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◄ 2 Samuel 2:22►

New International Version
Again Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?”

New Living Translation
Again Abner shouted to him, “Get away from here! I don’t want to kill you. How could I ever face your brother Joab again?”

English Standard Version
And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Berean Standard Bible
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?”

King James Bible
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

New King James Version
So Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face your brother Joab?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside for yourown good from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

NASB 1995
Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

NASB 1977
And Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Amplified Bible
Abner repeated again, “Turn away from following me. Why should I have to strike you to the ground? How would I be able to face Joab your brother [and look him in the eye]?”

Christian Standard Bible
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face?”

American Standard Version
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

Contemporary English Version
Abner said, "If you don't turn back, I'll have to kill you! Then I could never face your brother Joab again."

English Revised Version
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Abner spoke again to Asahel. "Stop following me," he said. "Why should I kill you? How could I look your brother Joab in the face again?"

Good News Translation
Once more Abner said to him, "Stop chasing me! Why force me to kill you? How could I face your brother Joab?"

International Standard Version
so Abner told Asahel again, "Stop following me. Why should I strike you down? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?"

NET Bible
So Abner spoke again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me! I do not want to strike you to the ground. How then could I show my face in the presence of Joab your brother?"

New Heart English Bible
Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: Why should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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?”

World English Bible
Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Abner adds again, saying to Asahel, “Turn aside from after me, why do I strike you to the earth? And how do I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Abner addeth again, saying unto Asahel, 'Turn thee aside from after me, why do I smite thee to the earth? and how do I lift up my face unto Joab thy brother?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abner will add yet to say to Asahel, Turn aside for thyself from after me: wherefore shall I strike thee to the earth? and how shall I lift up my face to Joab thy brother?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And again Abner said to Asael: Go off, and do not follow me, lest I be obliged to stab thee to the ground, and I shall not be able to hold up my face to Joab thy brother.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And again, Abner said to Asahel: “Withdraw, and do not choose to follow me. Otherwise, I will be compelled to stab you to the ground, and I will not be able to lift up my face before your brother, Joab.”

New American Bible
Once more Abner said to Asahel: “Stop pursuing me! Why must I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

New Revised Standard Version
Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me; why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Abner spoke again to Ashael, to turn from following him, saying, Turn from following me, lest I smite you and throw you on the ground; how then could I lift up my face and look at Joab your brother.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abnir continued again telling Shayel to turn from after him and said: “Turn yourself from after me lest I strike you and I throw you on the ground, and how will I lift my face and gaze at Yuab your brother?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abner said again to Asahel: 'Turn thee aside from following me; wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abenner said yet again to Asael, Stand aloof from me, lest I smite thee to the ground? and how should I lift up my face to Joab?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

War Between the Houses of David and Saul
…21So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him.22Once 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?”23But 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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

1 Samuel 24:6-7
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” / 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 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 Chronicles 11:18-19
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, / saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.

Deuteronomy 19:10
Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

Numbers 35:33-34
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. / Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”

Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

Proverbs 6:17
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Treasury of Scripture

And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I smite you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?

wherefore

2 Kings 14:10-12
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: gloryof this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle tothy hurt, that thou shouldest fall,even thou, and Judah with thee? …

Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardenethhis neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Ecclesiastes 6:10
That which hath been is named already, and it is known that itis man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

how then

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifthrib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

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Abner Addeth Asahel As'ahel Chasing End Face Following Ground Hold Joab Jo'ab Lift Repeated Shamed Side Smite Stop Strike Turn Warned Wherefore

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Abner Addeth Asahel As'ahel Chasing End Face Following Ground Hold Joab Jo'ab Lift Repeated Shamed Side Smite Stop Strike Turn Warned Wherefore

2 Samuel 2

1.David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron
4.where he is made king of Judah
5.He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel
8.Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel
12.A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.
18.Asahel is slain
25.At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat
32.Asahel's burial

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Once again, Abner warned Asahel
Abner, the commander of Saul's army, is in a precarious situation. Asahel, known for his swiftness, is pursuing him. This pursuit occurs during the civil conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner's warning indicates a desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, especially against a fellow Israelite. The repetition of the warning suggests Abner's reluctance to harm Asahel, highlighting the tension between personal relationships and political allegiances.

Stop chasing me.
Abner's plea for Asahel to cease his pursuit reflects the gravity of the situation. In ancient warfare, personal combat was often a matter of honor and skill. Abner's request underscores his awareness of the potential consequences of their encounter. This moment illustrates the tragic nature of civil strife, where kinship and loyalty are at odds.

Why should I strike you to the ground?
Abner's rhetorical question reveals his internal conflict. Striking Asahel, a valiant warrior and brother to Joab, would escalate the conflict and deepen the rift between the factions. This phrase highlights the moral and ethical considerations in warfare, where the value of life and the implications of one's actions are weighed.

How could I show my face to your brother Joab?
Joab, a formidable military leader and Asahel's brother, would seek retribution for Asahel's death. Abner's concern about facing Joab indicates the personal vendettas that can arise from such conflicts. This phrase foreshadows the cycle of vengeance that characterizes much of the narrative in 2 Samuel. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the need for reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Abner
The commander of Saul's army, a key military leader in Israel, and a central figure in the power struggle following Saul's death.

2.Asahel
The brother of Joab, known for his swiftness and determination. He was one of David's mighty men.

3.Joab
The brother of Asahel and a prominent military leader under King David. He plays a significant role in the political and military events of David's reign.

4.The Pursuit
This event occurs during a battle between the forces of David and those loyal to Saul's house, highlighting the internal conflict within Israel.

5.Gibeon
The location near which this pursuit and confrontation occur, a significant site in Israel's history.

Teaching Points

The Value of Life and Restraint
Abner's plea to Asahel underscores the importance of valuing life and exercising restraint, even in the heat of conflict. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to avoid unnecessary harm to others.

The Consequences of Stubbornness
Asahel's refusal to heed Abner's warning serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of stubbornness and pride. We must be willing to listen to wise counsel and avoid reckless pursuits that can lead to destruction.

Respect for Relationships
Abner's concern about facing Joab after potentially killing Asahel highlights the importance of maintaining respect and consideration in our relationships. We should strive to preserve peace and harmony, especially among fellow believers.

The Role of Leadership in Conflict
As a leader, Abner demonstrates a level of responsibility and foresight in trying to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Christian leaders are called to guide others with wisdom and to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:22?

2.Why does Abner warn Asahel to "turn aside" in 2 Samuel 2:22?

3.How does Asahel's pursuit reflect human stubbornness in spiritual battles?

4.What lessons on obedience can we learn from 2 Samuel 2:22?

5.How does 2 Samuel 2:22 connect with Proverbs 16:18 on pride?

6.How can we apply Abner's warning to our daily spiritual decisions?

7.Why does Abner refuse to stop pursuing Asahel in 2 Samuel 2:22?

8.What does 2 Samuel 2:22 reveal about the nature of conflict in biblical times?

9.How does 2 Samuel 2:22 reflect the themes of loyalty and honor?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2?

11.Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?

12.In 2 Samuel 2:18–23, how credible is it that Abner kills Asahel with the blunt end of his spear in a swift chase?

13.(2 Samuel 22) How can we tell which elements of this praise song are meant literally versus those intended as metaphorical or hyperbolic language?

14.2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?

What Does 2 Samuel 2:22 Mean

Once again

Abner has already called out to Asahel, yet the young warrior keeps charging forward (2 Samuel 2:21). Repetition signals urgency and grace.

• God often repeats His warnings before judgment falls—think Pharaoh inExodus 7–11 or Balaam inNumbers 22.

•Proverbs 29:1 reminds us, “A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond remedy”.

• The Lord’s patience aims to lead us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), but spurned patience increases responsibility. Abner’s repeated plea makes Asahel fully accountable for what follows.

Abner warned Asahel

To warn is an act of mercy, even on a battlefield.

•Ezekiel 3:18 teaches that withholding a warning makes us share in another’s blood-guilt; giving it frees us.

• Abner, though a seasoned soldier, values Asahel’s life enough to press pause on combat. His words echo the principle ofGalatians 6:1—seek the other’s restoration even while standing firm.

• Warnings are only effective when heeded (Jeremiah 7:25-26). Asahel’s refusal shows how pride can drown out wisdom.

Stop chasing me

Abner identifies the core issue: relentless pursuit.

• Asahel’s fixation mirrors Saul’s pursuit of David (1 Samuel 26:20), an obsession that blinds.

• Scripture calls us to “pursue peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14), not personal glory.

• A reckless chase often precedes a devastating fall (Proverbs 16:18). Abner’s directive could have spared Asahel’s life had he listened (2 Samuel 2:23).

Why should I strike you to the ground?

Abner voices a moral objection—he considers killing Asahel unnecessary and tragic.

•Exodus 20:13 anchors the sanctity of life. Even in war, life should not be taken lightly (Deuteronomy 20:10-12).

• David once asked a similar question about killing Saul: “Who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9).

• Abner’s hesitation reveals that conscience still operates amid conflict (Romans 2:15).

How could I show my face to your brother Joab?

Abner foresees the relational fallout.

• Joab and Abishai, Asahel’s brothers, are fierce men of blood (2 Samuel 3:30). Abner anticipates a cycle of vengeance—exactly what later happens when Joab murders him (2 Samuel 3:27).

•Matthew 5:23-24 teaches that unresolved offense disrupts fellowship with both God and man.

•Romans 14:12 reminds us that we must all give account—not only for actions but also for how those actions affect others.

summary

Abner’s threefold plea unpacks layers of biblical wisdom: God patiently repeats His warnings; true love issues cautions; prideful pursuit invites disaster; life is sacred, even in battle; and actions carry relational and eternal consequences.2 Samuel 2:22 is not merely a snapshot of ancient warfare but a living lesson on heeding godly warnings, valuing life, and weighing the ripple effects of every decision.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Once again,
וַיֹּ֧סֶף(way·yō·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254:To add, augment

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

warned
לֵאמֹר֙(lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say

Asahel,
עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל(‘ă·śā·h·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6214:Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites

“Stop
ס֥וּר(sūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5493:To turn aside

chasing me.
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑י(mê·’a·ḥă·rāy)
Preposition-m | first person common singular
Strong's 310:The hind or following part

Why
לָ֤מָּה(lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely what

should I strike
אַכֶּ֙כָּה֙(’ak·kek·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5221:To strike

you to the ground?
אַ֔רְצָה(’ar·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

How
וְאֵיךְ֙(wə·’êḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 349:How?, how!, where

could I show
אֶשָּׂ֣א(’eś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, take

my face
פָנַ֔י(p̄ā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The face

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

your brother
אָחִֽיךָ׃(’ā·ḥî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )

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

Links

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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:22 Abner said again to Asahel Turn you (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)