New International VersionHushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him.
New Living Translation“I’m here because I belong to the man who is chosen by the LORD and by all the men of Israel,” Hushai replied.
English Standard VersionAnd Hushai said to Absalom, “No, for whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
Berean Standard Bible“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.
King James BibleAnd Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
New King James VersionAnd Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
New American Standard BibleSo Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I shall be, and with him I shall remain.
NASB 1995Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
NASB 1977Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him I will remain.
Legacy Standard BibleThen Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom Yahweh, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
Amplified BibleHushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen [as king], I will be his, and I will remain with him.
Christian Standard Bible“Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleNot at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the LORD, the people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him.
American Standard VersionAnd Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom Jehovah, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
Contemporary English VersionHushai answered, "The LORD and the people of Israel have chosen you to be king. I can't leave. I have to stay and serve the one they've chosen.
English Revised VersionAnd Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHushai answered Absalom, "No, I want to be with the one whom the LORD, these people, and all Israel have chosen. I will be his [friend] and stay with him.
Good News TranslationHushai answered, "How could I? I am for the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the Israelites. I will stay with you.
International Standard VersionHushai replied, "No! On the contrary, whomever the LORD, this group, and all the men of Israel choose is where I'll be, and I'll remain with him!
NET BibleHushai replied to Absalom, "No, I will be loyal to the one whom the LORD, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen.
New Heart English BibleThen Hushai said to Absalom, "No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I belong, and with him I will stay.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Hushai said to Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.
World English BibleHushai said to Absalom, “No; but whomever Yahweh and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, I will be his, and I will stay with him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Hushai says to Absalom, “No, for he whom YHWH has chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, I am his, and I abide with him;
Young's Literal Translation And Hushai saith unto Absalom, 'Nay, for he whom Jehovah hath chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, his I am, and with him I abide;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Hushai will say to Absalom, Nay; for whom Jehovah chose and this people, and every man of Israel, shall I not be and dwell with him? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Chusai answered Absalom: Nay: for I will be his, whom the Lord hath chosen, and all this people, and all Israel, and with him will I abide.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Hushai responded to Absalom: “By no means! For I will be his, whom the Lord has chosen. And I, and all this people, and all of Israel, will remain with him.
New American BibleHushai replied to Absalom: “On the contrary, I am his whom the LORD and all this people and all Israel have chosen, and with him I will stay.
New Revised Standard VersionHushai said to Absalom, “No; but the one whom the LORD and this people and all the Israelites have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Hushai said to Absalom. No; but whom the LORD and this people and all Israel have chosen, with him will I dwell, and his will I be.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedKhushi said to Abishlum: “Is it not with him whom LORD JEHOVAH chose, and this people and all Israel, his possession with whom I shall stay, and I shall be his? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Hushai said unto Absalom: 'Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Chusi said to Abessalom, Nay, but following whom the Lord, and this people, and all Israel have chosen, - his will I be, and with him I will dwell.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai… 17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” 18“Not at all,”Hushaianswered.“Forthe onechosenby the LORD,by thepeople,and by allthe menof Israel—hisI will be,and with himI will remain.19Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”…
Cross References 1 Kings 1:8But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.
1 Kings 1:45Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there with rejoicing that rings out in the city. That is the noise you hear.
1 Kings 2:15“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.
1 Chronicles 12:38All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.
1 Chronicles 29:24All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.
2 Samuel 15:34But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’
2 Samuel 19:9-10And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”
2 Samuel 3:36-37All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them. / So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.
2 Samuel 5:1-3Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.
2 Samuel 15:37So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.
2 Samuel 17:14Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
2 Samuel 19:14So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.”
2 Samuel 20:2So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 3:17-18Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’”
2 Samuel 19:41-43Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel.
Treasury of Scripture And Hushai said to Absalom, No; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, weare thy bone and thy flesh… 1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. Jump to Previous AbideAbsalomAb'salomChooseChosenHushaiIsraelJump to Next AbideAbsalomAb'salomChooseChosenHushaiIsrael2 Samuel 16 1.Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance5.At Bahurim, Shimei curses David9.David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge15.Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel20.Ahithophel's counsel“Not at all,” Hushai answered.Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. In this context, he is responding to Absalom, David's son, who has usurped the throne. Hushai's response is strategic, as he seeks to remain loyal to David while appearing to support Absalom. This reflects the wisdom and cunning often necessary in political and spiritual warfare, reminiscent of Jesus' instruction to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves" ( Matthew 10:16). “For the one chosen by the LORD,
This phrase underscores the belief in divine sovereignty over Israel's leadership. David was anointed by the prophet Samuel as God's chosen king (1 Samuel 16:12-13). Hushai's statement can be seen as a subtle affirmation of David's legitimate kingship, despite Absalom's rebellion. It reflects the biblical theme that God raises and removes leaders according to His purposes (Daniel 2:21). by this people,
The reference to "this people" highlights the importance of communal support in leadership. In ancient Israel, the king was not only a political leader but also a spiritual representative of the people. The phrase suggests that true leadership is recognized and affirmed by the community, aligning with the biblical principle of unity and collective identity (1 Samuel 12:13). and by all the men of Israel—
This emphasizes the national scope of the decision, involving all tribes of Israel. It reflects the unity and collective decision-making that characterized Israel's tribal confederation. The phrase also alludes to the broader acceptance and legitimacy required for a king, as seen in the anointing of Saul and David, where all Israel was involved (1 Samuel 10:24,2 Samuel 5:1-3). his I will be,
Hushai's declaration of loyalty is significant in the context of covenant faithfulness, a key biblical theme. Loyalty to God's anointed king mirrors the loyalty expected of God's people to Him. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate anointed one, to whom believers pledge their allegiance (Philippians 2:10-11). and with him I will remain.
This commitment to remain with the chosen leader reflects the biblical value of steadfastness and faithfulness. It echoes the loyalty of figures like Ruth, who remained with Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17), and anticipates the faithfulness of Christ, who remains with His people (Matthew 28:20). Hushai's loyalty serves as a model for believers' commitment to God's purposes, even in challenging circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David, Hushai is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor. 2. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 3. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where Hushai returns to serve as a double agent. 5. AhithophelA former advisor to David who defects to Absalom, known for his wise counsel. Teaching Points Loyalty to God's AnointedHushai's loyalty to David, despite the apparent power shift, underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God's chosen leaders. Divine SovereigntyThe unfolding events remind us that God's purposes prevail, even when human plans seem to succeed temporarily. Wisdom in CounselHushai's role as a counter to Ahithophel's advice illustrates the need for discernment and wisdom in whom we choose to listen to and follow. Courage in AdversityHushai's courage to stand with David, risking his life, challenges us to stand firm in our convictions, even in difficult circumstances. God's FaithfulnessThe account reassures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises and His people, encouraging trust in His ultimate plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:18?
2.How does Hushai's loyalty to David reflect godly friendship and counsel?
3.What can we learn about discernment from Hushai's response in 2 Samuel 16:18?
4.How does Hushai's strategy connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?
5.How can we apply Hushai's wisdom in our daily decision-making?
6.What does Hushai's approach teach about balancing truth and strategy in conflict?
7.Why does Hushai claim loyalty to Absalom in 2 Samuel 16:18 despite being David's friend?
8.How does 2 Samuel 16:18 reflect on the theme of loyalty and betrayal?
9.What does Hushai's response in 2 Samuel 16:18 reveal about political strategy in ancient Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16?
11.2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction?
12.In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing?
13.In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13?
14.In 2 Samuel 12:15-23, how can the moral or spiritual purpose of the child's death be reconciled with the idea of a loving and merciful God?What Does 2 Samuel 16:18 Mean “Not at all,”• Hushai’s immediate denial tells Absalom he is not switching sides for selfish gain. • The phrase signals resolute allegiance, echoing the decisive “Far be it from me” language seen in1 Samuel 12:23 andJoshua 24:16. • It sets the tone for a conversation where motives—not just words—matter (Proverbs 27:6).
“Hushai answered.”• The narrator stresses that Hushai is giving a deliberate reply, not a nervous reaction. • His answer is part of David’s larger plan (2 Samuel 15:32–34) to frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel (2 Samuel 17:14). • God often uses a faithful messenger’s words to overturn evil schemes, as with Esther before Ahasuerus (Esther 7:3–4) and Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:16).
“For the one chosen by the LORD,”• Primary loyalty belongs to the king God appoints (1 Samuel 16:1, 13;Psalm 78:70–71). • Even in exile, David remains the LORD’s anointed (2 Samuel 15:25). • Scripture teaches that divine choice, not human majority, establishes legitimate authority (Romans 13:1;Proverbs 8:15–16).
“by this people,”• Hushai appeals to the covenant community’s earlier acclaim of David (2 Samuel 5:1–3). • Israel’s voice had already ratified God’s choice, reminiscent of the united shout at Solomon’s coronation (1 Kings 1:39–40). • Collective memory is a safeguard against rebellious novelty (Deuteronomy 32:7).
“and by all the men of Israel—his I will be,”• The phrase widens the circle: national unity once surrounded David, and Hushai aligns with that unity. • Loyalty here is covenantal, not merely personal—like Jonathan’s pledge to David despite Saul’s throne (1 Samuel 20:13–16). • Hushai’s words subtly remind Absalom that true consensus rested with David, placing Absalom on shaky ground (2 Samuel 19:9–10).
“and with him I will remain.”• Hushai pledges enduring faithfulness, echoing Ruth’s “where you go I will go” (Ruth 1:16). • His steadfast commitment models the call to stick with God’s anointed even when circumstances look bleak (Psalm 89:28–29). • By staying, Hushai becomes an instrument of deliverance, proving that loyalty and prudence can coexist (Matthew 10:16).
summaryHushai’s statement skillfully affirms that rightful allegiance belongs to the king God has chosen—David—not to the usurper Absalom. Each phrase reinforces divine selection, covenantal memory, national unity, and personal loyalty. In doing so, Hushai positions himself as both faithful servant and strategic advocate, demonstrating that unwavering commitment to God’s anointed ultimately thwarts rebellion and preserves the LORD’s purposes. Verse 18. - The men of Israel. Here and in ver. 15 the men of Israel are not contrasted with the men of Judah, but include them (see 2 Samuel 15:10). Absalom's rebellion began at Hebron, in Judaea, and the selection of Amasa, a first cousin both of David and Joab, as commander-in-chief, suggests the conclusion that Absalom's chief strength lay in David's own tribe, though men from all the tribes on the west of the Jordan had also flocked to his standard. Besides them, Hushai speaks of this people, that is, the citizens of Jerusalem. For, while there had been general lamentation at David's departure ( 2 Samuel 15:23), yet the citizens had admitted Absalom without a struggle, and submitted to him. David's adherents are also constantly called "the people," because they did not belong to any special tribe, but were drawn indifferently from them all.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Not at all,”לֹ֕א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noHushaiחוּשַׁי֮(ḥū·šay)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2365:Hushai -- two Israelitesanswered.וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Forכִּי֩(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe oneאֲשֶׁ֨ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatchosenבָּחַ֧ר(bā·ḥar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977:To try, selectby the LORD,יְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelby theהַזֶּ֖ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatpeople,וְהָעָ֥ם(wə·hā·‘ām)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockand by allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe menאִ֣ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Israel—יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his deschisל֥וֹ(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3808:Not, noI will be,אֶהְיֶ֖ה(’eh·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beand with himוְאִתּ֥וֹ(wə·’it·tōw)Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongI will remain.אֵשֵֽׁב׃(’ê·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry
Links 2 Samuel 16:18 NIV2 Samuel 16:18 NLT2 Samuel 16:18 ESV2 Samuel 16:18 NASB2 Samuel 16:18 KJV
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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:18 Hushai said to Absalom No (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
