2 Samuel 18:26
New International Version
Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!” The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”

New Living Translation
the watchman saw another man running toward them. He shouted down, “Here comes another one!” The king replied, “He also will have news.”

English Standard Version
The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.”

Berean Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.

Berean Literal Bible
And the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper, and said, “Behold, a man is running by himself.” And the king said, “Also this one brings news.”

King James Bible
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

New King James Version
Then the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “There is another man, running alone!” And the king said, “He also brings news.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man is running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

NASB 1995
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

NASB 1977
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”

Amplified Bible
Then the lookout saw another man running, and he called to the gatekeeper and said, “Look, another man running alone.” The king said, “He also is bringing good news.”

Berean Annotated Bible
the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone! “This one also brings good news, said the king.

Christian Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone! ” “This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!"” This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.

American Standard Version
And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

Contemporary English Version
when the soldier saw someone else running. He shouted down to the gate, "Look! There's another runner!" David said, "He must have some news too."

English Revised Version
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the watchman saw another man running, the watchman called, "There's [another] man running alone." The king said, "This one is also bringing good news."

Good News Translation
Then the lookout saw another man running alone, and he called down to the gatekeeper, "Look! There's another man running!" The king answered, "This one also is bringing good news."

International Standard Version
the watchman observed another man running. So he called out to the gatekeeper, "There's another man running by himself!" The king replied, "He's also bringing some news to report!"

NET Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running. The watchman called out to the gatekeeper, "There is another man running by himself." The king said, "This one also is bringing good news."

New Heart English Bible
Then the watchman saw another man running. And the watchman above the gate called out, and said, "Look, another man running alone." And the king said, "He also brings good news."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.

World English Bible
The watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, a man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the watchman sees another man running, and the watchman calls to the gatekeeper, and says, “Behold, a man running by himself”; and the king says, “This one is also bearing tidings.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper, and said, “Behold, a man is running by himself.” And the king said, “Also this one brings news.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the watchman seeth another man running, and the watchman calleth unto the gatekeeper, and saith, 'Lo, a man running by himself;' and the king saith, 'Also this one is bearing tidings.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he watching will see another man running, and the watcher will call at the gate and say, Behold, a man running alone. And the king will say, This also announces good tidings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The watchman saw another man running, and crying aloud from above, he said: I see another man running alone. And the king said: He also is a good messenger.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the watchman saw another man running. And so, crying out from the height, he said: “Another man has appeared, running alone.” And the king said, “This one also is a good messenger.”

New American Bible
the lookout spied another runner. From his place atop the gate he cried out, “There is another man running by himself.” And the king responded, “He, too, is bringing good news.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the sentinel saw another man running; and the sentinel called to the gatekeeper and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also is bringing tidings.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the watchman drew near toward the gate, and said, Behold, another man is running alone;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he walked, he came and came near, and the Watchman called to the gate and he said: “Behold, another man is running alone!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said: 'Behold another man running alone.' And the king said: 'He also bringeth tidings.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman cried at the gate, and said, And look, another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings glad tidings.

Additional Translations ...



Context
David Mourns for Absalom
25So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, 26the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. 27The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”…

Cross References
the watchman saw another man running,

2 Kings 9:17-18
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.”

1 Kings 18:46
And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
and he called out to the gatekeeper,

2 Kings 7:10-11
So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” / The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported to the king’s household.

Nehemiah 7:1-3
When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. / Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. / And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”

1 Chronicles 9:17-27
These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; / he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. / Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. …
“Look! Another man is running alone!”

2 Kings 9:19-20
So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” / Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi—he is driving like a madman!”

1 Kings 1:42
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”
“This one also brings good news,” said the king.

2 Kings 7:9
Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Proverbs 25:25
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
2 Samuel 18:27
The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”

2 Samuel 18:29
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.”

2 Samuel 18:31
Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!”

2 Samuel 18:32
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”

2 Samuel 19:1
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.”

1 Samuel 4:13-14
When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. / Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli.


Treasury of Scripture

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings tidings.

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Alone Bearer Crying Direction Door Gate Gatekeeper Good News Porter Running Tidings Watchman
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Alone Bearer Crying Direction Door Gate Gatekeeper Good News Porter Running Tidings Watchman
2 Samuel 18
1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim
9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit
18. Absalom's place
19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David
33. David mourns for Absalom












the watchman saw another man running,

From his position above the city gate, the watchman saw another man running. Watchmen kept constant watch for approaching travelers, messengers, or enemies and reported what they saw to those responsible for the gate.

2Ki 9:17-18 Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel…
1Ki 18:46 And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah,…

and he called out to the gatekeeper,

The watchman called out to the king, alerting him that a second runner was approaching. The king prepared to receive the messenger and discern the purpose of his arrival.

2Ki 7:10-11 So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city,…
Neh 7:1-3 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place…
1Ch 9:17-27 These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman…

“Look! Another man is running alone!”

The sight of a lone runner suggested that he carried urgent news from the battlefield rather than leading a troop movement.

2Ki 9:19-20 So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them…
1Ki 1:42 As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar…

“This one also brings good news,” said the king.

David expected the runner to report victory over Absalom’s forces. His hope was soon tempered by the painful news that Absalom had been killed.

2Ki 7:9 Finally, they said, “We are not doing what is right.…
Isa 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those…
Pro 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Watchman
A sentinel stationed to observe and report any approaching individuals or events. In ancient times, watchmen played a crucial role in the safety and communication of a city or camp.

2. Gatekeeper
The person responsible for controlling access to the city or camp, ensuring that only those with legitimate business could enter.

3. King David
The reigning king of Israel at this time, who is awaiting news about the battle against Absalom, his son.

4. The Running Man
A messenger tasked with delivering news from the battlefield. In this context, the running man symbolizes the bearer of important information.

5. Battle Against Absalom
The conflict between King David's forces and those of his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Watchman
Just as the watchman was vigilant in observing and reporting, Christians are called to be spiritually alert and discerning in their lives.

Anticipation of Good News
King David's expectation of good news reflects the hope believers should have in God's promises and the ultimate good news of the Gospel.

The Importance of Communication
The interaction between the watchman and the gatekeeper underscores the necessity of clear and effective communication within the body of Christ.

Responsibility of Messengers
The running man represents those who carry the message of the Gospel. Believers are entrusted with the responsibility to share the good news with others.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the uncertainty of the battle's outcome, David's response shows a trust in God's sovereign plan, reminding believers to trust God in all circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:26?

2. How does 2 Samuel 18:26 demonstrate the importance of recognizing God's messengers?

3. What can we learn about vigilance from the watchman's actions in this verse?

4. How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on watchfulness in Matthew 24?

5. In what ways can we be more attentive to God's messages in our lives?

6. How can we apply the watchman's diligence to our spiritual responsibilities today?

7. What is the significance of the watchman in 2 Samuel 18:26?

8. How does 2 Samuel 18:26 reflect God's communication with His people?

9. Why is the identity of the runner important in 2 Samuel 18:26?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18?


2 Samuel 18:26 captures a moment of heightened anticipation: vigilant watchmen, an orderly relay of information, and a king ready to receive word of God’s intervention. Each element—seeing the runner, alerting the gatekeeper, recognizing the lone messenger, and declaring good news—underlines faith that the Lord governs the battle and will ultimately send tidings that testify to His victory and care for His people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the watchman
הַצֹּפֶה֮ (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

another
אַחֵ֣ר (’a·ḥêr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

man
אִישׁ־ (’îš-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

running,
רָץ֒ (rāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

and he called out
וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the gatekeeper,
הַשֹּׁעֵ֔ר (haš·šō·‘êr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper

“Look!
הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

Another man
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

is running alone!”
רָ֣ץ (rāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

“This [one]
זֶ֥ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

also
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

brings news,”
מְבַשֵּֽׂר׃ (mə·ḇaś·śêr)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1319: To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce

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

the king.
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


Additonal Resources
2 Samuel 18:26 Blue Letter Bible
2 Samuel 18:26 Bible Gateway
2 Samuel 18:26 Bible.com

2 Samuel 18:26 NIV
2 Samuel 18:26 NLT
2 Samuel 18:26 ESV
2 Samuel 18:26 NASB
2 Samuel 18:26 KJV

2 Samuel 18:26 Study Bible
2 Samuel 18:26 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 18:26 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 18:26 French Bible
2 Samuel 18:26 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 18:26 The watchman saw another man running (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)

2 Samuel 18:25
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