2 Samuel 18:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joab rebukes the soldier for not killing Absalom and says he would have rewarded him with silver and a belt.
What Does 2 Samuel 18:11 Mean?
Joab, hearing the report, faults the man for letting the opportunity pass. He claims he would have paid him ten shekels of silver and given him a warrior's belt had he struck Absalom down.
Joab measures the moment by results and reward, impatient with the soldier's hesitation. Where the king pleaded for mercy, Joab calculates advantage. The clash between the king's heart and his commander's hard pragmatism reveals how easily zeal for the kingdom can override the tender purposes of the one it serves.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 18:11
What does 2 Samuel 18:11 mean?
Joab rebukes the soldier for not killing Absalom and says he would have rewarded him with silver and a belt.