King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:11 in the King James Version says “And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 16:11 · KJV


Context

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

13

And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. cast: Heb. dusted him with dust


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 27 words
אָֽמַר1 of 27

hath bidden

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֤ד2 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲבִישַׁי֙4 of 27

to Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

וְאֶל5 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל6 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבָדָ֔יו7 of 27

and to all his servants

H5650

a servant

הִנֵּ֥ה8 of 27
H2009

lo!

בְנִ֛י9 of 27

Behold my son

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

אֲשֶׁר10 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָצָ֥א11 of 27

which came forth

H3318

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

מִמֵּעַ֖י12 of 27

of my bowels

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ13 of 27

seeketh

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת14 of 27
H853

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

נַפְשִׁ֑י15 of 27

my life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְאַ֨ף16 of 27
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

כִּֽי17 of 27
H3588

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

עַתָּ֜ה18 of 27
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

בֶּן19 of 27
H0
הַיְמִינִ֗י20 of 27

how much more now may this Benjamite

H1145

a benjaminite, or descendent of benjamin

הַנִּ֤חוּ21 of 27

do it let him alone

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

לוֹ֙22 of 27
H0
וִֽיקַלֵּ֔ל23 of 27

and let him curse

H7043

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

כִּ֥י24 of 27
H3588

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

אָֽמַר25 of 27

hath bidden

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֖וֹ26 of 27
H0
יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

for the LORD

H3068

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


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 16:11 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 16:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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