The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 20:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And a wise woman cried out from the city: Hear, hear, and say to Joab: Come near hither, and I will speak with thee.

Douay-Rheims

וַתִּקְרָ֛א אִשָּׁ֥ה חֲכָמָ֖ה מִן־הָעִ֑יר שִׁמְע֤וּ שִׁמְעוּ֙ אִמְרוּ־נָ֣א אֶל־יוֹאָ֔ב קְרַ֣ב עַד־הֵ֔נָּה וַאֲדַבְּרָ֖ה אֵלֶֽיךָ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

I understand, dear Principia, my sister in Christ, that many criticize me for occasionally addressing women and for favoring the gentler gender over men. Therefore, I feel it necessary to respond to my critics before delving into the discussion you have requested. We also read of a wise woman who, during a city's siege and in light of a certain rebel's actions, urged the people with her wisdom while Commander Joab was dismantling the walls with a battering ram. Her words of counsel influenced the entire populace, showcasing the strength inherent in a woman’s persuasion. I share this with you briefly, most esteemed daughter, so that you may not regret your endeavors, nor allow the words of men—who are often criticized in sacred scripture—to overshadow the commendable lives of women.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.