2 Samuel 14:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:18 mean?

2 Samuel 14:18 shows King David asking the woman who has come before him not to hide anything from him as he prepares to question her, and the woman respectfully gives him permission to speak. The verse highlights a moment of direct communication, where the king seeks honesty and openness from the woman in their conversation.

In this scene, King David is speaking to a woman from Tekoa, who has been sent to him by Joab, David’s military commander. The woman has been telling David a story as part of Joab’s plan to persuade the king to bring his son Absalom back from exile. Here, David pauses the story to ask her a question, and she responds with deference, calling him “my lord the king” and inviting him to speak freely.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:18

• "Hide" (כָּחַד, kachad) means to conceal or withhold information. David’s use of this word shows he wants complete honesty from the woman, signaling that he suspects there may be more to her story.
• "Thing" (דָּבָר, davar) refers to a matter, word, or thing. David is asking about a specific issue or detail he wants clarified, not just general conversation.
• "Ask" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) means to inquire or request. The king’s authority is clear here—he is not just listening but actively questioning to get to the truth.
• "Speak" (דָּבַר, dabar) means to speak or declare. The woman’s response gives David permission to proceed, showing respect for his position and willingness to answer.

Why 2 Samuel 14:18 matters

• This verse marks a turning point in the conversation, where David moves from listening to actively investigating, hinting that he suspects a hidden motive behind the woman’s story.
• The respectful exchange between the king and the woman underlines the formal court setting and the seriousness of the discussion.
• Understanding this moment helps clarify the larger narrative: David is being cautious and discerning, not simply accepting what he hears, which sets up the revelation of Joab’s involvement and the eventual return of Absalom.