2 Samuel 3:11
New International Version
Ish-Bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

New Living Translation
Ishbosheth didn’t dare say another word because he was afraid of what Abner might do.

English Standard Version
And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Berean Standard Bible
And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.

King James Bible
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

New King James Version
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

New American Standard Bible
And Ish-bosheth could no longer say a word in response to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

NASB 1995
And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.

NASB 1977
And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he could no longer respond a word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

Amplified Bible
And Ish-bosheth could not say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

Christian Standard Bible
Ish-bosheth did not dare respond to Abner because he was afraid of him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner because he was afraid of him.

American Standard Version
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Contemporary English Version
Ishbosheth was so afraid of Abner that he could not even answer.

English Revised Version
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Ishbosheth couldn't respond to a single word, because he was afraid of Abner.

Good News Translation
Ishbosheth was so afraid of Abner that he could not say a word.

International Standard Version
Ish-bosheth couldn't say another word in response to Abner, because he was terrified of him.

Majority Standard Bible
And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.

NET Bible
Ish-bosheth was unable to answer Abner with even a single word because he was afraid of him.

New Heart English Bible
And Ishbaal could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

World English Bible
He could not answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he is not able to return a word [to] Abner anymore, because of his fearing him.

Young's Literal Translation
And he is not able any more to turn back Abner a word, because of his fearing him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he was not able to turn back Abner a word from his fearing him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he could not answer him a word, because he feared him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he was not able to respond anything to him, because he was in fear of him.

New American Bible
Ishbaal was no longer able to say a word to Abner, he feared him so.

New Revised Standard Version
And Ishbaal could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Ashbashul could not reply to Abner, because he feared him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Ashbashul could not return an answer again to Abnir, from his fear
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jebosthe could not any longer answer Abenner a word, because he feared him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abner Joins David
10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” 11And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him. 12Then Abner sent messengers in his place to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 10:27
But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.

1 Samuel 16:2
“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’

1 Samuel 17:28-30
Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” / “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?” / Then he turned from him toward another and asked about the offer, and those people answered him just as the first ones had answered.

1 Samuel 24:7
With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.

1 Samuel 26:9
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

1 Kings 2:5-6
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. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 2:32-33
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. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

1 Kings 2:44
The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head.

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 16:10
But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”

2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?”

Matthew 27:12-14
And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.

Mark 15:3-5
And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. / Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” / But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply.

Luke 23:9
Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

John 19:9-11
and he went back into the Praetorium. “Where are You from?” he asked. But Jesus gave no answer. / So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”


Treasury of Scripture

And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

because

2 Samuel 3:39
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

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Able Abner Afraid Dare Fear Feared Fearing Great Ish-Bosheth Ish-Bo'sheth Longer Turn Word
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Able Abner Afraid Dare Fear Feared Fearing Great Ish-Bosheth Ish-Bo'sheth Longer Turn Word
2 Samuel 3
1. During the war David becomes stronger
2. Six sons are born to him in Hebron
6. Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth
7. revolts to David
13. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal
17. Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed
22. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner
28. David curses Joab
31. and mourns for Abner














And Ish-bosheth
Ish-bosheth, whose name means "man of shame," was the son of King Saul and was made king over Israel by Abner, Saul's military commander. His reign was marked by weakness and dependency on Abner, reflecting the instability of Saul's house after his death. The historical context here is crucial, as Ish-bosheth's kingship was a direct challenge to David's God-anointed rule over Judah, setting the stage for the eventual unification of Israel under David.

could not answer
The phrase "could not answer" indicates Ish-bosheth's inability to respond or stand up to Abner. This reflects his lack of authority and confidence, highlighting the power dynamics at play. In the Hebrew context, the inability to answer signifies a position of subservience and fear, which is a recurring theme in the narrative of Saul's lineage, contrasting with David's divinely sanctioned leadership.

Abner
Abner, whose name means "father of light," was a powerful military leader and the real power behind Ish-bosheth's throne. His role in the narrative is pivotal, as he initially supports Saul's house but later shifts allegiance to David. Historically, Abner's actions demonstrate the political maneuvering and shifting loyalties that characterized the period of the divided kingdom. His influence over Ish-bosheth underscores the fragility of human power structures compared to God's sovereign plan.

a word
The term "a word" signifies more than just speech; it represents authority and the ability to assert one's position. In the biblical context, words carry weight and power, often reflecting one's standing before God and men. Ish-bosheth's silence is telling of his lack of divine endorsement and personal conviction, contrasting with the prophetic and kingly authority of David, who speaks with God's backing.

because he feared him
Fear, in this context, is a powerful motivator and a sign of Ish-bosheth's recognition of Abner's dominance. The Hebrew root for fear often implies reverence or terror, and here it suggests a paralyzing dread that prevents Ish-bosheth from asserting his kingship. This fear is indicative of the broader theme of human frailty and the consequences of relying on human strength rather than divine guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and courage in leadership, as exemplified by David, who trusted in God's promises despite opposition.

Verse 11. - He could not answer Abner. Though the reply was one of open treason, and was spoken with violence, yet Ishbosheth did not venture to bring the matter to an issue. Perhaps he looked round upon his officers to see if any would take his side, and, when all were silent, he was too feeble to dare to order the arrest and trial of his too powerful captain.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And for fear
מִיִּרְאָת֖וֹ (mî·yir·’ā·ṯōw)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

[of Abner],
אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

Ish-bosheth did not dare
יָכֹ֣ל (yā·ḵōl)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

to say
לְהָשִׁ֥יב (lə·hā·šîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

another word
דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

to [him].
אַבְנֵ֖ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name


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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:11 He could not answer Abner another word (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 3:10
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