Old Testament
2 Samuel 17:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Look, he is hiding now in some pit or in some other place. When some of them are overthrown at the start, whoever hears it will say, 'There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.'
Compare translations
Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
What 2 Samuel 17:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a character is being tracked down, and the speaker notes that he is likely hiding in a pit or some other concealed spot. The concern is that if a few of Absalom's followers are defeated early in the conflict, it will create panic. People will hear about the initial losses and assume that a massacre is happening among Absalom's supporters. This highlights the fear and uncertainty that can arise in times of conflict. The mention of hiding suggests a desperate situation, where survival is paramount. The verse captures the tension of the moment, as the outcome of the battle hangs in the balance. It serves as a reminder of how quickly rumors can spread and influence perceptions during chaotic times. The fear of defeat can lead to a swift collapse of morale among followers, emphasizing the importance of unity and strength in challenging situations. This moment illustrates the fragility of power and the impact of early setbacks in a conflict, shaping the narrative of the struggle.
How to apply 2 Samuel 17:9 to your life
In our lives, we may face situations where fear and uncertainty cloud our judgment. It's essential to stay grounded and not jump to conclusions based on initial setbacks. Building strong relationships and maintaining open communication can help us navigate through challenges. Remember, early losses do not define the outcome of our journey. Stay resilient and focused on the bigger picture as you move forward in life’s battles.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Samuel 17:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Samuel 17:9
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Samuel 17:9 mean about hiding in a pit?
In 2 Samuel 17:9, the mention of hiding in a pit symbolizes desperation and the instinct for self-preservation during conflict. It reflects the character's fear of being captured or killed, highlighting the lengths individuals will go to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
How does this verse relate to the theme of fear in conflict?
This verse illustrates how fear can escalate during conflict. The anticipation of defeat among Absalom's followers creates a sense of panic, suggesting that initial losses can lead to widespread anxiety and chaos. It emphasizes the psychological impact of warfare on individuals and groups.
What can we learn about rumors from this verse?
2 Samuel 17:9 shows how quickly rumors can spread in times of crisis. The fear that initial losses will be perceived as a massacre highlights the importance of communication and the potential for misinformation to influence morale and perceptions during conflict.
How does this verse emphasize the importance of morale?
The verse underscores that early setbacks can significantly affect the morale of Absalom's followers. If they believe that a slaughter is occurring, it could lead to panic and disarray, demonstrating how crucial it is to maintain unity and confidence in challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.