Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. New Living Translation Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. English Standard Version And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Berean Standard Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. Berean Literal Bible And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, is seeking my life. And how much more that now this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for so YHWH has ordered him. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him. New American Standard Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out of my own body seeks my life; how much more now this Benjaminite? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him. NASB 1995 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him. NASB 1977 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him. Legacy Standard Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came forth from my body seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him. Amplified Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Look, my son [Absalom] who came from my own body, is seeking my life; how much more [reason] now [does] this Benjamite [have to curse me]? Let him alone and let him curse, for [it could be that] the LORD has told him [to do it]. Berean Annotated Bible Then David (beloved) said to Abishai (my father is a gift) and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite (son of the right hand)! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD {YHWH} has told him so. Christian Standard Bible Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, intends to take my life —how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the LORD has told him to. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, intends to take my life—how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the LORD has told him to. American Standard Version And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Jehovah hath bidden him. Contemporary English Version Then David said to Abishai and all his soldiers: My own son is trying to kill me! Why shouldn't this man from the tribe of Benjamin want me dead even more? Let him curse all he wants. Maybe the LORD did tell him to curse me. English Revised Version 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 may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. GOD'S WORD® Translation David told Abishai and all his servants, "My own son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. Why, then, shouldn't this Benjaminite do this? Leave him alone. Let him curse, since the LORD has told him to do it. Good News Translation And David said to Abishai and to all his officials, "My own son is trying to kill me; so why should you be surprised at this Benjaminite? The LORD told him to curse; so leave him alone and let him do it. International Standard Version So David ordered Abishai and all of his staff: "Look! My own son wants to kill me! How much more now is this descendant of Benjamin? Leave him alone and let him go on cursing, because the LORD has ordered him to do this. NET Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "My own son, my very own flesh and blood, is trying to take my life. So also now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone so that he can curse, for the LORD has spoken to him. New Heart English Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Look, my son who came from my body seeks my life. So also now this Benjamite. Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Webster's Bible Translation And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjaminite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. World English Bible David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says to Abishai, and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out of my bowels is seeking my life, and also surely now the Benjamite; leave him alone, and let him revile, for YHWH has commanded [so] to him; Berean Literal Bible And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, is seeking my life. And how much more that now this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for so YHWH has ordered him. Young's Literal Translation And David saith unto Abishai, and unto all his servants, 'Lo, my son who came out of my bowels is seeking my life, and also surely now the Benjamite; leave him alone, and let him revile, for Jehovah hath said so to him; Smith's Literal Translation And David will say to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold my son who came forth from my bowels seeks my soul: and how much more now the son of the Jaminite? Leave to him and he shall curse, for Jehovah said to him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said to Abisai, and to all his servants: Behold my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now a son of Jemini? let him alone that he may curse as the Lord hath bidden him. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king said to Abishai and to all his servants: “Behold, my son, who went forth from my loins, is seeking my life. How much more does a son of Benjamin do so now? Permit him, so that he may curse, in accord with the command of the Lord. New American Bible Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants: “If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life, how much more might this Benjaminite do so! Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. New Revised Standard Version David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold, my own son, who came forth from my loins, seeks my life; so now let this Benjamite alone, let him curse; for God has bidden him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated David said to Abishi and to all his Servants: “Behold, my son who came out from my loins seeks to take my life, and also, behold, the sons of my right hand. Let him insult! THE LORD JEHOVAH has spoken to him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants: 'Behold, my son, who came forth of my body, seeketh my life; how much more this Benjamite now? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David said to Abessa and to all his servants, Behold, my son who came forth out of my bowels seeks my life; still more now may the son of Benjamin: let him curse, because the Lord has told him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Shimei Curses David…10But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’ ” 11Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. 12Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”… Cross References Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, 1 Samuel 26:9-11 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. 2 Samuel 12:10-11 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” Micah 7:6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. How much more, then, this Benjamite! 2 Samuel 19:16-18 Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, / along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king / and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king 1 Kings 2:8-9 Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’ / Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” Leave him alone and let him curse me, Psalm 109:28 Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice. Job 2:10 “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. Lamentations 3:38 Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High? for the LORD has told him so. 1 Kings 22:22-23 And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” Isaiah 10:5-7 Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. / But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. Amos 3:6 If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? 2 Samuel 7:14 I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. Treasury of Scripture And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeks my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him. Behold 2 Samuel 12:11,12 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun… came forth 2 Samuel 7:2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. Genesis 15:4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. seeketh 2 Samuel 17:1-4 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: … 2 Kings 19:37 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. the Lord Isaiah 10:5-7 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation… Ezekiel 14:9 And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. Ezekiel 20:25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; Jump to Previous Abishai Alone Benjaminite Benjamite Bidden Body Bowels Curse David Forth Invited Life Seeketh Seeks ServantsJump to Next Abishai Alone Benjaminite Benjamite Bidden Body Bowels Curse David Forth Invited Life Seeketh Seeks Servants2 Samuel 16 1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David 9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge 15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel 20. Ahithophel's counsel Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants David, the second king of Israel, is addressing Abishai, his nephew and a loyal warrior, along with his other servants. This moment occurs during Absalom's rebellion, a time of great personal and political turmoil for David. Abishai, known for his bravery and loyalty, often appears in the narrative as a protector of David, highlighting the king's reliance on his close circle during crises. Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me for the LORD has told him so Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. David is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating humility and submission to God's will. 2. Abishai The son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and one of David's loyal warriors. He is ready to defend David against Shimei's curses. 3. Shimei A Benjamite from the house of Saul, who curses David as he flees from Absalom. Shimei's actions are seen as a test of David's character and faith. 4. Absalom David's son, who has rebelled against his father and seeks to take the throne of Israel. His rebellion is the backdrop for this event. 5. The LORD God is central to this account, as David attributes Shimei's cursing to God's sovereign will. Teaching Points Submission to God's SovereigntyDavid's response to Shimei's cursing shows his deep trust in God's control over all circumstances. We are reminded to submit to God's will, even when it involves personal suffering or humiliation. Humility in Leadership David's humility is evident as he refrains from retaliating against Shimei. Leaders today can learn from David's example of humility and reliance on God rather than personal power. Responding to Criticism David's reaction to Shimei's curses teaches us to respond to criticism and opposition with grace and patience, trusting that God will vindicate us in His time. Forgiveness and Restraint By not allowing Abishai to harm Shimei, David demonstrates forgiveness and restraint. This is a powerful lesson in controlling our impulses to retaliate against those who wrong us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:11?2. How does David's response in 2 Samuel 16:11 demonstrate humility and trust in God? 3. What can we learn about accepting criticism from David's reaction in this passage? 4. How does David's attitude in 2 Samuel 16:11 connect to Matthew 5:44? 5. In what ways can we apply David's patience in adversity to our lives today? 6. How does David's response reflect his understanding of God's sovereignty over his life? 7. Why does David allow Shimei to curse him in 2 Samuel 16:11? 8. How does 2 Samuel 16:11 reflect David's understanding of God's sovereignty? 9. What historical context explains David's reaction in 2 Samuel 16:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16? 11. (2 Samuel 16:5–8) How could God supposedly endorse Shimei’s hostile cursing of David if God is just and fair? 12. (2 Samuel 16:10–12) Does David’s acceptance of Shimei’s cursing contradict other texts where blasphemy or cursing of God’s anointed is forbidden? 13. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? 14. In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing? What Does 2 Samuel 16:11 Mean Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants• David pauses in the middle of a crisis—his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13-14)—to instruct both his military chief and every follower. • Cross references: 1 Samuel 30:6 shows another moment when David strengthens himself in God before addressing his men; Psalm 34:11 captures his habit of teaching his “children” what he has learned in adversity. • Application: godly leadership speaks faith into fearful hearts even while danger still looms. Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life • David acknowledges the deepest wound: betrayal from Absalom, the child he loves (2 Samuel 15:12; 18:33). • This admission reveals: – An understanding of personal chastening (2 Samuel 12:10-12). – A father’s grief layered atop a king’s threat. • Cross references: Matthew 10:36 notes that “a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household,” while Psalm 55:12-14 echoes David’s pain when betrayal is intimate. How much more, then, this Benjamite! • “This Benjamite” is Shimei, relative of Saul (2 Samuel 16:5). If a son rebels, it is no surprise that a partisan of the displaced dynasty vents rage. • David recognizes: – The wider fallout from his sins and past politics (1 Samuel 22:17-19; 2 Samuel 21:1-2). – God’s sovereign allowance of opposition, whether familial or tribal. • Cross references: Lamentations 3:37-38 teaches that no calamity comes apart from the Lord’s command; Romans 8:31-32 reminds believers that even hostile voices cannot thwart God’s larger redemptive plan. Leave him alone and let him curse me • David refuses to silence Shimei, restraining Abishai’s impulse to violence (cf. 2 Samuel 16:9). • Reasons for restraint: – Humility: he accepts public shame as part of God’s discipline (Psalm 39:9). – Faith in divine justice: vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). • Practical wisdom: sometimes the best answer to slander is patient silence, trusting God to vindicate (1 Peter 2:23). for the LORD has told him so • David discerns a higher hand behind Shimei’s words. God did not inspire Shimei’s malice, yet He permitted it for David’s refinement (Job 1:12; James 1:2-4). • This perspective keeps David from retaliating and prepares him for future mercy: he later pardons Shimei (2 Samuel 19:18-23), modeling Christ-like forgiveness (Luke 23:34). • Cross references: 2 Samuel 12:11-13 foretells that the Lord will raise adversity from David’s own house; Hebrews 12:5-11 explains that divine discipline yields righteousness to those trained by it. summary 2 Samuel 16:11 captures a humbled king interpreting hostility through the lens of God’s sovereign discipline. Betrayed by Absalom and cursed by Shimei, David chooses submission over retaliation, trusting that the Lord both permits and limits every trial. His response—self-denial, restraint, and hope in future vindication—calls believers to handle personal attacks the same way: see God’s hand, accept His refining work, and leave justice in His care. (11) How much more now may this Benjamite.--The "Benjamite" is in contrast to his own son, because he represents the adherent of another and rival dynasty. It is noticeable that David accuses Absalom not only of seeking his throne, but his life.Hebrew Then Davidדָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Abishai אֲבִישַׁי֙ (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name and all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every his servants, עֲבָדָ֔יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant “Behold, הִנֵּ֥ה (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! my own son, בְנִ֛י (ḇə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son my own flesh and blood, מִמֵּעַ֖י (mim·mê·‘ay) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 4578: The intestines, the abdomen, sympathy, a vest, the stomach, the uterus, the heart seeks מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after my life. נַפְשִׁ֑י (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion How much more, כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction then, עַתָּ֜ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time [this] Benjamite! הַיְמִינִ֗י (hay·mî·nî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1145: Benjamite -- a Benjaminite Leave him alone הַנִּ֤חוּ (han·ni·ḥū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 3240: Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, and let him curse me, וִֽיקַלֵּ֔ל (wî·qal·lêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling for the LORD יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has told אָֽמַר־ (’ā·mar-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say him ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew so. כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction Links 2 Samuel 16:11 NIV2 Samuel 16:11 NLT 2 Samuel 16:11 ESV 2 Samuel 16:11 NASB 2 Samuel 16:11 KJV 2 Samuel 16:11 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 16:11 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 16:11 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 16:11 French Bible 2 Samuel 16:11 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 16:11 David said to Abishai and to all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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