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Verse Takeaways
1
A Crucial Translation Debate
Scholars highlight a major translation debate in this verse. The common English reading is that David 'longed for' Absalom, showing a father's affection. However, several commentators, supported by ancient translations like the Septuagint and Vulgate, argue it means David 'stopped pursuing' Absalom. This shifts the meaning from paternal longing to a king giving up on bringing a murderer to justice.
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2 Samuel
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Commentaries
4
Albert Barnes
On 2 Samuel 13:39
18th Century
Theologian
Longed to go forth: This phrase should be read as “longed after Absalom.” The literal meaning is to be “consumed in going forth,” which carr…
Charles Ellicott
On 2 Samuel 13:39
19th Century
Bishop
The soul of King David. —The words, "the soul of," are not in the original, and the most opposite interpretations have been given …
John Gill
On 2 Samuel 13:39
17th Century
Pastor
And [the soul of] King David longed to go forth unto Absalom ,
&c.] In like manner it is supplied and paraphrased in…
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Matthew Henry
On 2 Samuel 13:30–39
17th Century
Minister
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death as of his sin; those who counsel us to do wickedly prove to be such false friends. Instead of loathing Absal…