And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

2 SAMUEL 17:10KJV
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2 Samuel 17:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 17:10 mean?

2 Samuel 17:10 says that even the bravest warriors, those with hearts as bold as lions, will lose their courage and become afraid because everyone in Israel knows that David and his men are mighty fighters. The verse highlights the reputation of David and his followers as fearsome and skilled in battle, causing fear even among the strong.

In this scene, the advisor Hushai is speaking to Absalom, who is plotting against his father David. Hushai warns Absalom that attacking David is dangerous because David’s men are not ordinary soldiers—they are experienced and courageous. The verse uses strong language to show that David’s reputation is so great that it could cause panic among even the most valiant warriors.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 17:10

  • "valiant" (בְּנֵי־חַיִל, benei-chayil): This phrase means "sons of strength" or "men of valor." It emphasizes not just bravery but proven ability and resourcefulness in battle.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): The word for "heart" here refers to inner courage or determination, not just feelings. Comparing someone's heart to that of a lion paints a picture of exceptional bravery.
  • "lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh): Lions were symbols of strength and fearlessness in the ancient world. The comparison underlines the exceptional courage expected of these warriors.
  • "utterly melt" (מוֹג, mog): This word means to lose resolve or become faint-hearted. It shows that even the strongest can be overwhelmed by fear when facing someone with David’s reputation.

Why 2 Samuel 17:10 matters

  • This verse explains why Hushai’s advice was persuasive—he played on Absalom’s fears by emphasizing David’s legendary status and the loyalty of his men.
  • The verse helps readers understand the psychological aspect of warfare in the ancient world, where reputation and morale could decide outcomes as much as weapons or numbers.
  • It connects to the larger story by showing how God used Hushai’s words to protect David, as Absalom ultimately follows Hushai’s advice instead of the more dangerous plan offered by Ahithophel.

Where else these words appear

“utterly” Hebrew H4549 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
  • Judges 15:14 And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
  • Isaiah 10:18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.

“lion” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.