Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, “Help me, Your Majesty!” New Living Translation When the woman from Tekoa approached the king, she bowed with her face to the ground in deep respect and cried out, “O king! Help me!” English Standard Version When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and paid homage and said, “Save me, O king.” Berean Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” Berean Literal Bible And the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, and she fell on her nose to the ground, and bowed low, and said, “Save me, O king.” King James Bible And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. New King James Version And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, “Help, O king!” New American Standard Bible Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, “Help, O king!” NASB 1995 Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Help, O king.” NASB 1977 Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Help, O king.” Legacy Standard Bible So the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, and she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Save, O king.” Amplified Bible When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she bowed with her face to the ground and lay herself down, and said, “Help, O king.” Berean Annotated Bible When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king! Christian Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell facedown to the ground, paid homage, and said, “Help me, Your Majesty! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell with her face to the ground in homage and said, “Help me, my king!"” American Standard Version And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. Contemporary English Version The woman from Tekoa went to David. She bowed very low and said, "Your Majesty, please help me!" English Revised Version And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. GOD'S WORD® Translation The woman from Tekoa came to the king and immediately bowed down with her face touching the ground. "Help [me], Your Majesty," she said. Good News Translation The woman went to the king, bowed down to the ground in respect, and said, "Help me, Your Majesty!" International Standard Version When the woman from Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, prostrating herself to address him, "Help, your majesty!" NET Bible So the Tekoan woman went to the king. She bowed down with her face to the ground in deference to him and said, "Please help me, O king!" New Heart English Bible And the woman of Tekoa went to the king, and she bowed down with her face to the ground and showed respect, and said, "Help, O king." Webster's Bible Translation And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” World English Bible When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, showed respect, and said, “Help, O king!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the woman of Tekoah speaks to the king, and falls on her face to the earth, and pays respect, and says, “Save, O king.” Berean Literal Bible And the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, and she fell on her nose to the ground, and bowed low, and said, “Save me, O king.” Young's Literal Translation And the woman of Tekoah speaketh unto the king, and falleth on her face to the earth, and doth obeisance, and saith, 'Save, O king.' Smith's Literal Translation And the woman, the Tekoite, will speak to the king and fall upon her face to the earth, and worship him, and say, Save, O king! Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the woman of Thecua was come in to the king, she fell before him upon the ground, and worshipped, and said: Save me, O king. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, when the woman of Tekoa had entered to the king, she fell before him on the ground, and she reverenced, and she said, “Save me, O king.” New American Bible So the woman of Tekoa went to the king and fell to the ground in homage, saying, “Help, O king!” New Revised Standard Version When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and did obeisance, and said, “Help, O king!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the woman of Tekoah came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance and said, Deliver me, O my lord the king. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Tequoan woman entered to the King, and she fell on her face on the ground, and she worshiped the King, and she said: “Save me, my Lord the King!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and prostrated herself, and said: 'Help, O king.' Brenton Septuagint Translation So the woman of Thecoe went in to the king and fell upon her face to the earth, and did him obeisance, and said, Help, O king, help. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Return to Jerusalem…3Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. 4 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” 5“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead.… Cross References When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, 1 Kings 1:15-17 So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him. / And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” / “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ Esther 5:1-2 On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 1 Kings 3:16-20 At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. … she fell facedown in homage 1 Samuel 25:23-24 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. 2 Samuel 9:6 And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied. Genesis 33:3 But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. and said, “Help me, O king!” 2 Kings 6:26-27 As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, “Help me, my lord the king!” / He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?” 1 Kings 1:20-21 And as for you, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you to tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. / Otherwise, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be counted as criminals.” Esther 7:3-4 Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. / For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” 2 Samuel 12:1-7 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. … 2 Samuel 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death. 2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 19:4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 13:1-2 After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. / Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her. 2 Samuel 13:21 When King David heard all this, he was furious. 2 Samuel 13:37-38 Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. Treasury of Scripture And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. fell on her 2 Samuel 1:2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 1 Samuel 20:41 And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. 1 Samuel 25:23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, Help [heb] Save 2 Kings 6:26-28 And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king… Job 29:12-14 Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him… Luke 18:3-5 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary… Jump to Previous Earth Face Falleth Falling Fell Ground Help Herself Honor Honour Obeisance Pay Prostrated Save Speaketh Tekoa Teko'a TekoahJump to Next Earth Face Falleth Falling Fell Ground Help Herself Honor Honour Obeisance Pay Prostrated Save Speaketh Tekoa Teko'a Tekoah2 Samuel 14 1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,21. brings him home to Jerusalem 25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children 28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab When the woman from Tekoa went to the king Tekoa was a town in Judah, located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It was known for its wise inhabitants, as seen in the prophet Amos, who was also from Tekoa. The woman from Tekoa was sent by Joab, David's military commander, to present a parable to King David. This reflects the use of intermediaries and parables in ancient Near Eastern cultures to convey messages to rulers. The choice of a woman from Tekoa highlights the strategic use of wisdom and diplomacy in addressing the king. she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” Persons / Places / Events 1. The Woman from TekoaA wise woman sent by Joab to King David to present a parable that would lead to the reconciliation between David and his son Absalom. Tekoa was a town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants. 2. King David The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God but also for his personal and familial struggles. At this point, he is dealing with the estrangement from his son Absalom. 3. Joab The commander of David's army, who orchestrates the plan to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem by using the woman from Tekoa to appeal to David's sense of justice and mercy. 4. Absalom David's son, who had fled to Geshur after killing his brother Amnon. His relationship with David is strained, and Joab seeks to reconcile them. 5. Tekoa A town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, known for its strategic location and wise inhabitants, including the prophet Amos. Teaching Points The Power of ParablesParables are a powerful tool for conveying truth and prompting introspection. Just as Nathan used a parable to convict David, the woman from Tekoa uses one to appeal to his heart. Approaching Authority with Respect The woman's approach to David, falling facedown in homage, demonstrates the importance of respect and humility when addressing those in authority. The Role of Intercessors Joab's use of the woman from Tekoa highlights the role of intercessors in facilitating reconciliation. We, too, can act as intercessors in conflicts, seeking to bring about peace and understanding. Seeking Justice and Mercy David's eventual decision to bring Absalom back reflects the balance of justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to seek both in our relationships and decisions. God's Heart for Reconciliation The account underscores God's desire for reconciliation, both in our relationships with others and with Him. We are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and restoration. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 14:4?2. How does 2 Samuel 14:4 demonstrate the importance of seeking justice through authority? 3. What role does humility play in the woman's approach to King David? 4. How can we apply the woman's plea for justice in our daily lives? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Samuel 14:4 and other pleas for justice? 6. How does this verse encourage us to address grievances with respect and humility? 7. What is the significance of the woman from Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14:4? 8. How does 2 Samuel 14:4 reflect on God's justice and mercy? 9. Why did Joab use the woman from Tekoa to speak to King David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14? 11. 2 Samuel 14:21–24: Why would David, a supposedly just king, rely on subterfuge rather than open negotiation to resolve Absalom’s banishment? 12. 2 Samuel 14:14: If 'God does not take away life,' how does this verse reconcile with other biblical passages where God sanctions or orders death? 13. When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4) 14. 2 Samuel 4:5-7 - If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David's rule? What Does 2 Samuel 14:4 Mean When the woman from Tekoa went to the king• This sentence records a real moment in David’s palace, arranged by Joab to prompt the king to rethink his stance toward Absalom (2 Samuel 14:1–3). • The woman’s journey from Tekoa to Jerusalem shows deliberate initiative—much like Nathan’s earlier visit after David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1–7) and Esther’s bold entrance before Xerxes (Esther 5:1–2). • Scripture repeatedly presents access to the throne—earthly or heavenly—as a privilege with purpose; the New Testament echoes this pattern, inviting believers to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). she fell facedown in homage • Her posture underscores humble submission to the king’s authority, a physical acknowledgment that David’s word is final (1 Samuel 25:23; 2 Samuel 1:2). • Falling facedown is a recurring expression of reverence: Abraham before the three visitors (Genesis 18:2), the wise men before the child Jesus (Matthew 2:11), and, ultimately, every knee bowing to Christ (Philippians 2:10). • Such honor given to David points forward to the greater King who deserves even deeper worship (Psalm 2:11–12). and said, “Help me, O king!” • Her cry condenses desperation and faith into three words. In the monarchy of Israel, the king was not only ruler but chief judge (2 Samuel 15:2–4), so appeals like this were expected (cf. 2 Kings 6:26). • The plea mirrors countless petitions in the Psalms, where David himself often prays, “Save me, O God!” (Psalm 69:1) or “Answer me, O LORD!” (Psalm 20:9). • By recording her request verbatim, the text reminds readers that heartfelt dependence is the proper stance before any rightful king—and ultimately before Christ, the King who “will deliver the needy who cry out” (Psalm 72:12). summary Verse 4 captures a woman’s strategic yet sincere approach to King David: she comes, bows, and pleads. Each action reveals timeless truths—access to a God-ordained ruler, humility before authority, and confident reliance on the king’s willingness to help. Taken literally, the narrative affirms both David’s judicial role and God’s overarching design to draw hearts toward the ultimate King who hears and saves all who call on Him. (4) Spake to the king.--Many MSS. and the LXX., Vulg., and Syriac have came to the king. The difference is immaterial.Verse 4. - When the woman of Tekoah spake. All the versions and several manuscripts read, as the sense requires, "when the woman of Tekoah came." There is an interesting article in De Rossi, fixing with much probability the twelfth century as the date of this error. Though Absalom subsequently (2 Samuel 15:4) complained of the lax administration of justice in the realm, yet evidently this woman had the right of bringing her suit before the king; and we may be sure that Joab would take care that nothing unusual was done, lest it should awaken the king's suspicions. But possibly there was a want of method in judicial matters, and very much was left in the hands of the tribal officers, such as we find mentioned in Joshua 24:1.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When the womanהָאִשָּׁ֤ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female from Tekoa הַתְּקֹעִית֙ (hat·tə·qō·‘îṯ) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8621: Tekoite -- inhabitant of Tekoa went to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the king, הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king she fell וַתִּפֹּ֧ל (wat·tip·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie facedown אַפֶּ֛יהָ (’ap·pe·hā) Noun - mdc | third person feminine singular Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire in homage וַתִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ (wat·tiš·tā·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate and said, וַ֠תֹּאמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Help me, הוֹשִׁ֥עָה (hō·wō·ši·‘āh) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor O king!” הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Links 2 Samuel 14:4 NIV2 Samuel 14:4 NLT 2 Samuel 14:4 ESV 2 Samuel 14:4 NASB 2 Samuel 14:4 KJV 2 Samuel 14:4 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 14:4 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 14:4 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 14:4 French Bible 2 Samuel 14:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 14:4 When the woman of Tekoa spoke (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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