2 Samuel 3:16
New International Version
Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back home!” So he went back.

New Living Translation
Palti followed along behind her as far as Bahurim, weeping as he went. Then Abner told him, “Go back home!” So Palti returned.

English Standard Version
But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.

Berean Standard Bible
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.

King James Bible
And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

New King James Version
Then her husband went along with her to Bahurim, weeping behind her. So Abner said to him, “Go, return!” And he returned.

New American Standard Bible
And her husband went with her, weeping as he went, following her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned.

NASB 1995
But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned.

NASB 1977
But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned.

Legacy Standard Bible
But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned.

Amplified Bible
But her husband went with her, weeping continually behind her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner told him, “Go, return.” And he did so.

Christian Standard Bible
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he went back.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he went back.

American Standard Version
And her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return: and he returned.

Contemporary English Version
Paltiel followed Michal and the men all the way to Bahurim, crying as he walked. But he went back home after Abner ordered him to leave.

English Revised Version
And her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return: and he returned.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Her husband went with her and cried over her all the way to Bahurim. "Go home," Abner told him. So he went home.

Good News Translation
Paltiel followed her all the way to the town of Bahurim, crying as he went. But when Abner said, "Go back home," he did.

International Standard Version
Her husband accompanied her, crying as he followed after her all the way to Bahurim, where Abner told him, "Leave! Go back!" So he went back.

Majority Standard Bible
Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.

NET Bible
Her husband went along behind her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Finally Abner said to him, "Go back!" So he returned home.

New Heart English Bible
But her husband went with her, weeping behind her, as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back." So he went back.

Webster's Bible Translation
And her husband went with her, weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner to him, Go, return. And he returned.

World English Bible
Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and he returned.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and her husband goes with her, going on and weeping behind her, to Bahurim, and Abner says to him, “Go, return”; and he turns back.

Young's Literal Translation
and her husband goeth with her, going on and weeping behind her, unto Bahurim, and Abner saith unto him, 'Go, turn back;' and he turneth back.

Smith's Literal Translation
And her husband went with her, going and weeping after her even to Bahurim. And Abner will say to him, Go, turn back And he will turn back.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And her husband followed her, weeping as far as Bahurim: and Abner said to him: Go and return. And he returned.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And her husband was following her, weeping, as far as Bahurim. And Abner said to him, “Go and return.” And he returned.

New American Bible
who followed her weeping as far as Bahurim. But Abner said to him, “Go back!” So he turned back.

New Revised Standard Version
But her husband went with her, weeping as he walked behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back home!” So he went back.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And her husband went along with her weeping as far as Beth-hurim. Then Abner said to him, Return. And he returned.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And her husband went on walking and weeping after her unto Bayth Khorim, and Abnir said to him: “Go back!” And he went back
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him: 'Go, return'; and he returned.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And her husband went with her weeping behind her as far as Barakim. And Abenner said to him, Go, return; and he returned.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abner Joins David
15So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. 16Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home. 17Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.…

Cross References
Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Matthew 19:5-6
and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ...

Mark 10:7-9
‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, / and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. / Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

Hosea 2:19-20
So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.”

Jeremiah 3:1
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 54:5
For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.

Matthew 5:31-32
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.


Treasury of Scripture

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner to him, Go, return. And he returned.

along weeping [heb] going and weeping

Proverbs 9:17,18
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant…

Bahurim

2 Samuel 16:5
And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

2 Samuel 17:18
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

2 Samuel 19:16
And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

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Abner Bahurim Bahu'rim Far Followed Home However Husband Turn Turneth Way Weeping
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














But her husband
This phrase refers to Paltiel, the son of Laish, who was given Michal, Saul's daughter, as a wife after David was initially separated from her. The Hebrew word for "husband" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can mean man or husband, emphasizing the personal and relational aspect of Paltiel's connection to Michal. This highlights the emotional and personal turmoil involved in the political machinations of the time.

went with her
The Hebrew verb "הָלַךְ" (halak) means to walk or go, indicating Paltiel's physical and emotional journey as he accompanies Michal. This action underscores his devotion and the heartache of losing his wife due to the political reconciliation between David and Abner.

weeping all the way
The Hebrew word for "weeping" is "בָּכָה" (bakah), which conveys deep sorrow and lamentation. This phrase paints a vivid picture of Paltiel's grief, illustrating the personal cost of political decisions and the human suffering that can result from them.

to Bahurim
Bahurim is a location near Jerusalem, mentioned several times in the Bible. Its mention here provides a geographical context, indicating the extent of Paltiel's journey and the emotional weight of each step he took. Bahurim later becomes significant in other biblical narratives, adding layers to its historical and scriptural importance.

Then Abner said to him
Abner, the commander of Saul's army, plays a crucial role in the power dynamics of Israel. His authority in this situation reflects the political maneuvering and the shifting allegiances that characterize this period of Israel's history. Abner's intervention is decisive, showing his influence and the gravity of the situation.

Go back
The command "Go back" is a turning point in the narrative. The Hebrew "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or turn back, signifying not just a physical return but also a forced submission to the political realities of the time. It highlights the tension between personal desires and political necessities.

So he returned
This phrase concludes the verse with a sense of resignation. The Hebrew "וַיָּשָׁב" (vayashav) indicates compliance and acceptance of the situation. Paltiel's return marks the end of his journey with Michal, symbolizing the personal sacrifices made in the face of larger political forces.

(16) Weeping behind her.--Phaltiel appears to have been sincerely attached to Michal, and it may be supposed that his affection was reciprocated. But it is to be remembered that she was not rightfully his wife, and that David's claim was prior as well as better. According to 1Samuel 25:44, Phaltiel was of Gallim, a place thought, from the connection in which it is mentioned in Isaiah 10:30, to have been in Benjamin, and not far from Gibeah; but he had probably crossed the Jordan with the adherents of the house of Saul. Bahurim was on the road from the Mount of Olives to the Jordan valley, and hence on the way from Mahanaim to Hebron, and a long distance from the former. It was the residence of Shimei (2Samuel 16:5), and the place of concealment of David's messengers, Jonathan and Ahimaaz (2Samuel 17:18).

Verse 16. - Her husband went with her along weeping behind her. "Along weeping" is a very awkward rendering of the Hebrew phrase, "going and weeping." The Revised Version is far better, "weeping as he went and followed her." Phaltiel had been Michal's husband for eight or nine years, and his sorrow at losing her excites sympathy for them both. They had evidently loved one another, and she was now going to be but one of many wives; and though David may have desired her restoration because he valued her and cherished the remembrance of their youthful affection, yet there was a large admixture of political motive in his conduct. At Gallim she had been Phaltiel's one jewel, and had been loved for her own sake; at Hebron she would have many rivals. But women of royal rank have often to pay the price of sacrificed affections for the ends of statecraft. Near Bahurim, on the road from Jerusalem to Gilgal, in the valley of the Jordan, the convoy approached the borders of Judah, and Abner will not allow the weeping husband to enter David's dominions. Painful as was his fate, he had himself done wrong in marrying another man's wife; and if he was weeping now, we may well believe that David had felt equal anguish when Michal was torn from him and sold to another, - for fathers in those days received instead of giving a dowry upon the marriage of their daughters. Saul in this matter was most to blame, and if he had not committed this wrong, David might never have sought an evil solace in multiplying to himself other wives

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Her husband
אִישָׁ֗הּ (’î·šāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

followed
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

her,
אַחֲרֶ֖יהָ (’a·ḥă·re·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

weeping
וּבָכֹ֛ה (ū·ḇā·ḵōh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

all the way to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Bahurim.
בַּֽחֻרִ֑ים (ba·ḥu·rîm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 980: Bahurim -- 'young men's village', a city in Benjamin

Then Abner
אַבְנֵ֛ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

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

to him,
אֵלָ֥יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

“Go back.”
שׁ֖וּב (šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

So he returned [home].
וַיָּשֹֽׁב׃ (way·yā·šōḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again


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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:16 Her husband went with her weeping as (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 3:15
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