And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

2 SAMUEL 14:21KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 14:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:21 mean?

2 Samuel 14:21 shows King David telling Joab that he has agreed to Joab’s request and instructs him to bring Absalom, David’s son, back to Jerusalem. David’s decision marks a turning point, allowing Absalom to return after being exiled for killing his brother Amnon.

In this verse, King David is speaking directly to Joab, his military commander. Joab had been working behind the scenes to persuade David to allow Absalom’s return, using a wise woman from Tekoa to make the case. David’s words here confirm that he has listened to Joab’s plan and is now acting on it, setting the stage for Absalom’s reentry into the royal family and the ongoing drama within David’s household.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:21

  • "Bring" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word, translated as "bring" or "bring again," literally means "to return" or "to restore." It highlights that Absalom is not just being fetched, but is being restored to his place in Jerusalem after a period of separation.
  • "Thing" (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means "word," "matter," or "thing." When David says, "I have done this thing," he is acknowledging the specific action or decision Joab requested, showing personal responsibility in the matter.
  • "Young man" (נַעַר, na'ar): This term can mean a boy, youth, or young man. Referring to Absalom this way may hint at David’s lingering affection or the sense that Absalom, despite his actions, is still seen as a son rather than just a political figure.

Why 2 Samuel 14:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s decision to bring Absalom back is not just a passive allowance, but an active command, showing David’s authority and responsibility in the situation.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of family conflict and reconciliation in David’s life, highlighting the complexities of justice, mercy, and leadership.
  • It helps clear up any confusion about who initiated Absalom’s return—making it clear that, although Joab influenced the outcome, the final decision and command came from the king himself.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.