2 Samuel 16:21 “Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has…”

2 Samuel 16:21

Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

World English Bible

Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.”

American Standard Version

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, that he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then will the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

Geneva Bible 1599

And Ahithophel said vnto Absalom, Goe in to thy fathers concubines, which he hath left to keepe the house: and when all Israel shall heare, that thou art abhorred of thy father, the hands of all that are with thee, shall be strong.

Darby Translation

And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to thy father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art become odious with thy father; and the hands of all that are with thee shall be strong.

Young's Literal Translation

And Ahithophel saith unto Absalom, 'Go in unto the concubines of thy father, whom he left to keep the house, and all Israel hath heard that thou hast been abhorred by thy father, and the hands of all who [are] with thee have been strong.'

Bible in Basic English

And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your father's women who are here looking after his house; then all Israel will have the news that you are hated by your father, and the hands of your supporters will be strong.

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Cross references

“Go in”

Genesis 6:4 Genesis 38:16

Genesis 6:4 · BSB

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.

Genesis 38:16 · BSB

Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired.

“unto thy”

2 Samuel 20:3 2 Samuel 15:16 Leviticus 18:8 2 Samuel 12:11 Genesis 35:22 Leviticus 20:11

2 Samuel 20:3 · BSB

When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They w…

2 Samuel 15:16 · BSB

Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace.

Leviticus 18:8 · BSB

You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.

2 Samuel 12:11 · BSB

This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight.

Genesis 35:22 · BSB

While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:

Leviticus 20:11 · BSB

If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

“abhorred”

Genesis 34:30 1 Samuel 13:4

Genesis 34:30 · BSB

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and m…

1 Samuel 13:4 · BSB

And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.

“thy father”

Genesis 49:3 Genesis 49:4

Genesis 49:3 · BSB

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.

Genesis 49:4 · BSB

Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.

“then shall”

1 Samuel 27:12

1 Samuel 27:12 · BSB

So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.”

“the hands”

2 Samuel 2:7 Zechariah 8:13

2 Samuel 2:7 · BSB

Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”

Zechariah 8:13 · BSB

As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.”

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

20Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”

22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Read 2 Samuel 16