2 Samuel 20:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joab comes near, confirms his identity, and agrees to listen as the woman asks him to hear her.
What Does 2 Samuel 20:17 Mean?
The commander approaches, and the woman confirms she is speaking to the right man before she begins. She addresses him humbly as his handmaid and asks him to hear her words, and Joab answers plainly that he is listening. A negotiation has opened where moments ago there was only the crash of the battering ram.
The brief exchange models how peace begins: with someone willing to speak and someone willing to listen. Her humility disarms without surrender, and his readiness to hear leaves room for a better outcome than bloodshed. So much harm in this world is averted simply when a wise word meets an open ear.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 20:17
What does 2 Samuel 20:17 mean?
Joab comes near, confirms his identity, and agrees to listen as the woman asks him to hear her.