2 Samuel 20:9
New International Version
Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

New Living Translation
“How are you, my cousin?” Joab said and took him by the beard with his right hand as though to kiss him.

English Standard Version
And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Berean Standard Bible
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.

King James Bible
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

New King James Version
Then Joab said to Amasa, “Are you in health, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

New American Standard Bible
And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it going well for you, my brother?” And Joab took hold of Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

NASB 1995
Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

NASB 1977
And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Amplified Bible
Joab said to Amasa, “Is it going well with you, my brother?” And with his right hand Joab took hold of Amasa by the beard [as if] to kiss him [in greeting].

Christian Standard Bible
Joab asked Amasa, “Are you well, my brother? ” Then with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joab asked Amasa, “Are you well, my brother?” Then with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.

American Standard Version
And Joab said to Amasa, Is it well with thee, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Contemporary English Version
Joab said, "Amasa, my cousin, how are you?" Then Joab took hold of Amasa's beard with his right hand, so that he could greet him with a kiss.

English Revised Version
And Joab said to Amasa, Is it well with thee, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"How are you, my brother?" Joab asked Amasa. He took hold of Amasa's beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Good News Translation
Joab said to Amasa, "How are you, my friend?" and took hold of his beard with his right hand in order to kiss him.

International Standard Version
Joab asked Amasa, "Is everything going well with you, my brother?" As Joab took Amasa by his beard to greet him,

Majority Standard Bible
?Are you well, my brother?? Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.

NET Bible
Joab said to Amasa, "How are you, my brother?" With his right hand Joab took hold of Amasa's beard as if to greet him with a kiss.

New Heart English Bible
And Joab said to Amasa, "Is it well with you, my brother?" Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

World English Bible
Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joab says to Amasa, “Are you [in] peace, my brother?” And the right hand of Joab lays hold on the beard of Amasa to give a kiss to him;

Young's Literal Translation
And Joab saith to Amasa, 'Art thou in peace, my brother?' and the right hand of Joab layeth hold on the beard of Amasa to give a kiss to him;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab will say to Amasa, Thou my brother in peace? and Joab's right hand will take hold of Amasa by the beard to kiss him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joab said to Amasa: God save thee, my brother. And he took Amasa by the chin with his right hand to kiss him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Joab said to Amasa, “Be well, my brother.” And he held Amasa by the chin with his right hand, as if to kiss him.

New American Bible
Joab asked Amasa, “Is everything all right, my brother?” and with his right hand held Amasa’s beard as if to kiss him.

New Revised Standard Version
Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joab said to Amasa, Peace be with you, my brother. And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his hand to kiss him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Yuab said to Amasa: “Peace to you my brother!” And the hand of Yuab fell on the beard of Amasa and he kissed him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joab said to Amasa: 'Is it well with thee, my brother?' And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab said to Amessai, Art thou in health, my brother? and the right hand of Joab took hold of the beard of Amessai to kiss him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sheba's Rebellion
8And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. 9“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. 10Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

1 Kings 2:5
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet.

2 Samuel 3:30
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

2 Samuel 2:22-23
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” / But Asahel refused to turn away. So Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.

2 Samuel 3:33-34
And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool? / Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. As a man falls before the wicked, so also you fell.” And all the people wept over him even more.

1 Kings 2:32
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.

Matthew 26:48-49
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 14:44-45
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 18:2-3
Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Proverbs 26:25
When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.

Psalm 55:21
His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.

Genesis 4:8
Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Jeremiah 41:2
Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land.

Matthew 26:50
“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.


Treasury of Scripture

And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

Art thou

Psalm 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Proverbs 26:24-26
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; …

Micah 7:2
The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

to kiss him

Matthew 26:48,49
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast…

Luke 22:47,48
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him…

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2 Samuel 20
1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
23. David's officers














“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa.
This phrase reflects the customary greeting of the time, which often involved inquiring about one's well-being. Joab's use of "my brother" indicates a sense of kinship or camaraderie, though it is likely insincere given the context. In the ancient Near East, such greetings were common and often served as a prelude to more serious discussions or actions. The use of familial language can be seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Genesis 29:4, where Jacob addresses shepherds as "my brothers." This greeting sets the stage for Joab's deceptive intentions, reminiscent of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus with a kiss in Matthew 26:49.

And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.
Grabbing the beard was a gesture that could signify respect or affection, as beards were considered symbols of manhood and dignity in ancient Israelite culture. However, Joab's action is a prelude to treachery, as he uses this gesture to draw Amasa close under the guise of friendship. The right hand is often associated with power and authority in biblical texts, as seen in Psalm 110:1, where the Messiah is invited to sit at God's right hand. Joab's use of his right hand here underscores the betrayal, as he exploits a position of strength to commit murder. This act of deception parallels other biblical accounts of betrayal, such as Absalom's deceitful behavior in 2 Samuel 15:5-6, and foreshadows the ultimate betrayal of Christ by Judas.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and political cunning. He is a central figure in the power struggles during David's reign.

2. Amasa
Appointed by David as the commander of the army in place of Joab. He is Joab's cousin and was previously aligned with Absalom during the rebellion.

3. The Event
This verse captures a moment of betrayal. Joab greets Amasa with a gesture of friendship, only to deceive and ultimately kill him.

4. The Setting
This event takes place during a time of political unrest following Absalom's rebellion. David is working to consolidate his kingdom, and Joab sees Amasa as a threat to his position.

5. The Deception
Joab's act of taking Amasa by the beard to kiss him is a cultural gesture of greeting and respect, which he uses deceitfully to lower Amasa's guard.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Deception
Joab's actions remind us of the destructive power of deceit. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, avoiding deceit in our relationships.

The Consequences of Ambition
Joab's ambition leads him to commit murder. We must guard our hearts against unchecked ambition that can lead to sin.

The Importance of Discernment
Amasa's failure to discern Joab's intentions serves as a warning to us to seek wisdom and discernment in our interactions with others.

The Role of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Despite the betrayal, David's account is ultimately one of seeking reconciliation and peace. We are encouraged to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives.

Trust in God's Justice
Joab's actions, though seemingly unchecked, remind us that ultimate justice belongs to God. We can trust Him to right wrongs in His timing.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Are you
אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

well,
הֲשָׁל֥וֹם (hă·šā·lō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

my brother?”
אָחִ֑י (’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Joab
יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

asked
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Amasa.
לַעֲמָשָׂ֔א (la·‘ă·mā·śā)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6021: Amasa -- two Israelites

And with his right
יְמִ֥ין (yə·mîn)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

hand
יַד־ (yaḏ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Joab
יוֹאָ֛ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

grabbed
וַתֹּ֜חֶז (wat·tō·ḥez)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession

Amasa
עֲמָשָׂ֖א (‘ă·mā·śā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6021: Amasa -- two Israelites

by the beard
בִּזְקַ֥ן (biz·qan)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 2206: Beard, chin

to kiss
לִנְשָׁק־ (lin·šāq-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

him.
לֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT History: 2 Samuel 20:9 Joab said to Amasa Is it well (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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