2 Samuel 16:17 net — Absalom said to Hushai,“Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”

NET Bible

"Absalom said to Hushai,“Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”"

— 2 Samuel 16:17, NET Bible

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2 Samuel 16:17 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 16 — Context

14

The king and all the people who were with him arrived exhausted at their destination, where David refreshed himself.

15

The Advice of Ahithophel Now when Absalom and all the men of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, Ahithophel was with him.

16

When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him,“Long live the king! Long live the king!”

17

Absalom said to Hushai,“Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”

18

Hushai replied to Absalom,“No, I will be loyal to the one whom the LORD, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen.

19

Moreover, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”

20

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel,“Give us your advice. What should we do?”

2 Samuel 16:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 16:17 say?
2 Samuel 16:17 in the NET Bible reads: “Absalom said to Hushai,“Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?””
Where is 2 Samuel 16:17 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 16:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 17.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 16:17.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 16:17 in?
2 Samuel 16:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 16:17?
2 Samuel 16:17 reads (NET): “Absalom said to Hushai,“Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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