Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.” New Living Translation But Ittai said to the king, “I vow by the LORD and by your own life that I will go wherever my lord the king goes, no matter what happens—whether it means life or death.” English Standard Version But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” Berean Standard Bible But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” Berean Literal Bible And Ittai answered the king and said, “As YHWH lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely if in whatever place where my lord the king shall be there, whether in death or in life, even there also your servant will be.” King James Bible And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. New King James Version But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be.” New American Standard Bible But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there assuredly shall your servant be!” NASB 1995 But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” NASB 1977 But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” Legacy Standard Bible But Ittai answered the king and said, “As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” Amplified Bible But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, most certainly wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or life, there will your servant be also.” Berean Annotated Bible But Ittai (with me) answered the king, “As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be! Christian Standard Bible But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the LORD lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the LORD lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there!"” American Standard Version And Ittai answered the king, and said, As Jehovah liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will thy servant be. Contemporary English Version Ittai answered, "Your Majesty, just as surely as you and the LORD live, I will go where you go, no matter if it costs me my life." English Revised Version And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will thy servant be. GOD'S WORD® Translation But Ittai answered the king, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD and the king live: Wherever you are, whether you're dead or alive, I'll be there." Good News Translation But Ittai answered, "Your Majesty, I swear to you in the LORD's name that I will always go with you wherever you go, even if it means death." International Standard Version "As the LORD lives," Ittai answered in reply, "and as your majesty the king lives, wherever your majesty my king may be—whether living or dying—that's where your servant will be!" NET Bible But Ittai replied to the king, "As surely as the LORD lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether dead or alive, there I will be as well!" New Heart English Bible Ittai answered the king, and said, "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will your servant be." Webster's Bible Translation And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” World English Bible Ittai answered the king and said, “As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king is, whether for death or for life, your servant will be there also.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Ittai answers the king and says, “YHWH lives, and my lord the king lives, surely in the place where my lord the king is—if for death, if for life, surely your servant is there.” Berean Literal Bible And Ittai answered the king and said, “As YHWH lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely if in whatever place where my lord the king shall be there, whether in death or in life, even there also your servant will be.” Young's Literal Translation And Ittai answereth the king and saith, 'Jehovah liveth, and my lord the king liveth, surely in the place where my lord the king is -- if for death, if for life, surely there is thy servant.' Smith's Literal Translation And Ittai will answer the king, and say, Jehovah lives, and my lord the king lives, for surely in the place where my lord the king shall be, there whether for death, whether for life, for there will thy servant be. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Ethai answered the king, saying: As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth: in what place soever thou shalt be, my lord, O king, either in death, or in life, there will thy servant be. Catholic Public Domain Version And Ittai responded to the king, by saying, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, in whatever place you will be, my lord the king, whether in death or in life, your servant will be there.” New American Bible But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, your servant shall be wherever my lord the king is, whether for death or for life.” New Revised Standard Version But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Ittai answered the king and said, As the LORD lives and as the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there will your servant be also. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Ati answered and said to the King: “Living is LORD JEHOVAH and living is your soul, oh King, but in the place that my Lord the King will be, whether in death or in life, there shall your Servant be!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Ittai answered the king, and said: 'As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will thy servant be.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Ethi answered the king and said, As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, in the place wheresoever my lord shall be, whether it be for death or life, there shall thy servant be. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Flees Jerusalem…20In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” 21But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” 22“March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.… Cross References But Ittai answered the king, 1 Kings 1:36 “Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. Esther 7:3 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. Daniel 6:21 Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! “As surely as the LORD lives, 1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. 1 Samuel 20:3 But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. and as my lord the king lives, 1 Kings 1:31 Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!” Daniel 3:9 saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever! 1 Samuel 25:26 Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. wherever my lord the king may be, 1 Kings 19:21 So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. 2 Kings 2:6 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. whether it means life or death, Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” Matthew 16:25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. there will your servant be!” Matthew 8:19 And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Treasury of Scripture And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will your servant be. As the Lord 1 Samuel 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. 1 Samuel 25:26 Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. 2 Kings 2:2,4,6 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel… surely Ruth 1:16,17 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: … Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Jump to Previous Death Gittite Ittai It'tai Life Means Servant Surely Whatever Wherever WhetherJump to Next Death Gittite Ittai It'tai Life Means Servant Surely Whatever Wherever Whether2 Samuel 15 1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron 10. He makes there a great conspiracy 13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem 19. Ittai will leave him 24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark 30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping, 31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel 32. Hushai is sent back with instructions But Ittai answered the king Ittai the Gittite was a foreigner from Gath, a Philistine city, yet he showed remarkable loyalty to King David. This highlights the theme of loyalty and faithfulness, even from unexpected sources. Ittai's response to David's suggestion that he stay behind demonstrates his commitment, contrasting with the betrayal of Absalom, David's son. This loyalty from a foreigner underscores the universal appeal of David's leadership and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. As surely as the LORD lives and as my lord the king lives wherever my lord the king may be whether it means life or death there will your servant be! Persons / Places / Events 1. Ittai the GittiteA foreigner from Gath who showed remarkable loyalty to King David during Absalom's rebellion. Despite being a newcomer, he pledged unwavering allegiance to David. 2. King David The anointed king of Israel, facing a rebellion led by his son Absalom. David's leadership and character are tested during this crisis. 3. Absalom's Rebellion A significant event where Absalom, David's son, attempts to usurp the throne, causing David to flee Jerusalem. 4. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom Ittai invokes to affirm his loyalty, indicating a recognition of divine authority and providence. 5. Jerusalem The city from which David flees during Absalom's rebellion, symbolizing the center of David's kingdom and God's chosen place for His name. Teaching Points Loyalty and CommitmentIttai's pledge to David exemplifies true loyalty, which is not based on convenience but on a deep commitment to a person or cause. As Christians, we are called to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Christ, even in challenging circumstances. Faith in Action Ittai's actions show that faith is not merely a belief but is demonstrated through actions. Our faith in God should be evident in our daily decisions and relationships. The Role of Outsiders Ittai, a foreigner, plays a crucial role in David's life, reminding us that God often uses unexpected people to fulfill His purposes. We should be open to God's work through diverse individuals in our lives. Covenant Relationships The invocation of the LORD in Ittai's oath underscores the seriousness of covenant relationships. As believers, our commitments to God and others should be made with the same gravity and sincerity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:21?2. How does Ittai's loyalty in 2 Samuel 15:21 inspire your faithfulness to God? 3. What does Ittai's commitment teach about following God's chosen leaders? 4. How can Ittai's words, "wherever my lord the king may be," guide your devotion? 5. What other biblical examples of loyalty can you apply in your life today? 6. How can you demonstrate steadfastness in your relationship with Christ this week? 7. What does 2 Samuel 15:21 reveal about loyalty and commitment in times of adversity? 8. How does Ittai's declaration in 2 Samuel 15:21 challenge our understanding of faithfulness? 9. What historical context surrounds Ittai's allegiance to David in 2 Samuel 15:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for a massive plague decimating so many in ancient Israel? 12. Why does God kill people for taking a census (2 Samuel 24:1-15)? 13. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17? 14. What are the visions and prophecies of Gad? What Does 2 Samuel 15:21 Mean As surely as the LORD lives• Ittai stakes his promise on the life of the living God, the highest possible guarantee (cf. Judges 8:19: “As surely as the LORD lives…”). • Such language confesses absolute confidence in God’s reality and sovereignty, reminding us that every oath is ultimately before Him (Hebrews 6:13: “He swore by Himself”). • In the turmoil of Absalom’s revolt, Ittai anchors his loyalty in the unchanging Lord, not shifting political winds (Psalm 18:2). and as my lord the king lives • The same living-oath now honors David, showing Ittai recognizes the rightful, God-anointed monarch (1 Samuel 24:6). • This echoes Abigail’s words during David’s fugitive years: “The life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living with the LORD your God” (1 Samuel 25:29). • Loyalty to God and to God’s chosen leader stand together; one can’t be separated from the other without compromise (Romans 13:1). wherever my lord the king may be • Geography doesn’t dictate devotion. Whether palace or wilderness, Ittai commits to stay close (Ruth 1:16: “Where you go, I will go”). • His pledge mirrors Elisha’s tenacity with Elijah: “As surely as the LORD lives… I will not leave you” (2 Kings 2:2). • True fellowship travels; it is relationship, not location (John 10:27). whether it means life or death • Ittai counts the cost upfront—no conditions, no escape clause (Esther 4:16: “If I perish, I perish”). • The New Testament echoes this heart: “I am ready… to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). • Such resolve exposes shallow allegiance and calls believers to embrace sacrificial discipleship (Luke 9:23-24). there will your servant be • Ittai identifies as “servant,” not equal, mirroring Jesus’ model of greatness through service (Mark 10:45). • Joshua’s followers once vowed, “All that you command us we will do… Only may the LORD your God be with you” (Joshua 1:16-17); Ittai echoes that spirit. • Presence itself becomes ministry: staying with David strengthens the king and the cause (Philippians 1:20-21). summary Ittai’s single verse showcases covenant loyalty grounded in the living Lord, aligned with God’s anointed king, unconfined by place, undeterred by peril, and expressed through humble service. His words call believers to mirror that steadfast devotion to Christ—living and dying in His presence, wherever He leads. Hebrew But Ittaiאִתַּ֛י (’it·tay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 863: Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine answered וַיַּ֧עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond the king, הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king “As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and as my lord אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king lives, וְחֵי֙ (wə·ḥê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life wherever בִּמְק֞וֹם (bim·qō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition my lord אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king may be, יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be whether אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not it means life לְחַיִּ֔ים (lə·ḥay·yîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not death, לְמָ֙וֶת֙ (lə·mā·weṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin there will שָּׁ֣ם ׀ (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither your servant עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant be!” יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be Links 2 Samuel 15:21 NIV2 Samuel 15:21 NLT 2 Samuel 15:21 ESV 2 Samuel 15:21 NASB 2 Samuel 15:21 KJV 2 Samuel 15:21 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 15:21 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 15:21 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 15:21 French Bible 2 Samuel 15:21 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 15:21 Ittai answered the king and said As (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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