2 Samuel 15:21
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אִתַּ֛י
And Ittai
H863
אִתַּ֛י
And Ittai
Strong's:
H863
Word #:
2 of 26
ittai or ithai, the name of a gittite and of an israelite
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְחַיִּ֔ים
liveth
H2416
לְחַיִּ֔ים
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
6 of 26
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֗ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְחַיִּ֔ים
liveth
H2416
לְחַיִּ֔ים
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
8 of 26
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אֲדֹנִ֣י
and as my lord
H113
אֲדֹנִ֣י
and as my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
9 of 26
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בִּמְק֞וֹם
surely in what place
H4725
בִּמְק֞וֹם
surely in what place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְיֶה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 26
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָּׁ֣ם׀
H8033
שָּׁ֣ם׀
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
16 of 26
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֲדֹנִ֣י
and as my lord
H113
אֲדֹנִ֣י
and as my lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
17 of 26
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
19 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְמָ֙וֶת֙
shall be whether in death
H4194
לְמָ֙וֶת֙
shall be whether in death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
20 of 26
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
21 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְחַיִּ֔ים
liveth
H2416
לְחַיִּ֔ים
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
22 of 26
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
23 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Proverbs 17:17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.2 Kings 4:30And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.Acts 21:13Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Proverbs 18:24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.2 Corinthians 7:3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.2 Kings 2:2And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.2 Kings 2:6And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.2 Kings 2:4And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.
Historical Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 15 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding betrayal, trusting God in exile provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of betrayal, trusting God in exile?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Rebellion, emphasizing betrayal, trusting God in exile. Absalom's conspiracy demonstrates calculating betrayal and political manipulation. David's flight from Jerusalem parallels later exile experiences, developing themes of trusting God during devastating reversals. The Hebrew emphasizes Absalom's patient, methodical undermining of David's authority. Cross-references to Psalms written during this period (Psalms 3, 63) reveal David's spiritual responses to political catastrophe.