And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

2 SAMUEL 20:11KJV
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2 Samuel 20:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 20:11 mean?

2 Samuel 20:11 describes how, after Joab kills Amasa, one of Joab’s men stands by the body and calls out to the soldiers, urging anyone loyal to Joab and David to follow Joab. The verse shows a moment where Joab’s authority is reinforced among David’s troops, even after a violent act.

The scene takes place during a tense pursuit of Sheba, a rebel against King David. Joab, having just killed his rival Amasa, is reasserting his leadership. The unnamed soldier’s call is both a rallying cry and a test of loyalty, making it clear that following Joab is equated with supporting King David in this crisis.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 20:11

  • "one" (אִישׁ, ish): This word often means "man" or "one person," emphasizing that a single individual steps forward to speak, not a group.
  • "favoureth" (חָפֵץ, chafets): This verb means "to take pleasure in" or "to be inclined toward." Here, it suggests more than just passive support; it means to actively choose Joab’s side.
  • "after" (אַחֲרֵי, acharei): This preposition means "behind" or "after," indicating following someone’s lead or joining their cause, not just physically but in allegiance.

Why 2 Samuel 20:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that loyalty to Joab is being publicly tied to loyalty to David, showing how Joab positions himself as the king’s essential commander despite his violent actions.
  • It highlights the tension and uncertainty among the troops after Amasa’s death, as the soldiers are being asked to immediately choose sides.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of shifting leadership and loyalty during David’s reign, showing how authority is sometimes enforced through both words and deeds.

Where else these words appear

“He” Hebrew H4310 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
  • Genesis 24:65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.
  • Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

“favoureth” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

“Joab's” 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 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 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.