King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:13 in the King James Version says “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, ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 16:13 · KJV


Context

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.

15

And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
הָלוֹךְ֙1 of 16

as he went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דָּוִ֛ד2 of 16

And as David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֖יו3 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ4 of 16

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְשִׁמְעִ֡י5 of 16

Shimei

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

הָלוֹךְ֙6 of 16

as he went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּצֵ֨לַע7 of 16

side

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

הָהָ֜ר8 of 16

on the hill's

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

לְעֻמָּת֔וֹ9 of 16

at

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

הָלוֹךְ֙10 of 16

as he went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיְקַלֵּ֔ל11 of 16

him and cursed

H7043

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

וַיְסַקֵּ֤ל12 of 16

and threw

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

בָּֽאֲבָנִים֙13 of 16

stones

H68

a stone

לְעֻמָּת֔וֹ14 of 16

at

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

וְעִפַּ֖ר15 of 16

him and cast

H6080

to be dust

בֶּֽעָפָֽר׃16 of 16

dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud


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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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