King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:10 in the King James Version says “And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?”

2 Samuel 16:10 · KJV

Context

8

The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. behold: Heb. behold thee in thy evil

9

Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

10

And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

11

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

12

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction , and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. affliction: or, tears: Heb. eye

Read 2 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding suffering within God's sovereignty provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of suffering within God's sovereignty?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
יֹאמַ֔ר1 of 21

“Who shall then say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 21

“And the king”

H4428

a king

מַה3 of 21
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לִּ֥י4 of 21
H0
וְלָכֶ֖ם5 of 21
H0
בְּנֵ֣י6 of 21

“What have I to do with you ye sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרֻיָ֑ה7 of 21

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

כֹּ֣י8 of 21
H3588

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

קַלֵּ֣ל9 of 21

“so let him curse”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

וכִּ֤י10 of 21
H3588

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

יְהוָה֙11 of 21

“because the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֹאמַ֔ר12 of 21

“Who shall then say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙13 of 21
H0
קַלֵּ֣ל14 of 21

“so let him curse”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

אֶת15 of 21
H853

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

דָּוִ֔ד16 of 21

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּמִ֣י17 of 21
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יֹאמַ֔ר18 of 21

“Who shall then say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַדּ֖וּעַ19 of 21
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

עָשִׂ֥יתָה20 of 21

“Wherefore hast thou done so”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵּֽן׃21 of 21
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 16:10 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 2 Samuel 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 19:22Romans 9:20John 18:11Matthew 16:232 Samuel 3:39Daniel 4:35

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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