Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” New Living Translation “No!” the king said. “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah! If the LORD has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?” English Standard Version But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Berean Standard Bible But 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?’” Berean Literal Bible And the king said, “What have I with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because YHWH has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” King James Bible 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? New King James Version But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ ” New American Standard Bible But the king said, “What business of mine is yours, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who should say, ‘Why have you done so?’” NASB 1995 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” NASB 1977 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Legacy Standard Bible But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if Yahweh has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Amplified Bible But the king said, “What business is this of yours, O sons of Zeruiah? If Shimei is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ then who should say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Berean Annotated Bible But the king replied, “What have I to do with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah (balsam)? If he curses me because the LORD {YHWH} told him, ‘Curse David (beloved), who can ask, ‘Why did you do this? Christian Standard Bible The king replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? He curses me this way because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David! ’ Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that? ’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible The king replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? He curses me this way because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David!’ Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that?’” American Standard Version And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because Jehovah hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so? Contemporary English Version David replied, "What will I ever do with you and your brother Joab? If Shimei is cursing me because the LORD has told him to, then who are you to tell him to stop?" English Revised Version And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so? GOD'S WORD® Translation But the king said, "You don't think like me at all, sons of Zeruiah. Let him curse. If the LORD has told him, 'Curse David,' should anyone ask, 'Why do you do that?'" Good News Translation "This is none of your business," the king said to Abishai and his brother Joab. "If he curses me because the LORD told him to, who has the right to ask why he does it?" International Standard Version But the king responded, "What do I have in common with you sons of Zeruiah? If he continues to curse—and if the LORD has told him, 'Curse David!'—then who are you to be demanding to know 'Why have you done this?'" NET Bible But the king said, "What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because the LORD has said to him, 'Curse David!', who can say to him, 'Why have you done this?'" New Heart English Bible The king said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David;’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’" Webster's Bible Translation And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said to him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Why hast thou done so? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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?’” World English Bible The king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king says, “And what do I [have to do] with you, O sons of Zeruiah? For let him revile; even because YHWH has said to him, Revile David; and who says, Why have You done so?” Berean Literal Bible And the king said, “What have I with you⁺, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because YHWH has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Young's Literal Translation And the king saith, 'What -- to me and to you, O sons of Zeruiah? for -- let him revile; even because Jehovah hath said to him, Revile David; and who saith, Wherefore hast Thou done so?' Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say, What to me and you ye sons of Zeruiah? for he shall curse, and because Jehovah said to him, Curse David: and who shall say, Wherefore didst thou thus? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said: What have I to do with you, ye sons of Sarvia? Let him alone and let him curse: for the Lord hath bid him curse David: and who is he that shall dare say, why hath he done so? Catholic Public Domain Version And the king said: “What is it to me and to all of you, O sons of Zeruiah? Permit him, so that he may curse. For the Lord has commanded him to curse David. And who is the one who would dare to say, ‘Why has he done so?’ ” New American Bible But the king replied: “What business is it of mine or of yours, sons of Zeruiah, that he curses? Suppose the LORD has told him to curse David; who then will dare to say, ‘Why are you doing this?’ ” New Revised Standard Version But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd King David said to him, What is it to me and to you, O sons of Zoriah? Let him curse, it is the LORD who has told him to curse David. Therefore who can say to me, Why has this happened? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated King David said to him: “What business do I have with you sons of Tsuriya? Let him insult. LORD JEHOVAH has said to him: “Insult David!”, but who says to me, “Why does he think of me thus?" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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 then shall say: Wherefore hast thou done so?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Saruia? even let him alone, and so let him curse, for the Lord has told him to curse David: and who shall say, Why hast thou done thus? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Shimei Curses David…9Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” 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.… Cross References But the king replied, 2 Samuel 15:26 But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.” 1 Samuel 3:18 So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.” 2 Samuel 24:14 David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? 2 Samuel 19:22 And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” 2 Samuel 3:39 And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” 1 Kings 2:5 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. If he curses me because the LORD told him, Numbers 23:8 How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced? Numbers 23:20 I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. 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. ‘Curse David,’ 1 Kings 2:8 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.’ 2 Samuel 19:21 But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” Psalm 109:28 Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice. who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” Daniel 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” Job 9:12 If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’ Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; Treasury of Scripture And the king said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Why have you done so? What have 2 Samuel 3:39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. 2 Samuel 19:22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? 1 Kings 2:5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Who shall Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? Jump to Previous Curse Curses Curseth Cursing David Revile Wherefore Zeruiah Zeru'iahJump to Next Curse Curses Curseth Cursing David Revile Wherefore Zeruiah Zeru'iah2 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 But the king replied This phrase indicates King David's response to a situation. David, as the king, holds the highest authority in Israel, and his words carry significant weight. His reply is crucial in understanding his character and leadership style, especially during times of personal crisis. “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?’” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. David's response to Shimei's cursing reflects his humility and submission to God's sovereignty. 2. Sons of Zeruiah Refers to Joab and Abishai, David's nephews and military commanders. They often exhibit a more aggressive and vengeful approach compared to David's more measured and spiritual response. 3. Shimei A member of the house of Saul who curses David as he flees. His actions are seen as a manifestation of the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. 4. Absalom David's son, who has rebelled against him, causing David to flee Jerusalem. This rebellion is a significant event in David's life, testing his faith and leadership. 5. The LORD The sovereign God of Israel, whose will and purposes are central to the account. David's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is a key theme in this passage. Teaching Points Sovereignty of GodRecognize that God is in control of all circumstances, even those that seem unjust or painful. David's response to Shimei's cursing reflects his trust in God's ultimate plan. Humility and Submission Emulate David's humility by submitting to God's will, even when it involves personal suffering or humiliation. This attitude is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. Restraint and Mercy Practice restraint and show mercy towards those who wrong us, trusting that God will deal justly with all parties involved. David's refusal to retaliate against Shimei is a powerful example of this principle. Faith in Adversity Maintain faith and integrity during times of adversity, understanding that trials can be a means of refining our character and deepening our reliance on God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:10?2. How does David's response in 2 Samuel 16:10 demonstrate humility and trust in God? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from David's reaction in this passage? 4. How does 2 Samuel 16:10 connect to Jesus' teaching on loving enemies? 5. In what ways can we apply David's restraint to conflicts in our lives? 6. How does David's attitude in 2 Samuel 16:10 reflect a heart after God's own? 7. Why does David allow Shimei to curse him in 2 Samuel 16:10? 8. How does 2 Samuel 16:10 reflect on God's sovereignty over human actions? 9. What does David's response in 2 Samuel 16:10 teach about humility and leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16? 11. (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? 12. Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? 13. Why does God kill Uzzah instantly for touching the Ark to prevent it from falling (2 Samuel 6:7)? 14. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? What Does 2 Samuel 16:10 Mean But the king repliedDavid’s immediate answer reveals a heart that has already settled the issue before God. • Earlier, Shimei’s stones and insults prompted Abishai to offer an instant, violent solution (2 Samuel 16:9), yet David responds with calm restraint, echoing the gracious self-control he showed when sparing Saul (1 Samuel 24:4-7). • As king, David could have exercised swift justice, but he yields the throne of his heart to God first (Psalm 37:7-9; James 1:19-20). What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? Joab and Abishai, David’s nephews, are renowned for zeal but not always for mercy (2 Samuel 2:18-23; 3:39). • David distances himself from their impulse, much as Jesus later rebuked the “sons of thunder” who wanted fire from heaven (Luke 9:54-55). • He underscores that his kingdom operates by a different spirit—one that refuses personal vengeance and leaves room for God’s righteous judgment (Romans 12:17-21). If he curses me because the LORD told him David views even hostile words through the lens of divine sovereignty. • Years earlier Nathan foretold that trouble would arise from David’s own house as discipline for his sin (2 Samuel 12:10-12); Shimei’s cursing may be part of that chastening. • Accepting God’s hand in adversity echoes Job’s submission—“Shall we accept good from God, and not adversity?” (Job 2:10, cf. Psalm 39:9). • Recognizing God’s permission, David refrains from silencing the messenger, trusting the Lord to vindicate or correct him (1 Peter 2:23). ‘Curse David,’ The specific wording highlights that David himself, not merely his circumstances, is under reproach. • Balaam could not curse what God had blessed (Numbers 23:8), yet here God allows a curse to land on David’s ears for a refining purpose. • Scripture shows the Lord sometimes employing an adversary’s tongue to expose hearts (Psalm 109:28; Lamentations 3:38). • David’s reaction foreshadows Christ, who “when He was reviled, did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23). who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’ David bows to the Creator’s prerogative. • Like the clay that cannot question the potter (Isaiah 45:9; Romans 9:20), he acknowledges God’s absolute right to use even painful means for His purposes (Daniel 4:35). • By refusing to interrogate God, David places his hope in eventual reversal—“Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good” (2 Samuel 16:12). • Faith rests here: God’s plans, though mysterious, are always righteous and ultimately for our good (Romans 8:28). summary 2 Samuel 16:10 shows David, the wronged king, submitting to the higher King. He resists the violent instincts of his warriors, trusts that God may be using Shimei’s curse as discipline, and refuses to challenge the Lord’s purposes. In doing so, David models meekness under fire, confidence in divine sovereignty, and hopeful expectation that God will turn present reproach into future blessing. (10) So let him curse.--This translation follows the margin of the Hebrew, as the LXX. and Vulg. also do. David, throughout, recognises that all his sufferings were from the Lord's hand, and he wishes to submit himself entirely to His will. He does not, of course, mean to justify Shimei's wrong; but only to say that, as far as his sin bears upon himself, it is of Divine appointment and he cannot resent it.Hebrew But the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have I לִּ֥י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew to do with you, וְלָכֶ֖ם (wə·lā·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew O sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zeruiah? צְרֻיָ֑ה (ṣə·ru·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman If כֹּ֣ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he curses me יְקַלֵּ֗ל (yə·qal·lêl) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling because כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel told him, אָ֤מַר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Curse קַלֵּ֣ל (qal·lêl) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling David,’ דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse who וּמִ֣י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix can ask, יֹאמַ֔ר (yō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Why מַדּ֖וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason? did you do עָשִׂ֥יתָה (‘ā·śî·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make this?’” כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus Links 2 Samuel 16:10 NIV2 Samuel 16:10 NLT 2 Samuel 16:10 ESV 2 Samuel 16:10 NASB 2 Samuel 16:10 KJV 2 Samuel 16:10 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 16:10 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 16:10 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 16:10 French Bible 2 Samuel 16:10 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 16:10 The king said What have (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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