King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:12 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:12 in the King James Version says “It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction , and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 16:12 · KJV

Context

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

14

And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

Read 2 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

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 · 12 words
אוּלַ֛י1 of 12
H194

if not; hence perhaps

יִרְאֶ֥ה2 of 12

“will look”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 12

“It may be that the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּעֵונִ֑י4 of 12
H6040

depression, i.e., misery

וְהֵשִׁ֨יב5 of 12

“will requite”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְהוָ֥ה6 of 12

“It may be that the LORD”

H3068

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

לִי֙7 of 12
H0
טוֹבָ֔ה8 of 12

“me good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

תַּ֥חַת9 of 12
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

קִלְלָת֖וֹ10 of 12

“for his cursing”

H7045

vilification

הַיּ֥וֹם11 of 12

“this 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

הַזֶּֽה׃12 of 12
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:10Deuteronomy 23:5Romans 8:28Matthew 5:11-12Psalms 25:18Exodus 2:24-25

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 16 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes