2 Samuel 20:20

20 “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!

2 Samuel 20:20 in Other Translations

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

20 Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!

20 And Joab replied, “Believe me, I don’t want to devour or destroy your town!

20 Joab protested, "Believe me, you've got me all wrong. I'm not here to hurt anyone or destroy anything - not on your life!

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

20 Joab answered, "That's unthinkable! I don't wish to swallow [it] up or destroy [it].

20 Joab protested: "Never! I do not want to destroy!

20 "I would never do anything like that!" Joab said. "I would never swallow up or destroy what belongs to the LORD!

2 Samuel 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 20:20

And Joab answered and said, far be it from me, far be it from
me
He repeats these words, to show how detestable it was to him to do what she suggested:

that I should swallow up or destroy;
any in a violent and unrighteous manner, and especially a city of which she had given such a character for its greatness and worth, and for the peaceableness and fidelity of its inhabitants.

2 Samuel 20:20 In-Context

18 She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it.

19 We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”

20 “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!

21 That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.”

22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.