2 Samuel 16:18
New International Version
Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him.

New Living Translation
“I’m here because I belong to the man who is chosen by the LORD and by all the men of Israel,” Hushai replied.

English Standard Version
And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, for whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

Berean Standard Bible
“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.

King James Bible
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

New King James Version
And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

New American Standard Bible
So Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I shall be, and with him I shall remain.

NASB 1995
Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

NASB 1977
Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him I will remain.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom Yahweh, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

Amplified Bible
Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen [as king], I will be his, and I will remain with him.

Christian Standard Bible
“Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the LORD, the people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him.

American Standard Version
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom Jehovah, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

Contemporary English Version
Hushai answered, "The LORD and the people of Israel have chosen you to be king. I can't leave. I have to stay and serve the one they've chosen.

English Revised Version
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Hushai answered Absalom, "No, I want to be with the one whom the LORD, these people, and all Israel have chosen. I will be his [friend] and stay with him.

Good News Translation
Hushai answered, "How could I? I am for the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the Israelites. I will stay with you.

International Standard Version
Hushai replied, "No! On the contrary, whomever the LORD, this group, and all the men of Israel choose is where I'll be, and I'll remain with him!

Majority Standard Bible
“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.

NET Bible
Hushai replied to Absalom, "No, I will be loyal to the one whom the LORD, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen.

New Heart English Bible
Then Hushai said to Absalom, "No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I belong, and with him I will stay.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Hushai said to Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

World English Bible
Hushai said to Absalom, “No; but whomever Yahweh and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, I will be his, and I will stay with him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Hushai says to Absalom, “No, for he whom YHWH has chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, I am his, and I abide with him;

Young's Literal Translation
And Hushai saith unto Absalom, 'Nay, for he whom Jehovah hath chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, his I am, and with him I abide;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Hushai will say to Absalom, Nay; for whom Jehovah chose and this people, and every man of Israel, shall I not be and dwell with him?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Chusai answered Absalom: Nay: for I will be his, whom the Lord hath chosen, and all this people, and all Israel, and with him will I abide.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Hushai responded to Absalom: “By no means! For I will be his, whom the Lord has chosen. And I, and all this people, and all of Israel, will remain with him.

New American Bible
Hushai replied to Absalom: “On the contrary, I am his whom the LORD and all this people and all Israel have chosen, and with him I will stay.

New Revised Standard Version
Hushai said to Absalom, “No; but the one whom the LORD and this people and all the Israelites have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Hushai said to Absalom. No; but whom the LORD and this people and all Israel have chosen, with him will I dwell, and his will I be.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Khushi said to Abishlum: “Is it not with him whom LORD JEHOVAH chose, and this people and all Israel, his possession with whom I shall stay, and I shall be his?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Hushai said unto Absalom: 'Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Chusi said to Abessalom, Nay, but following whom the Lord, and this people, and all Israel have chosen, - his will I be, and with him I will dwell.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” 18“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel— his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 1:8
But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:45
Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there with rejoicing that rings out in the city. That is the noise you hear.

1 Kings 2:15
“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.

1 Chronicles 12:38
All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.

1 Chronicles 29:24
All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.

2 Samuel 15:34
But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’

2 Samuel 19:9-10
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

2 Samuel 3:36-37
All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them. / So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

2 Samuel 15:37
So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

2 Samuel 17:14
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

2 Samuel 19:14
So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and they sent word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.”

2 Samuel 20:2
So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 3:17-18
Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’”

2 Samuel 19:41-43
Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel.


Treasury of Scripture

And Hushai said to Absalom, No; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh…

1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

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Abide Absalom Ab'salom Choose Chosen Hushai Israel
2 Samuel 16
1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance
5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David
9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge
15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel
20. Ahithophel's counsel














Not at all
This phrase indicates a strong negation or denial. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "לֹא" (lo), which is a straightforward negation. Hushai's response is emphatic, suggesting his loyalty and the firmness of his decision. In the context of ancient Israel, loyalty was a highly valued trait, especially in the political and social turmoil of King David's reign. Hushai's denial is not just a personal stance but a declaration of allegiance to God's chosen leader.

Hushai replied
Hushai the Archite was a friend and advisor to King David. His role in this narrative is crucial as he acts as a double agent, pretending to support Absalom while actually working to thwart his rebellion. The name "Hushai" in Hebrew means "hasty" or "eager," which may reflect his quick thinking and strategic mind. His presence in the account highlights the importance of wise counsel and the role of divine providence in guiding the affairs of Israel.

for the one chosen by the LORD
This phrase underscores the theological foundation of kingship in Israel. The Hebrew word for "chosen" is "בָּחַר" (bachar), which implies a deliberate selection or election. In the biblical narrative, God's choice is paramount, and it is He who anoints and establishes leaders. This reflects the belief that legitimate authority comes from God, and Hushai's loyalty is ultimately to the divine will rather than human ambition.

by these people
The phrase "these people" refers to the collective body of Israel. In the Hebrew context, "עַם" (am) is used for "people," signifying a community bound by covenant and shared identity. The support of the people is crucial for any leader, and it reflects the democratic element within the theocratic system of Israel. Hushai's statement acknowledges the role of the community in affirming God's choice.

and by all the men of Israel—
This expands the previous phrase to include the broader assembly of Israelite men, emphasizing unity and collective decision-making. The term "men of Israel" (אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, ish Yisrael) highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient society, where male leaders played a significant role in governance and military affairs. This phrase reinforces the idea that true leadership is recognized and supported by the entire nation.

his I will remain
Hushai's declaration of loyalty is personal and resolute. The Hebrew root "שָׁאַר" (sha'ar) means to remain or stay behind, indicating steadfastness and commitment. In the context of political intrigue and shifting allegiances, Hushai's promise to remain with God's chosen leader is a testament to his faithfulness and integrity.

and with him I will stay
This final phrase reiterates Hushai's commitment. The Hebrew word "עִמּוֹ" (immo) means "with him," signifying close association and support. Staying with the chosen leader is not just a physical act but a spiritual and moral alignment with God's purposes. Hushai's loyalty serves as an example of unwavering faith and the importance of standing with God's anointed, even in times of uncertainty and danger.

Verse 18. - The men of Israel. Here and in ver. 15 the men of Israel are not contrasted with the men of Judah, but include them (see 2 Samuel 15:10). Absalom's rebellion began at Hebron, in Judaea, and the selection of Amasa, a first cousin both of David and Joab, as commander-in-chief, suggests the conclusion that Absalom's chief strength lay in David's own tribe, though men from all the tribes on the west of the Jordan had also flocked to his standard. Besides them, Hushai speaks of this people, that is, the citizens of Jerusalem. For, while there had been general lamentation at David's departure (2 Samuel 15:23), yet the citizens had admitted Absalom without a struggle, and submitted to him. David's adherents are also constantly called "the people," because they did not belong to any special tribe, but were drawn indifferently from them all.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Not at all,”
לֹ֕א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

Hushai
חוּשַׁי֮ (ḥū·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites

answered.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“For
כִּי֩ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the one
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

chosen
בָּחַ֧ר (bā·ḥar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

by the LORD,
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

by the
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people,
וְהָעָ֥ם (wə·hā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and by all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the men
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Israel—
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

his
ל֥וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I will be,
אֶהְיֶ֖ה (’eh·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

and with him
וְאִתּ֥וֹ (wə·’it·tōw)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

I will remain.
אֵשֵֽׁב׃ (’ê·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry


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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:18 Hushai said to Absalom No (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 16:17
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