"So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Hushai Meaning in the Bible
Hushai
boy
Hushai means "Hasty; Quick", a boy's name of Hebrew origin. Hushai appears in the King James Bible, and 2 Samuel 15:37 is the passage most often tied to it. Hushai — David's 'friend' — risked everything to serve from behind enemy lines. His story teaches that friendship tested by danger reveals its true depth, and that a wise word at the right moment can change history.
Is Hushai in the Bible?
Yes — Hushai appears in the King James Bible, including 2 Samuel 15:37.
Pronunciation:/HOO-shy/
OriginHebrew
MeaningHasty; Quick
What does Hushai mean?
Hushai is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Hasty; Quick". Hushai means "hasty" or "quick" in Hebrew. He was David's trusted friend and advisor — the man whose quick thinking and clever deception saved David's life during Absalom's rebellion.
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What does Hushai mean in the Bible?
Hushai means "Hasty; Quick" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Hushai means "hasty" or "quick" in Hebrew. He was David's trusted friend and advisor — the man whose quick thinking and clever deception saved David's life during Absalom's rebellion.
When Absalom seized Jerusalem, David fled — but he sent Hushai back into the city as a spy. Hushai presented himself to Absalom: "God save the king!" When Absalom asked why he hadn't followed David, Hushai replied with carefully ambiguous words: "Whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be."
Hushai's critical moment came when Absalom sought counsel about pursuing David. Ahithophel — the brilliant but treacherous advisor — recommended immediate pursuit to catch David while he was weary. This counsel was militarily sound and would likely have succeeded. But Hushai proposed delay, painting a vivid picture of David's fierce warriors that frightened Absalom into waiting.
This delay gave David time to cross the Jordan and reorganize his forces. The text says "the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" through Hushai's intervention. His friend's clever words literally saved the king's life and the kingdom.
Where does Hushai appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Hushai is connected to 2 key passages in the King James Bible, beginning with 2 Samuel 15:37. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel."
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Which books of the Bible mention Hushai?
Hushai is mentioned across 3 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Hushai?
Hushai — David's 'friend' — risked everything to serve from behind enemy lines. His story teaches that friendship tested by danger reveals its true depth, and that a wise word at the right moment can change history.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Hushai:
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Word Meaning
Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה (emunah))
Steadfast reliability and trustworthiness — firm, unwavering loyalty.
What names are related to Hushai?
Names like Hushai
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Hasty; Quick" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Hushai
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Hushai
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Hushai name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Hushai appears in the King James Bible, including 2 Samuel 15:37.
Hushai means "Hasty; Quick." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in 2 Samuel 15:37, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Hebrew. Hushai comes into English from Hebrew and carries the sense "Hasty; Quick." It appears in the King James Bible, including 2 Samuel 15:37.
Common questions about the name Hushai
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Hushai?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Hushai?
You can read every verse where Hushai appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.