And they spoke to him, saying, “If you are kind to these people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.”
Parallel translations
- WEB They spoke to him, saying, “If you are kind to these people, please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.”
- KJV And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
- BSB They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”
- NASB They spoke to him, saying, “If you are kind to this people and please them and speak pleasant words to them, then they will be your servants always.”
- NLT The older counselors replied, “If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The elders advise him to be kind and speak good words, and the people will serve him forever. It offers the wise counsel of gracious, servant-minded leadership.
Overview
The older men counsel gentleness and goodwill as the path to lasting loyalty. Their advice reflects the principle that humble, kind leadership wins enduring service. This wisdom anticipates the gospel pattern of the King who leads by serving, supremely fulfilled in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- Prov 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- 1 Kgs 12:7They replied, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them, and answer them with good words, then they will be your servants forever.”
- Gen 49:21“Naphtali is a doe set free, who bears beautiful fawns.
- 2 Sam 15:2–6Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate. When any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, “What city are you from?” He said, “Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Temple, priesthood, and the repeated need for a faithful king who seeks the LORD all point past every imperfect reign to the King and Temple who finally and fully dwell with God's people.
How 2 Chronicles 10:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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