And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.

2 SAMUEL 18:30KJV
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2 Samuel 18:30 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 18:30 mean?

2 Samuel 18:30 shows King David instructing a messenger to step aside and wait, and the messenger obeys by moving aside and standing still. The verse highlights a moment of pause and waiting during a tense situation, as David manages the flow of news about the battle and his son Absalom.

In this scene, King David is speaking to a runner who has just arrived with news from the battlefield. David tells the man to "turn aside, and stand here," using his authority to control who delivers information and when. This brief command and the messenger's obedience set the stage for the next message David is about to receive, showing the king's careful handling of sensitive news.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 18:30

  • "Turn aside" (סָבַב, savav): This word means to change direction or move out of the way. David is not just telling the man to step aside physically, but to remove himself from the immediate conversation, signaling that his message is not the main one David is waiting for.
  • "Stand" (נָצַב, natsav): This word often means to take a position or stand firmly. Here, it suggests the messenger is to wait attentively, not just idly, showing respect and readiness for further instruction.
  • "Here" (כֹּה, koh): This word means "here" or "in this place," emphasizing that the messenger should not leave but remain close by, ready if needed.
  • "Stood still" (עָמַד, amad): This word means to stand or remain in place. The repetition of standing words underlines the messenger's obedience and the tension of waiting for what comes next.

Why 2 Samuel 18:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David is managing multiple messengers, not just receiving news passively, which shows his wisdom and caution in a delicate moment.
  • The use of two different Hebrew words for "stand" and "stood still" highlights the messenger's respectful and alert posture, not just physical stillness.
  • The verse sets up the emotional weight of the next message David will receive, building suspense and showing the seriousness of the news about Absalom.

Where else these words appear

“here” Hebrew H3541 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Numbers 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

“stand” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

“aside” Hebrew H5437 · used in 147 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • 2 Samuel 20:12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.