And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

2 SAMUEL 15:31KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 15:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:31 mean?

2 Samuel 15:31 describes how David learns that Ahithophel, one of his trusted advisors, has joined Absalom’s rebellion. In response, David prays and asks the LORD to turn Ahithophel’s advice into foolishness so that it will not succeed.

The verse takes place during Absalom’s revolt against his father David. Someone informs David about Ahithophel’s betrayal, which is a serious blow because Ahithophel was known for wise counsel. David immediately turns to prayer, showing his dependence on God rather than his own strategies, and asks God to undermine the effectiveness of Ahithophel’s advice.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:31

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): David addresses his prayer directly to the personal name of God, highlighting the intimacy and urgency of his request.
  • counsel (עֵצָה, ‘etsah): This word refers to advice or guidance, and Ahithophel’s counsel was highly respected. David’s prayer specifically targets the wisdom and influence of Ahithophel’s advice.
  • foolishness (סָכֵל, sakel): David asks God to make Ahithophel’s advice ineffective or senseless, turning what is usually wise into something unhelpful or even harmful to Absalom’s cause.

Why 2 Samuel 15:31 matters

  • This verse shows the depth of David’s crisis by revealing that even his closest advisors could turn against him, making the threat from Absalom even more serious.
  • David’s immediate turn to prayer, rather than panic or plotting, emphasizes his trust in God’s control over human plans and wisdom.
  • The verse sets up a key theme in the surrounding chapters: the limits of human wisdom and the ultimate authority of God to overturn even the best-laid plans.

Where else these words appear

“foolishness” Hebrew H5528 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
  • 1 Samuel 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

“Ahithophel” Hebrew H302 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

“conspirators” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.