King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:37 Mean?

1 Kings 2:37 in the King James Version says “For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that tho...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 2:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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 · 15 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּי֣וֹם2 of 15

“For it shall be that on the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צֵֽאתְךָ֗3 of 15

“thou goest out”

H3318

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

וְעָֽבַרְתָּ֙4 of 15

“and passest over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת5 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַ֣חַל6 of 15

“the brook”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

קִדְר֔וֹן7 of 15

“Kidron”

H6939

kidron, a brook near jerusalem

תֵּדַ֖ע8 of 15

“for certain”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

תֵּדַ֖ע9 of 15

“for certain”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֣י10 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תָּמ֑וּת11 of 15

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

תָּמ֑וּת12 of 15

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

דָּֽמְךָ֖13 of 15

“thy blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה14 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְרֹאשֶֽׁךָ׃15 of 15

“shall be upon thine own head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 2:37 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 2:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 1:162 Samuel 15:23Joshua 2:19Leviticus 20:92 Kings 23:6John 18:1

Places in This Verse

KidronRiver · Modern: Kidron River · 31.78°N, 35.24°E14 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Kings 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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