Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king’s provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?” New Living Translation The men of Judah replied, “The king is one of our own kinsmen. Why should this make you angry? We haven’t eaten any of the king’s food or received any special favors!” English Standard Version All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” Berean Standard Bible 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?” Berean Literal Bible And all the men of Judah answered against the men of Israel, “Because the king is near to us. And why is this that you are hot over this matter? Have we ever eaten from the king? Or has he ever lifted up to us?” King James Bible And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift? New King James Version So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” New American Standard Bible Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense, or has anything been taken for us?” NASB 1995 Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense, or has anything been taken for us?” NASB 1977 Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense, or has anything been taken for us?” Legacy Standard Bible Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense, or has anything been taken for us?” Amplified Bible Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. So why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has anything been taken for us?” Berean Annotated Bible And all the men of Judah (praised) replied to the men of Israel (he wrestles with God), “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? Christian Standard Bible All the men of Judah responded to the men of Israel, “Because the king is our relative. Why does this make you angry? Have we ever eaten anything of the king’s or been honored at all? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible All the men of Judah responded to the men of Israel, “Because the king is our relative. Why does this make you angry? Have we ever eaten anything of the king’s or been honored at all?” American Standard Version And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then are ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all at the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift? Contemporary English Version The people of Judah answered, "Why are you so angry? We are the king's relatives. He didn't give us any food, and we didn't take anything for ourselves!" English Revised Version And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift? GOD'S WORD® Translation All the people of Judah answered the people of Israel, "Because the king is our relative. Why are you angry about this? Did we eat the king's food, or did he give us any gifts?" Good News Translation The men of Judah answered, "We did it because the king is one of us. So why should this make you angry? He hasn't paid for our food nor has he given us anything." International Standard Version Everybody from Judah shouted to the men from Israel, "We did this because the king is closely related to us. So why are you angry about this? Have we lived off the king's expense? Have we appropriated anything for ourselves?" NET Bible All the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, "Because the king is our close relative! Why are you so upset about this? Have we eaten at the king's expense? Or have we misappropriated anything for our own use?" New Heart English Bible The men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s cost? Has he given us a gift? Or has he brought us a portion? " Webster's Bible Translation And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: why then are ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all at the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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?” World English Bible All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s cost? Or has he given us any gift?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all the men of Judah answer against the men of Israel, “Because the king [is] near to us, and why [is] this [that] you are displeased about this matter? Have we eaten of the king’s [substance] at all? Has he lifted up a gift to us?” Berean Literal Bible And all the men of Judah answered against the men of Israel, “Because the king is near to us. And why is this that you are hot over this matter? Have we ever eaten from the king? Or has he ever lifted up to us?” Young's Literal Translation And all the men of Judah answer against the men of Israel, 'Because the king is near unto us, and why is this -- ye are displeased about this matter? have we at all eaten of the king's substance? a gift hath he lifted up to us?' Smith's Literal Translation And every man of Judah will answer to the man Israel, Because the king being near to me: and wherefore does this kindle to thee on account of this word? did we eat food from the king? or lifting up, did he lift up to us? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all the men of Juda answered the men of Israel: Because the king is nearer to me: why art thou angry for this matter? have we eaten any thing of the king's, or have any gifts been given us? Catholic Public Domain Version And all the men of Judah responded to the men of Israel: “Because the king is nearer to me. Why are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten anything belonging to the king, or have any gifts been given to us?” New American Bible All the Judahites replied to the men of Israel: “Because the king is our relative. Why are you angry over this? Have we had anything to eat at the king’s expense? Or have portions from his table been given to us?” New Revised Standard Version All the people of Judah answered the people of Israel, “Because the king is near of kin to us. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the men of Judah answered and said to the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us; why then are you displeased over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's cost? Or has he given us any gifts? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all of the household of Yehuda answered, and they were saying to those of the house of Israel, “Because the King is near to us. Why did it seem evil to you concerning this matter? Have we eaten with the King, or has a gift been given to us from him?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel: 'Because the king is near of kin to us; wherefore then are ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath any gift been given us?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And all the men of Juda answered the men of Israel, and said, Because the king is near of kin to us: and why were you thus angry concerning this matter? have we indeed eaten of the king's food? or has he given us a gift, or has he sent us a portion? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Contention over the King41Soon 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?” 42And 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?” 43“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 pressed even harder than the men of Israel.… Cross References And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, 2 Samuel 20:1-2 Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / 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. Judges 8:1 Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. Judges 12:1-2 Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!” / But Jephthah replied, “My people and I had a serious conflict with the Ammonites, and when I called, you did not save me out of their hands. “We did this because the king is our relative. 2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Genesis 29:14 Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, Judges 9:2 “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” Why does this anger you? Genesis 4:6 “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? Jonah 4:4 But the LORD replied, “Have you any right to be angry?” Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 1 Samuel 12:3-5 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied. Numbers 16:15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.” or received anything for ourselves?” 1 Samuel 8:3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, Treasury of Scripture And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: why then be you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or has he given us any gift? Because 2 Samuel 19:12 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king? 2 Samuel 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. 1 Chronicles 2:3-17 The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him… Jump to Previous Angry Close Cost Eaten Gift Israel Judah Kin King's Matter Relative WhereforeJump to Next Angry Close Cost Eaten Gift Israel Judah Kin King's Matter Relative Wherefore2 Samuel 19 1. Joab causes the king to cease his mourning9. The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back 11. David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah 18. Shimei is pardoned 24. Mephibosheth excused 32. Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family 41. The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel This phrase highlights the division between the tribes of Israel and Judah, a recurring theme in the history of Israel. The men of Judah are responding to the men of Israel, indicating a dialogue that reflects underlying tensions. Historically, the tribes of Israel were often divided, with Judah and Benjamin forming the southern kingdom and the other tribes forming the northern kingdom. This division is significant in understanding the later split of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign (1 Kings 12). “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?” Persons / Places / Events 1. Men of JudahThe tribe of Judah, from which King David hails, is defending their actions in bringing David back to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. 2. Men of Israel Representatives from the other tribes of Israel who feel slighted by Judah's actions and express their displeasure. 3. King David The central figure in this account, whose return to power is the subject of contention between Judah and the other tribes. 4. Absalom's Rebellion The backdrop of this event, where David's son Absalom had previously usurped the throne, leading to a civil conflict. 5. Jerusalem The capital city and the focal point of David's return to kingship. Teaching Points Unity in the Body of ChristJust as the tribes of Israel were divided, the church today can face divisions. We must strive for unity, recognizing our shared identity in Christ. Understanding Our Identity The men of Judah identified closely with David as their kin. As Christians, we should understand our identity in Christ and how it shapes our actions and relationships. Handling Conflict with Grace The dialogue between Judah and Israel teaches us to address conflicts with grace and understanding, seeking reconciliation rather than division. The Importance of Leadership Leadership, as seen in David's return, is crucial. We should pray for and support godly leaders who seek to unify and guide with wisdom. God's Sovereign Plan Despite human conflicts, God's sovereign plan prevails. Trust in His overarching purpose, even when circumstances seem divisive. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:42?2. How does 2 Samuel 19:42 highlight the importance of unity among believers? 3. What can we learn about resolving conflicts from the Israelites' response in this verse? 4. How does 2 Samuel 19:42 connect to Jesus' teachings on reconciliation? 5. In what ways can we apply the Israelites' defense of their actions to our lives? 6. How does this verse encourage us to prioritize relationships over personal pride? 7. Why did the men of Judah claim a greater right to David in 2 Samuel 19:42? 8. How does 2 Samuel 19:42 reflect tribal tensions in ancient Israel? 9. What does 2 Samuel 19:42 reveal about leadership disputes in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19? 11. Why did Elijah write to King Jehoram? 12. How can 2 Samuel 19:18-23 reconcile David's promise to spare Shimei with later biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 2:8-9) commanding his execution? 13. Does the tribal conflict between Judah and Israel in 2 Samuel 19:40-43 align with other historical sources, or is there a possible inconsistency in how the tribes' loyalties shift? 14. What historical or archaeological evidence confirms the large-scale support David received upon returning as described in 2 Samuel 19:9-10? What Does 2 Samuel 19:42 Mean We did this because the king is our relative“And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, ‘We did this because the king is our relative…’ ” (2 Samuel 19:42) • Judah’s men remind the other tribes that David is from their own lineage (see 2 Samuel 5:1–2; Genesis 49:10). • Family loyalty carried weight in Israel’s culture; honoring kin was viewed as honoring the covenant community itself (Ruth 3:9; 1 Chronicles 28:4). • Their escort of David back to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt simply flowed from this natural, covenantal bond, not from political maneuvering. Why does this anger you? “… ‘Why does this anger you?’ ” • Jealousy and wounded pride surface whenever unity gives way to tribal rivalry (compare Judges 8:1–3; Proverbs 13:10). • The men of Israel had felt slighted because Judah acted first (2 Samuel 19:41). Instead of celebrating the king’s restoration, they nursed resentment. • Scripture consistently warns that such internal strife weakens God’s people (1 Corinthians 1:10; James 4:1). Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves? “… ‘Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?’ ” • Judah denies any selfish gain: no royal provisions, no special gifts—only service (compare 1 Samuel 12:3–5; 2 Corinthians 12:17–18). • True loyalty to God-appointed leadership is marked by selflessness, not spoils (1 Peter 5:2–3; Philippians 2:3–4). • Their question exposes the baselessness of the accusation and calls Israel’s tribes back to facts rather than feelings. summary Judah’s reply in 2 Samuel 19:42 underscores three truths: loyalty to God’s chosen king is natural and proper; jealousy over perceived slights disrupts unity; and genuine service seeks no personal reward. By affirming family ties, challenging unrighteous anger, and disclaiming selfish motives, Judah models how believers today can guard unity, honor rightful authority, and serve without expecting earthly payoff. (42) Have we eaten.--Judah justifies its course by its nearness of relationship to the king, and repels the idea of having received any especial favours from him. In this, then, may be a taunt to the Benjamites on account of the partiality shown them by Saul. On the other hand, the Israelites urge their claim of numerical superiority. The whole dispute is a remarkable testimony to the fairness of David's government as between the tribes.Verse 42. - The king is near of kin to us. The pronouns are singular throughout: "He is near of kin to me. Why art thou angry? Have I eaten... I have ten parts... Why didst thou despise me?" and so everywhere. This is much more piquant; but such personification is contrary to the genius of our language. Have I eaten, etc.? Saul had boasted of enriching the Benjamites (1 Samuel 22:7), but probably the speaker intended only to protest the purity of his motives.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And allכָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the men אִ֨ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of Judah יְהוּדָ֜ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites replied וַיַּעַן֩ (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the men אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc “[We did this] because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the king הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king is our אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to relative. קָר֤וֹב (qā·rō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7138: Near Why וְלָ֤מָּה (wə·lām·māh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what does this זֶּה֙ (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that anger you? חָרָ֣ה (ḥā·rāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy Have we ever eaten הֶאָכ֤וֹל (he·’ā·ḵō·wl) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 398: To eat at מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the king's [expense] הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not received נִשָּׂ֖א (niś·śā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take anything נִשֵּׂ֥את (niś·śêṯ) Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 5379: Something taken, a present for ourselves?” לָֽנוּ׃ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 0: 0 Links 2 Samuel 19:42 NIV2 Samuel 19:42 NLT 2 Samuel 19:42 ESV 2 Samuel 19:42 NASB 2 Samuel 19:42 KJV 2 Samuel 19:42 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 19:42 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 19:42 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 19:42 French Bible 2 Samuel 19:42 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 19:42 All the men of Judah answered (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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