2 Samuel 20:20

And Ioab answered and saide, Farre be it, farre be it from me, that I should swallow vp or destroy.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Joab replied, "Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy!
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And Joab, answering her, said, Far, far be it from me to be a cause of death or destruction;
- Basic English Bible

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
- Darby Bible

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
- Webster's Bible

Joab answered, "Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
- World English Bible

And Joab answereth and saith, `Far be it -- far be it from me; I do not swallow up nor destroy.
- Youngs Literal Bible

And Joab answered and said: 'Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for 2 Samuel 20:20

20:18 Ask counsel - This city which thou art about to destroy, is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and considerable for its wisdom, that when any differences arose among any of the neighbours, they used proverbially to say, We will ask the opinion and advice as the men of Abel about it, and we will stand to their arbitration; and so all parties were satisfied, and disputes ended.

20:19 A mother - Great cities are commonly called mothers; as lesser towns or villages subject to them, and depending upon them, are called their daughters. Inheritance - That is, a considerable part of, that land which God hath chosen for his particular possession. The destruction which thou art about to bring upon us, is an injury to Israel, and to the God of Israel.

20:21 Ephraim - Probably mount Ephraim was a place in Benjamin so called, either because it was upon the borders of Ephraim or for some notable action or event of the Ephraimites in that place. His head - Which she undertook, because she knew the present temper of the citizens, and soldiers too. And it is not unlikely, that this woman might be a governness in that city. For though this office was commonly performed by men; yet women were sometimes employed in the government: as we see in Deborah, who judged Israel, #Judg 4:4|.

20:22 Wisdom - Prudently treated with them about it, representing to them the certainty and nearness of their ruin, if they did not speedily comply with her desires, and certain deliverance if they did.