2 Samuel 16:19 nasb — "Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presenc…

NASB

""Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so I will be in your presence.""

— 2 Samuel 16:19, NASB

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2 Samuel 16:19 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 16 — Context

16

Now it came about when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

17

Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?"

18

Then Hushai said to Absalom, "No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.

19

"Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so I will be in your presence."

20

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your advice. What shall we do?"

21

Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened."

22

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2 Samuel 16:19 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 16:19 say?
2 Samuel 16:19 in the NASB reads: “"Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so I will be in your presence."”
Where is 2 Samuel 16:19 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 16:19 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 19.
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 16:19.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 16:19 in?
2 Samuel 16:19 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 16:19?
2 Samuel 16:19 reads (NASB): “"Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so I will be in your presence."” 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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