David told.

Verse 31. - And one told David. The Hebrew literally is, and David told. But we cannot suppose that David had previously known of Ahithophel's defection. The text is evidently corrupt, and the Authorized Version gives the right sense. On hearing of the defection of a man so famous for practical sound judgment, David prays to God to frustrate his counsel, and the opportunity for devising means for this end quickly follows.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now someone told
הִגִּ֣יד (hig·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

David:
וְדָוִד֙ (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“Ahithophel [is]
אֲחִיתֹ֥פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

among the conspirators
בַּקֹּשְׁרִ֖ים (baq·qō·šə·rîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7194: To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, league

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Absalom.”
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

So David
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

pleaded,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“O LORD,
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

please
נָ֛א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

turn the counsel
עֲצַ֥ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

of Ahithophel
אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

into foolishness!”
סַכֶּל־ (sak·kel-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5528: To be foolish or a fool


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OT History: 2 Samuel 15:31 One told David saying Ahithophel is among (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 15:30
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