2 Samuel 16:13
New International Version
So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.

New Living Translation
So David and his men continued down the road, and Shimei kept pace with them on a nearby hillside, cursing and throwing stones and dirt at David.

English Standard Version
So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust.

Berean Standard Bible
So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust.

New American Standard Bible
So David and his men went on the road; and Shimei kept going on the hillside close beside him, and as he went he cursed and threw stones and dirt at him.

NASB 1995
So David and his men went on the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed and cast stones and threw dust at him.

NASB 1977
So David and his men went on the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed, and cast stones and threw dust at him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So David and his men went on the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed and cast stones and threw dust at him.

Amplified Bible
So David and his men went on the road; and Shimei went along on the hillside close beside David and cursed as he went and threw stones and dust at him.

Christian Standard Bible
So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei was going along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he cursed David, threw stones at him, and kicked up dust.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei was going along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he cursed David, and threw stones and dirt at him.

American Standard Version
So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hill-side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

Contemporary English Version
David and the others went on down the road. Shimei went along the hillside by the road, cursing and throwing rocks and dirt at them.

English Revised Version
So David and his men went by the way: and Shimei went along on the hill side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As David and his men went along the road, Shimei was walking along the hillside parallel to him. Shimei cursed, hurled stones, and threw dirt at David.

Good News Translation
So David and his men continued along the road. Shimei kept up with them, walking on the hillside; he was cursing and throwing stones and dirt at them as he went.

International Standard Version
So David and his entourage went on their way, and Shimei walked along the hillside with him, cursing, throwing rocks, and tossing dirt at David as they went along.

Majority Standard Bible
So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David.

NET Bible
So David and his men went on their way. But Shimei kept going along the side of the hill opposite him, yelling curses as he threw stones and dirt at them.

New Heart English Bible
So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at his flank, and threw dirt.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David goes with his men in the way, and Shimei is going at the side of the hill opposite him, going on, and he reviles, and stones with stones close by him, and has dusted with dust.

Young's Literal Translation
And David goeth with his men in the way, and Shimei is going at the side of the hill over-against him, going on, and he revileth, and stoneth with stones over-against him, and hath dusted with dust.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David went, and his men, in the way; and Shimei went by the side of the mountain near to him going, and he will curse and stone with stones near to him, and dusting with dust.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David and his men with him went by the way. And Semei by the hill's side went over against him, cursing, and casting stones at him, and scattering earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, David continued walking along the way, and his associates with him. But Shimei was advancing along the ridge of the mountain on the side opposite him, cursing and throwing stones at him, and scattering dirt.

New American Bible
David and his men continued on the road, while Shimei kept up with them on the hillside, all the while cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he went.

New Revised Standard Version
So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, throwing stones and flinging dust at him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as David and his servants went on the way, Shimei walked along the mountain side opposite him and cursed him as he went and threw stones at him and cast dust at him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David was going, and his Servants, on the road, and Shemi was going on the side of the mountain opposite him. He was insulting him and he was stoning him with stones and he was throwing dirt at him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hill-side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David and all the men with him went on the way: and Semei went by the side of the hill next to him, cursing as he went, and casting stones at him, and sprinkling him with dirt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Shimei Curses David
12Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.” 13So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David. 14Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived, exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Luke 6:28
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...

1 Samuel 17:43
“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

2 Samuel 19:21-23
But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / 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?” / So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.

1 Samuel 24:14
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?

2 Samuel 12:16
David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.

2 Samuel 15:30
But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

cursed

2 Samuel 16:5,6
And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came…

cast dust [heb] dusted him with dust

Acts 23:23
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

Jump to Previous
Cast Continued Cursed Cursing David Dust Flung Hill Hillside Hill-Side Opposite Over-Against Parallel Revileth Road Sending Shimei Shim'e-I Side Stones Stoneth Threw Throwing Way
Jump to Next
Cast Continued Cursed Cursing David Dust Flung Hill Hillside Hill-Side Opposite Over-Against Parallel Revileth Road Sending Shimei Shim'e-I Side Stones Stoneth Threw Throwing Way
2 Samuel 16
1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance
5. 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














So David and his men proceeded along the road
This phrase highlights the resilience and determination of David and his followers. The Hebrew root for "proceeded" (עבר, 'avar) conveys the idea of passing over or through, suggesting a journey not just in the physical sense but also a spiritual and emotional passage. David, despite being the anointed king, is in a period of trial and exile, reminiscent of the Israelites' own journey through the wilderness. This reflects the Christian life as a pilgrimage, where believers are called to persevere through trials, trusting in God's ultimate plan.

while Shimei kept going along the hillside opposite him
The name "Shimei" (שִׁמְעִי) means "heard" or "hearing" in Hebrew, which is ironic given that he is not listening to reason or righteousness but is instead consumed by his own anger and bitterness. The "hillside" (הַר, har) represents a place of vantage, but also of separation, illustrating the divide between David and his accuser. This physical separation can symbolize the spiritual and moral chasm between those who follow God's anointed and those who oppose them. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles Christians face, where opposition often comes from those who stand apart from God's truth.

cursing as he went
The act of cursing (קלל, qalal) in Hebrew carries the connotation of making light of or despising. Shimei's curses are not just verbal assaults but are indicative of a heart that is hardened against God's chosen king. In a broader biblical context, cursing is often contrasted with blessing, highlighting the choice every individual has to either align with God's purposes or oppose them. For Christians, this serves as a call to bless rather than curse, even in the face of persecution, following the example of Christ.

and throwing stones
Stoning in biblical times was a method of execution for serious offenses, symbolizing judgment and condemnation. Shimei's act of throwing stones at David is an attempt to symbolically execute judgment upon him. However, David's restraint in not retaliating reflects a Christ-like forbearance and trust in God's justice. This act of non-retaliation is a powerful lesson for believers, emphasizing the importance of leaving judgment to God and responding to hostility with grace.

and showering him with dirt
The act of showering with dirt (עָפָר, 'afar) is a gesture of humiliation and disgrace. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, covering someone with dirt was a way to express contempt and to symbolically bury them in shame. Yet, David's endurance of this humiliation without seeking revenge is a testament to his humility and reliance on God. For Christians, this is a profound illustration of the call to bear reproach for the sake of Christ, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His servants.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So David
דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and his men
וַאֲנָשָׁ֖יו (wa·’ă·nā·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

proceeded
וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

along the road
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ (bad·dā·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

as Shimei
וְשִׁמְעִ֡י (wə·šim·‘î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8096: Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites

went
הֹלֵךְ֩ (hō·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

along the ridge
בְּצֵ֨לַע (bə·ṣê·la‘)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6763: A rib, a side, a, timber, plank

of the hill
הָהָ֜ר (hā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

opposite him.
לְעֻמָּת֗וֹ (lə·‘um·mā·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5980: Society, near, beside, along with

As Shimei went,
הָלוֹךְ֙ (hā·lō·wḵ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

he yelled curses,
וַיְקַלֵּ֔ל (way·qal·lêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

threw stones,
וַיְסַקֵּ֤ל (way·saq·qêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning

and flung
וְעִפַּ֖ר (wə·‘ip·par)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6080: To throw dust

dust
בֶּעָפָֽר׃ (be·‘ā·p̄ār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6083: Dust, clay, earth, mud

at [David].
לְעֻמָּת֔וֹ (lə·‘um·mā·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5980: Society, near, beside, along with


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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men went (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 16:12
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