2 Samuel 19:35
New International Version
I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

New Living Translation
I am eighty years old today, and I can no longer enjoy anything. Food and wine are no longer tasty, and I cannot hear the singers as they sing. I would only be a burden to my lord the king.

English Standard Version
I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Berean Standard Bible
I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

King James Bible
I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

New King James Version
I am today eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king?

New American Standard Bible
I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I still hear the voice of men and women singing? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

NASB 1995
“I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

NASB 1977
“I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Legacy Standard Bible
I am now eighty years old. Can I know between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Amplified Bible
I am this day eighty years old. Can I [be useful to advise you to] discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or drink? Can I still hear the voices of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Christian Standard Bible
I’m now eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I’m now 80 years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

American Standard Version
I am this day fourscore years old: can I discern between good and bad? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

Contemporary English Version
I'm already 80 years old, and my body is almost numb. I can't taste my food or hear the sound of singing, and I would be nothing but a burden.

English Revised Version
I am this day fourscore years old: can I discern between good and bad? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm 80 years old now. How can I tell what is pleasant and what is not? Can I taste what I eat or drink? Can I still hear the singing of men and women? Why should I now become a burden to you, Your Majesty?

Good News Translation
I am already eighty years old, and nothing gives me pleasure any more. I can't taste what I eat and drink, and I can't hear the voices of singers. I would only be a burden to Your Majesty.

International Standard Version
I'm now 80 years old! I can hardly tell the difference between what tastes good or bad! I can't tell what I eat or drink! I can't hear the voice of men and women when they sing! So why should your servant be an added burden to your majesty the king?

Majority Standard Bible
I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

NET Bible
I am presently eighty years old. Am I able to discern good and bad? Can I taste what I eat and drink? Am I still able to hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should I continue to be a burden to my lord the king?

New Heart English Bible
I am now eighty years old. Can I discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear the voice of male and female singers? Why then should your servant be any further burden to my lord the king?

Webster's Bible Translation
I am this day eighty years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing-men and singing-women? why then should thy servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?

World English Bible
I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more? Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I [am] a son of eighty years today; do I know between good and evil? Does your servant taste that which I am eating, and that which I drink? Do I listen anymore to the voice of male and female singers? And why is your servant for a burden to my lord the king anymore?

Young's Literal Translation
A son of eighty years I am to-day; do I know between good and evil? doth thy servant taste that which I am eating, and that which I drink? do I hearken any more to the voice of singers and songstresses? and why is thy servant any more for a burden unto my lord the king?

Smith's Literal Translation
The son of eighty years am I this day; shall I know between good to evil? if thy servant shall taste what I shall eat, and what I shall drink? if I shall yet hear to the voice of men singing or of women singing? and wherefore shall thy servant be yet for a burden to my lord the king?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I am this day fourscore years old, are my senses quick to discern sweet and bitter? or can meat or drink delight thy servant? or can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why should thy servant be a burden to my lord, the king?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Today I am eighty years old. Are my senses quick to discern sweet and bitter? Or is food and drink able to delight your servant? Or can I still hear the voice of men and women singers? Why should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?

New American Bible
I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and evil? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks, or still hear the voices of men and women singers? Why should your servant be any further burden to my lord the king?

New Revised Standard Version
Today I am eighty years old; can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I am this day eighty years old; and I cannot discern between luxury and simple living; neither can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks. Nor can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women. Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I am a son of eighty years today, and I do not know between good and bad, and anything that your Servant eats and anything that he drinks he does not taste it, also I cannot hear the voice of a nobleman or a lady. Why would your Servant be a burden again to my Lord the King?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I am this day fourscore years old; can I discern between good and bad? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I am this day eighty years old: can I then distinguish between good and evil? Can thy servant taste any longer what I eat or drink? can I any longer hear the voice of singing men or singing women? and wherefore shall thy servant any longer be a burden to my lord the king?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Kindness to Barzillai
34But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward?…

Cross References
Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,” / before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is darkened, and the clouds return after the rain, / on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly, ...

Psalm 90:10
The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Genesis 47:9
“My travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”

1 Kings 1:1-4
Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. / So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” / Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. ...

Job 14:1-2
“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.

Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.

Psalm 71:9
Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.

Psalm 92:14
In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,

1 Chronicles 29:28
He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.

Genesis 25:8
And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people.

1 Kings 2:1-2
As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man.

2 Timothy 4:6-7
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Luke 2:36-37
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, / and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Philemon 1:9
I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.

Hebrews 11:21
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.


Treasury of Scripture

I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?

can I discern

Job 6:30
Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?

Job 12:11
Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?

Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

taste

Ecclesiastes 12:1-5
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; …

I hear

Ezra 2:65
Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

Nehemiah 7:67
Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

Exodus 2:8
And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

a burden

2 Samuel 13:25
And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

2 Samuel 15:33
Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:

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Bad Burden Discern Drink Eat Eighty Evil Fourscore Good Hear Servant Singing Singing-Men Taste Voice Wherefore Women
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Bad Burden Discern Drink Eat Eighty Evil Fourscore Good Hear Servant Singing Singing-Men Taste Voice Wherefore Women
2 Samuel 19
1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning
9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back
11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah
18. Shimei is pardoned
24. Mephibosheth excused
32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family
41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them














I am now eighty years old
This phrase is spoken by Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy and loyal supporter of King David. The mention of "eighty years old" highlights the advanced age and the wisdom that often accompanies it. In ancient Israel, reaching such an age was considered a sign of God's blessing and favor. The Hebrew culture held the elderly in high regard, valuing their experience and insight. Barzillai's age signifies a life well-lived, filled with experiences that have shaped his understanding and perspective.

Can I discern what is good and what is not?
The ability to "discern" is a critical aspect of wisdom literature in the Bible. The Hebrew root for discernment often implies a deep understanding and the ability to make sound judgments. Barzillai questions his capacity to make such judgments, perhaps due to the natural decline in mental acuity that can accompany old age. This rhetorical question underscores the humility and self-awareness of Barzillai, recognizing his limitations and the natural progression of life.

Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks?
This phrase reflects the physical decline that often comes with aging. The loss of taste and appetite is a common experience for the elderly, symbolizing a diminishing enjoyment of life's pleasures. In the biblical context, eating and drinking are often associated with celebration and fellowship. Barzillai's acknowledgment of this loss highlights the transient nature of physical pleasures and the importance of spiritual sustenance.

Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers?
Music and singing were integral parts of Hebrew culture, often used in worship and celebration. The reference to "male and female singers" suggests a communal and joyous atmosphere. Barzillai's question about his ability to hear them points to the sensory decline that accompanies aging. It also serves as a metaphor for the fading of earthly joys and the anticipation of eternal joys in the presence of God.

Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
Barzillai's humility is evident in his self-description as "your servant" and his concern about being a "burden." This reflects a deep respect for King David and an understanding of his own limitations. In the historical context, Barzillai had been a great help to David during Absalom's rebellion, providing for the king and his men. His reluctance to accompany David back to Jerusalem is not due to a lack of loyalty but rather a recognition of his own frailty and a desire not to impose on the king's resources.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I am
אָנֹכִ֨י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

now
הַיּ֜וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

eighty
שְׁמֹנִ֣ים (šə·mō·nîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 8084: Eighty, eightieth

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

Can I discern
הַאֵדַ֣ע ׀ (ha·’ê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

what is good
ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

and what is not?
לְרָ֗ע (lə·rā‘)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

Can your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֙ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

taste
יִטְעַ֤ם (yiṭ·‘am)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2938: To taste, to perceive

what
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he eats
אֹכַל֙ (’ō·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 398: To eat

or drinks?
אֶשְׁתֶּ֔ה (’eš·teh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

Can I still
ע֔וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

hear
אֶשְׁמַ֣ע (’eš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the voice
בְּק֖וֹל (bə·qō·wl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of singing men
שָׁרִ֣ים (šā·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7891: To sing

and women?
וְשָׁר֑וֹת (wə·šā·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 7891: To sing

Why
וְלָמָּה֩ (wə·lām·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֥ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

be
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

an added
עוֹד֙ (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

burden
לְמַשָּׂ֔א (lə·maś·śā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

my lord
אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

the king?
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT History: 2 Samuel 19:35 I am this day eighty years old: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 19:34
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