2 Samuel 18:19
New International Version
Now Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Let me run and take the news to the king that the LORD has vindicated him by delivering him from the hand of his enemies.”

New Living Translation
Then Zadok’s son Ahimaaz said, “Let me run to the king with the good news that the LORD has rescued him from his enemies.”

English Standard Version
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and carry news to the king that the LORD has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”

King James Bible
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

New King James Version
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and bring the king news that the LORD has freed him from the hand of his enemies!”

NASB 1995
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and bring the king news that the LORD has freed him from the hand of his enemies.”

NASB 1977
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and bring the king news that the LORD has freed him from the hand of his enemies.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and proclaim the good news to the king that Yahweh has judged to save him from the hand of his enemies.”

Amplified Bible
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, said, “Let me run and bring the king news that the LORD has vindicated him by rescuing him from [the power of] his enemies.”

Christian Standard Bible
Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has vindicated him by freeing him from his enemies.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has delivered him from his enemies.”

American Standard Version
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that Jehovah hath avenged him of his enemies.

Contemporary English Version
Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, "Joab, let me run and tell King David that the LORD has rescued him from his enemies."

English Revised Version
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, said, "Let me run and bring the king the good news that the LORD has freed him from his enemies."

Good News Translation
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said to Joab, "Let me run to the king with the good news that the LORD has saved him from his enemies."

International Standard Version
Zadok's son Ahimaaz told Joab, "Let me run over to King David and take him the news. I'll mention that the LORD has delivered him from his enemies."

Majority Standard Bible
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, ?Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.?

NET Bible
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, "Let me run and give the king the good news that the LORD has vindicated him before his enemies."

New Heart English Bible
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, "Let me run, let me carry the king news how that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and inform the king, how the LORD hath avenged himself of his enemies.

World English Bible
Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me now run and carry the king news, how Yahweh has avenged him of his enemies.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run, and I bear the king tidings, for YHWH has delivered him out of the hand of his enemies”;

Young's Literal Translation
And Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, 'Let me run, I pray thee, and I bear the king tidings, for Jehovah hath delivered him out of the hand of his enemies;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, said, I will run now and bring good news to the king that Jehovah judged him out of the hand of his enemies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Achimaas the son of Sadoc said: I will run and tell the king, that the Lord hath done judgment for him from the hand of his enemies.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, said, “I will run and report to the king that the Lord has accomplished judgment for him, from the hand of his enemies.”

New American Bible
Then Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, said, “Let me run to take the good news to the king that the LORD has set him free from the power of his enemies.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Let me run, and carry tidings to the king that the LORD has delivered him from the power of his enemies.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run and bring the good tidings to the king, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Akhimaz, son of Tsaduq, said: “I shall run, I shall announce to the King that LORD JEHOVAH has vindicated him from the hand of his enemies”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok: 'Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Achimaas the son of Sadoc said, Let me run now and carry glad tidings to the king, for the Lord has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Mourns for Absalom
19Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” 20But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 18:31-32
Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” / The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”

2 Samuel 15:1-6
Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ...

2 Samuel 17:21-22
After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” / So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.

2 Samuel 19:1-8
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...

1 Kings 1:42-43
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.” / “Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king.

1 Kings 2:28-30
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.”

1 Kings 14:6
So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news.

1 Chronicles 10:1-6
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. ...

Psalm 68:11
The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it:

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Jeremiah 51:31
One courier races to meet another, and messenger follows messenger, to announce to the king of Babylon that his city has been captured from end to end.

Matthew 28:8-10
So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. / Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. / “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.”

Mark 16:9-10
Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons. / She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping.

Luke 24:9-10
And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. / It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.

John 20:18
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.

Ahimaaz

2 Samuel 18:23,27-29
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…

2 Samuel 15:36
Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

2 Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

Psalm 7:6,8,9
Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded…

Psalm 9:4,16
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right…

Psalm 10:14,18
Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless…

Jump to Previous
Ahimaaz Ahi'ma-Az Arms Avenged Bear Carry Cause Delivered Enemies Freed Hand Inform News Please Right Run Tidings Zadok
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Ahimaaz Ahi'ma-Az Arms Avenged Bear Carry Cause Delivered Enemies Freed Hand Inform News Please Right Run Tidings Zadok
2 Samuel 18
1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim
9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit
18. Absalom's place
19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David
33. David mourns for Absalom














Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok
Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, is a significant figure in the narrative of David's reign. As a priestly figure, his lineage is rooted in the Levitical priesthood, which underscores his role as a messenger of divine will. The name "Ahimaaz" means "my brother is wrath," which may reflect the intensity and urgency with which he approaches his task. Zadok, his father, was a faithful priest during David's reign, symbolizing continuity and faithfulness in service to God. This lineage highlights the importance of family heritage and the passing down of faithfulness and duty from one generation to the next.

said, 'Please let me run
The act of running in ancient times was often associated with delivering important messages. Ahimaaz's eagerness to run reflects his zeal and dedication to his king and his God. The Hebrew word for "run" (רוץ, "rutz") conveys a sense of urgency and purpose. In a spiritual sense, this eagerness can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's desire to spread the good news of God's kingdom with urgency and dedication.

and tell the king the good news
The phrase "good news" (בְּשׂוֹרָה, "besorah") is significant in biblical literature, often associated with the proclamation of victory or salvation. In this context, it refers to the victory over Absalom's rebellion. For Christians, this foreshadows the ultimate "good news" of the Gospel, the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. Ahimaaz's desire to share this news with the king mirrors the Christian's call to share the Gospel with the world.

that the LORD has avenged him
The concept of divine vengeance is rooted in the justice and righteousness of God. The Hebrew word for "avenged" (נָקַם, "naqam") implies a rightful retribution against those who oppose God's anointed. This reflects the biblical principle that God is the ultimate judge and defender of His people. For believers, it is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His promise to uphold justice in His perfect timing.

of his enemies
The term "enemies" (אֹיֵב, "oyev") in this context refers to those who opposed King David, specifically Absalom and his followers. Historically, this highlights the constant struggle between God's chosen leaders and those who seek to usurp their authority. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between good and evil, and the assurance that God will ultimately triumph over all His foes. For Christians, it is a call to trust in God's protection and deliverance from spiritual adversaries.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Ahimaaz
וַאֲחִימַ֤עַץ (wa·’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 290: Ahimaaz -- 'my brother is wrath', two Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zadok
צָדוֹק֙ (ṣā·ḏō·wq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites

said,
אָמַ֔ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Please
נָּ֔א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let me run
אָר֣וּצָה (’ā·rū·ṣāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7323: To run

and tell the king
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

the good news
וַאֲבַשְּׂרָ֖ה (wa·’ă·ḇaś·śə·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has avenged him
שְׁפָט֥וֹ (šə·p̄ā·ṭōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

of
מִיַּ֥ד (mî·yaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

his enemies.”
אֹיְבָֽיו׃ (’ō·yə·ḇāw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary


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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 18:18
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