Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

2 SAMUEL 19:7KJV
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2 Samuel 19:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:7 mean?

2 Samuel 19:7 is a warning from Joab to King David, urging him to go out and encourage his loyal soldiers after the death of Absalom. Joab tells David that if he does not speak kindly to his men, they will all abandon him by nightfall, and this loss will be worse than any trouble David has faced before.

Joab is addressing David right after David’s army has won a difficult battle, but David is mourning his son Absalom instead of recognizing his soldiers’ loyalty. Joab insists that David must "arise" and "speak comfortably" to his servants, meaning he should get up and talk to his men in a way that reassures and values them. Joab’s warning is serious: if David fails to act, he risks losing the support of everyone who fought for him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:7

  • "arise" (קוּם, qum): This word means to get up or take action. Joab is telling David not just to physically stand, but to take charge and respond to the urgent situation.
  • "speak comfortably" (עַל־לֵב, al-lev): Literally "speak to the heart," this phrase means to speak in a way that encourages or reassures. Joab wants David to connect emotionally with his men, not just give orders.
  • "tarry" (לִין, lin): This word means to stay or remain. Joab warns that not a single man will stay with David if he does not act, emphasizing the seriousness of the soldiers’ disappointment.
  • "worse" (רָעַע, ra‘a): This word means to be evil or bad. Joab is saying that the consequences of inaction will be more harmful than anything David has experienced before.

Why 2 Samuel 19:7 matters

  • This verse highlights the importance of a leader’s relationship with those who serve him, especially after a crisis or loss.
  • It clarifies that Joab is not being insensitive to David’s grief, but is urgently warning him about the practical consequences of neglecting his supporters.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing the tension between David’s personal feelings and his public responsibilities as king.

Where else these words appear

“youth” Hebrew H5271 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Psalms 129:1 A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
  • Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

“tarry” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Job 17:2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

“worse” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;