2 Samuel 18:8 nasb — For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword…

NASB

"For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured."

— 2 Samuel 18:8, NASB

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

2 Samuel 18:8 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

2 Samuel 18 — Context

5

The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.

6

Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.

7

The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,men.

8

For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

9

Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. For Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. And his head caught fast in the oak, so he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him kept going.

10

When a certain man saw it, he told Joab and said, "Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak."

11

Then Joab said to the man who had told him, "Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt."

2 Samuel 18:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 18:8 say?
2 Samuel 18:8 in the NASB reads: “For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.”
Where is 2 Samuel 18:8 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 18:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 18, verse 8.
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 18:8.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 18:8 in?
2 Samuel 18:8 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 18:8?
2 Samuel 18:8 reads (NASB): “For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2