King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:36 Mean?

1 Kings 2:36 in the King James Version says “And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go no...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.”

1 Kings 2:36 · KJV

Context

34

So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.

35

And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

36

And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.

37

For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

38

And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 17

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙2 of 17

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּקְרָ֣א3 of 17

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְשִׁמְעִ֔י4 of 17

“for Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 17

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ6 of 17
H0
בְּֽנֵה7 of 17

“unto him Build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לְךָ֥8 of 17
H0
בַ֙יִת֙9 of 17

“thee an house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם10 of 17

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֖11 of 17

“and dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֑ם12 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְלֹֽא13 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵצֵ֥א14 of 17

“there and go not forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִשָּׁ֖ם15 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וָאָֽנָה׃16 of 17

“thence any whither”

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

וָאָֽנָה׃17 of 17

“thence any whither”

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 2:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 2:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:8-92 Samuel 16:5-91 Kings 1:53Proverbs 20:82 Samuel 14:24Proverbs 20:26

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Kings 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

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