New International VersionYou know Abner son of Ner; he came to deceive you and observe your movements and find out everything you are doing.”
New Living TranslationYou know perfectly well that he came to spy on you and find out everything you’re doing!”
English Standard VersionYou know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”
Berean Standard BibleSurely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”
King James BibleThou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
New King James VersionSurely you realize that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you, to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”
New American Standard BibleYou know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to gain your confidence, and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out everything that you are doing.”
NASB 1995“You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out all that you are doing.”
NASB 1977“You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in, and to find out all that you are doing.”
Legacy Standard BibleYou know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to know of your going out and your coming in and to know all that you are doing.”
Amplified BibleYou know Abner the son of Ner, that he [only] came to deceive you [with flattering words] and to learn of your going out and coming in, and to find out what you are doing.”
Christian Standard BibleYou know that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to find out about your military activities and everything you’re doing.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleYou know that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to find out about your activities and everything you’re doing.”
American Standard VersionThou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
Contemporary English VersionYou know Abner--he came to trick you. He wants to find out how strong your army is and to know everything you're doing."
English Revised VersionThou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationCertainly you must know that Ner's son Abner came to deceive you, to find out about your movements and learn everything you're doing!"
Good News TranslationHe came here to deceive you and to find out everything you do and everywhere you go. Surely you know that!"
International Standard VersionYou know Ner's son Abner came to mislead you, to learn your troop movements, and to learn everything you're doing!"
NET BibleYou know Abner the son of Ner! Surely he came here to spy on you and to determine when you leave and when you return and to discover everything that you are doing!"
New Heart English BibleDon’t you know the evil ways of Abner the son of Ner? He came to deceive you and to observe your movements and to learn everything that you are doing."
Webster's Bible TranslationThou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going-out and thy coming-in, and to know all that thou doest. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSurely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.”
World English BibleYou know Abner the son of Ner. He came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYou have known Abner son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”
Young's Literal Translation Thou hast known Abner son of Ner, that to deceive thee he came, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou art doing.'
Smith's Literal TranslationThou knewest Abner son of Ner, for to deceive thee he came, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all which thou doest. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleKnowest thou not Abner the son of Ner, that to this end he came to thee, that he might deceive thee, and to know thy going out, and thy coming in, and to know all thou dost?
Catholic Public Domain VersionDo you not know, about Abner, the son of Ner, that he came to you for this, so that he might deceive you, and might know of your departure and your return, and so that he might know all that you do?”
New American BibleDon’t you know Abner? He came to trick you, to learn your comings and goings, to learn everything you do.”
New Revised Standard VersionYou know that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you, and to learn your comings and goings and to learn all that you are doing.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleDo you not know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in and to know all that you are doing?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedDo you not know that Abnir, son of Nir, has come to trick you and to know your exit and your entrance and to know everything that you do?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationKnowest thou not the mischief of Abenner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all things that thou doest?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Joab Murders Abner… 24So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! 25Surely you realizethatAbnersonof Nercameto deceive youand to trackyour movementsand allthatyou aredoing.”26As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David was unaware of it.…
Cross References 2 Samuel 15:10-12Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.
1 Kings 2:5-6Moreover, 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 2:32-33The 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 Samuel 29:4But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?
2 Samuel 20:9-10“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa 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.
2 Samuel 14:19So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?” The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say.
1 Samuel 26:19Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
1 Samuel 24:9and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?
2 Samuel 19:22And 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 16:21-23Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. / Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.
1 Samuel 18:21-25“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” / Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” / But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.” ...
1 Samuel 23:9-12When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” / And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. / Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. ...
1 Samuel 22:8Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”
1 Samuel 18:17Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”
1 Samuel 20:30-33Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? / For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” / “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” ...
Treasury of Scripture You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do. that he came 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. 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. John 7:12,47 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people… and to know 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not Davidrather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Genesis 42:9,12,16 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Yeare spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come… Numbers 27:17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. Jump to Previous AbnerClearDeceitDeceiveFindLearnMovementsNerObserveJump to Next AbnerClearDeceitDeceiveFindLearnMovementsNerObserve2 Samuel 3 1.During the war David becomes stronger2.Six sons are born to him in Hebron6.Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth7.revolts to David13.David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal17.Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed22.Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner28.David curses Joab31.and mourns for AbnerSurely you realizeThis phrase indicates a level of expectation or assumption of awareness. In the context of 2 Samuel 3, Joab is speaking to King David, suggesting that David should be aware of Abner's intentions. This reflects the tension and suspicion prevalent in the political landscape of Israel during this time, as the kingdom was transitioning from Saul's rule to David's. that Abner son of Ner
Abner was a prominent military leader and the cousin of King Saul, serving as the commander of Saul's army. His lineage as the son of Ner places him within the tribe of Benjamin, which was significant as it was Saul's tribe. Abner's role in the narrative of 2 Samuel is crucial, as he initially supported Saul's son Ish-bosheth before defecting to David's side, highlighting the shifting allegiances during this period. came to deceive you
Joab accuses Abner of deceit, suggesting that his motives for visiting David were not genuine. This reflects the broader theme of political intrigue and betrayal that runs throughout the books of Samuel. Deception was a common tactic in ancient Near Eastern politics, and Joab's suspicion may have been fueled by his own experiences and the volatile nature of the time. and to track your movements
The idea of tracking movements implies espionage or intelligence gathering, which was a critical aspect of ancient warfare and political strategy. Joab's accusation suggests that Abner's visit was a cover for gathering information on David's plans and military strategies, which would have been valuable to any rival faction. and all that you are doing.
This phrase encompasses the entirety of David's actions and decisions, indicating that Joab believed Abner's intentions were to gain comprehensive insight into David's rule. This reflects the broader narrative of David's rise to power and the challenges he faced from both internal and external threats. The suspicion of Abner's motives underscores the precarious nature of David's early reign and the constant vigilance required to maintain his position as king. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abner son of NerA prominent military leader and the commander of Saul's army. He played a significant role in the power dynamics of Israel during the transition from Saul's reign to David's kingship. 2. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who was in the process of consolidating his rule over all of Israel. David's leadership and decisions are central to the account. 3. JoabDavid's nephew and the commander of David's army. He is suspicious of Abner's intentions and plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. 4. HebronA significant city in Judah where David was initially anointed king. It serves as a backdrop for the political and military maneuvers in this chapter. 5. The House of SaulThe former ruling dynasty of Israel, which is in decline following Saul's death. Abner's actions are partly motivated by the shifting allegiances within this house. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipLeaders must exercise discernment and wisdom when dealing with potential adversaries. David's situation with Abner highlights the need for vigilance and careful evaluation of others' motives. The Dangers of DeceptionAbner's actions remind us of the destructive power of deceit. Christians are called to be truthful and transparent in their dealings, reflecting the character of Christ. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite human schemes and political maneuvering, God's purposes will prevail. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when circumstances seem uncertain. The Importance of ReconciliationThe tension between David and the house of Saul underscores the need for reconciliation and unity among God's people. Christians are encouraged to pursue peace and resolve conflicts in a Christ-like manner. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:25?
2.How does 2 Samuel 3:25 reveal Joab's motives against Abner's intentions?
3.What does Joab's suspicion in 2 Samuel 3:25 teach about discernment?
4.How can we guard against false assumptions like Joab in 2 Samuel 3:25?
5.Compare Joab's actions in 2 Samuel 3:25 with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trust.
6.How can we apply Joab's caution in 2 Samuel 3:25 to modern conflicts?
7.How does 2 Samuel 3:25 reflect on the nature of political alliances in biblical times?
8.What does 2 Samuel 3:25 reveal about King David's leadership and decision-making?
9.How does 2 Samuel 3:25 illustrate the theme of trust and betrayal in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3?
11.What prompted God's judgment on Edom?
12.2 Samuel 3:2-5: Why does this passage allow David's polygamy despite Deuteronomy 17:17 warning against multiplying wives?
13.2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?
14.2 Samuel 3:12-13: Does Abner's sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era?What Does 2 Samuel 3:25 Mean Surely you realizeJoab begins with an urgent appeal to David’s discernment. He expects the king to see through political smoke screens and remember that God’s people are called to walk in wisdom. • David has displayed this alertness before—he “learned that Saul had come out to seek his life, so he sent out spies” (1 Samuel 26:4). • Scripture repeatedly urges spiritual vigilance: “Be very careful how you walk—not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). • Like the men of Issachar who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32), Joab wants David to read the situation clearly.
Abner son of NerAbner is no stranger; he is Saul’s cousin and former army commander (1 Samuel 14:50–51). His resume carries weight, but his loyalties have shifted more than once. • Only a short time earlier Abner “strengthened his own position in the house of Saul” (2 Samuel 3:6). • He also killed Joab’s brother Asahel (2 Samuel 2:23), giving Joab a personal motive to distrust him. Joab is reminding David that Abner’s history is complicated and self-serving.
came to deceive youJoab interprets Abner’s peaceful visit as a ruse. Deception is a well-worn tactic against God’s people. • The Gibeonites “acted deceptively” with Joshua (Joshua 9:3–15). • Delilah wore down Samson “with her words every day” until he yielded his secret (Judges 16:16–18). • Paul warns, “I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve, your minds may be led astray” (2 Corinthians 11:3). The verse underscores the need to test motives, even when words sound conciliatory.
to track your movementsJoab suspects Abner is on a spy mission—mapping David’s routines and defenses. • Saul once “sent men to watch the house and kill David in the morning” (1 Samuel 19:11). • Later, Absalom secretly “sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel” to gauge support for his revolt (2 Samuel 15:10). • In a different era, hostile leaders “watched Jesus and sent spies” (Luke 20:20). The pattern is clear: enemies often gather information before launching an attack.
and all that you are doingBeyond physical movements, Joab fears Abner will learn David’s plans, alliances, and weaknesses. • Aram’s king was frustrated because Elisha exposed “everything you say in your bedroom” (2 Kings 6:11–12). • When Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall, enemies tried to uncover his strategy (Nehemiah 6:1–2). • Paul faced “false brothers secretly brought in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ” (Galatians 2:4). Joab’s warning is that Abner’s presence could open the door to deep infiltration.
summary2 Samuel 3:25 records Joab’s blunt assessment: Abner’s visit isn’t diplomacy but espionage. Joab urges David to exercise the same watchful discernment God’s people have always needed. The verse highlights three timeless truths: deceptive people exist, vigilance protects God-given responsibilities, and leaders must weigh counsel carefully.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Surely you realizeיָדַ֙עְתָּ֙(yā·ḏa‘·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowthatכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionAbnerאַבְנֵ֣ר(’aḇ·nêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74:Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite namesonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Nerנֵ֔ר(nêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5369:Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kishcameבָּ֑א(bā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto deceive youלְפַתֹּתְךָ֖(lə·p̄at·tō·ṯə·ḵā)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6601:To open, be, roomy, to be, simple, deludeand to trackוְלָדַ֜עַת(wə·lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045:To knowyour movementsמוֹצָֽאֲךָ֙(mō·w·ṣā·’ă·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4161:A place or act of going forth, issue, export, source, springand allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatyou areאַתָּ֖ה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youdoing.”עֹשֶֽׂה׃(‘ō·śeh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:25 You know Abner the son of Ner (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
