4 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, [1] O king.

Other Translations of 2 Samuel 14:4

New International Version

4 When the woman from Tekoa wentMany Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts "spoke" to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, "Help me, Your Majesty!"

English Standard Version

4 When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and paid homage and said, "Save me, O king."

The Message

4 The woman of Tekoa went to the king, bowed deeply before him in homage, and said, "O King, help!"

New King James Version

4 And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, "Help, O king!"

New Living Translation

4 When the woman from Tekoa approached the king, she bowed with her face to the ground in deep respect and cried out, "O king! Help me!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:4

Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:1-20

(Read 2 Samuel 14:1-20)

We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.