2 Samuel 18:3 Meaning and Explanation
“But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people urge David not to fight, insisting his life is worth more than ten thousand and that he should support them from the city.
What Does 2 Samuel 18:3 Mean?
The soldiers refuse to let David enter the battle, reasoning that the enemy seeks the king above all. His safety is the cause they fight for; if he falls, all is lost, but from the city he can send reinforcements and direction.
Their words honor David as the heart of the kingdom, the one whose life gathers and sustains them all. There is wisdom in knowing where one's true strength lies and in guarding what cannot be replaced. The people's devotion mirrors how a community rightly treasures the life on which its hope depends.
2 Samuel 18:3 in the Original Language
succour comes from Hebrew 'azar (עָזַר), 'to help' -- to come to the aid of someone in need.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 18:3
What does 2 Samuel 18:3 mean?
The people urge David not to fight, insisting his life is worth more than ten thousand and that he should support them from the city.