Bible Strands
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
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Study note
Setting — Ahithophel delivers this counsel to Absalom at the exact moment the rebel prince requests strategic advice to secure his usurpation of David’s throne. The exchange occurs during the active rebellion, as Absalom moves to consolidate political control in Jerusalem.
The words — The Hebrew verb בּוֹא (Bo') means "go" or "enter," directing Absalom to approach the פִּלַגְשֵׁי אָבִי/ךָ (pi.lag.shéi 'a.ví/kha), literally "concubines of your father." The phrasing explicitly names the women as the displaced property of the king’s household.
The thread — The text directly parallels Leviticus 18:8, which forbids sexual relations with a father’s wife as an act that dishonors him, while the same concubines reappear in 2 Samuel 15:16 and 20:3 as markers of David’s abandoned palace. The narrative thread ties royal usurpation to the ritual and political defilement of the previous king’s line.
Why it lands — The verse states that Ahithophel advises Absalom to publicly sleep with the concubines so that all Israel will perceive David’s rejection of him, thereby strengthening the loyalty of Absalom’s followers. It requires the reader to recognize how the text frames political consolidation as a deliberate, public desecration of paternal and kingly authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
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.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 20:3 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 were confined until the day of their death, living as widows.
- 2 Samuel 15:16 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 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.
- 2 Samuel 2:7 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 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.”
- Genesis 6:4 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 34:30 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 my household will be destroyed.”
- Genesis 35:22 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:
- Genesis 38:16 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.
- Genesis 49:3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.