So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

2 SAMUEL 13:38KJV
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2 Samuel 13:38 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:38 mean?

2 Samuel 13:38 states that Absalom ran away to the region of Geshur and stayed there for three years. This verse marks the period after Absalom killed his brother Amnon and chose to live in exile rather than face the consequences in Jerusalem.

The verse is part of the story where Absalom, one of King David’s sons, flees after avenging his sister Tamar by killing Amnon. Geshur was a small kingdom northeast of Israel, and Absalom’s mother was from there, which likely made it a safe place for him to seek refuge. The three-year stay sets up the next phase of tension and eventual reconciliation in David’s family.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:38

  • גְּשׁוּר (Geshur, Geshur): This is the name of the place where Absalom fled. Geshur was a neighboring kingdom, and its mention highlights that Absalom had family ties there through his mother, which explains why he chose this location for exile.
  • שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh, three) and שָׁנָה (shanah, years): The verse notes that Absalom remained in Geshur for "three years." This detail emphasizes the length of his separation from David and the ongoing unresolved conflict within the royal family.

Why 2 Samuel 13:38 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Absalom’s exile was not just a brief escape but a significant, multi-year absence, which deepened the rift between him and King David.
  • Mentioning Geshur connects the story to earlier details about Absalom’s family background and shows how political and family alliances influenced his actions.
  • This verse sets the stage for the next developments in the narrative, where David’s longing for Absalom and the unresolved family tensions become central to the story.

Where else these words appear

“Geshur” Hebrew H1650 · used in 9 verses

  • Joshua 13:13 Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.
  • 2 Samuel 13:37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
  • 2 Samuel 15:8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.