New International Version Then the king sent for Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. New Living Translation The king then sent for Shimei and told him, “Build a house here in Jerusalem and live there. But don’t step outside the city to go anywhere else. English Standard Version Then the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there to any place whatever. Berean Standard Bible Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. Berean Literal Bible And the king sent and called for Shimei, and he said to him, “Build for yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there where and where. King James Bible And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither. New King James Version Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there anywhere. New American Standard Bible Now the king sent men and summoned Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, and do not leave there for any other place. NASB 1995 Now the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Build for yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, and do not go out from there to any place. NASB 1977 Now the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Build for yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, and do not go out from there to any place. Legacy Standard Bible Then the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Build for yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, and do not go out from there to any place. Amplified Bible Now the king sent word and called for Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there. Do not go from there to any other place. Berean Annotated Bible Then the king summoned Shimei (renowned) and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem (city of peace) and live there, but do not go anywhere else. Christian Standard Bible Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but don’t leave there and go anywhere else. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but don’t leave there and go anywhere else. American Standard Version And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither. Contemporary English Version Solomon sent for Shimei and said, "Build a house here in Jerusalem and live in it. But whatever you do, don't leave the city! English Revised Version And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king summoned Shimei and said to him, "Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem, and stay there. Don't leave [the city] to go anywhere else. Good News Translation Then the king sent for Shimei and said to him, "Build a house for yourself here in Jerusalem. Live in it and don't leave the city. International Standard Version The king sent for Shimei and told him, "Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but don't go anywhere from there. NET Bible Next the king summoned Shimei and told him, "Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there--but you may not leave there to go anywhere! New Heart English Bible The king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, "Build yourself a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and do not go out from there anywhere. Webster's Bible Translation And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence to any place whatever. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. World English Bible The king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem, and live there, and don’t go anywhere else. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king sends and calls for Shimei, and says to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem, and you have dwelt there, and do not go out [from] there anywhere; Berean Literal Bible And the king sent and called for Shimei, and he said to him, “Build for yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there where and where. Young's Literal Translation And the king sendeth and calleth for Shimei, and saith to him, 'Build for thee a house in Jerusalem, and thou hast dwelt there, and dost not go out thence any where; Smith's Literal Translation And the king will send and call for Shimei, and say to him, Build for thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and thou shalt not go forth from thence, whither and whither. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe king also sent, and called for Semei, and said to him: Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there: and go not out from thence any whither. Catholic Public Domain Version Also, the king sent for and summoned Shimei, and he said to him: “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem, and live there. And do not depart from that place to here or to there. New American Bible Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him: “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and stay there. Do not go anywhere else. New Revised Standard Version Then the king sent and summoned Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem, and live there, and do not go out from there to any place whatever. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go forth from there hither and thither. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King sent and he called Shemei and said to him: “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there to here or there. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him: Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king called Semei, and said to him, Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and thou shalt not go out thence any whither. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Execution of Shimei36Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. 37On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.”… Cross References Then the king summoned Shimei 1 Kings 22:9 So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” 2 Kings 23:1 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. and said to him, 1 Kings 22:15 When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 2 Samuel 14:21 Then the king said to Joab, “I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.” “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem 2 Samuel 5:11 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. Jeremiah 29:5 “Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. 1 Kings 7:1 Solomon, however, took thirteen years to complete the construction of his entire palace. and live there, 1 Kings 17:9 “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 1 Kings 17:5 So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. 2 Samuel 7:10 And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning but do not go anywhere else.” Numbers 35:26-28 But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled / and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed, / because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns. Joshua 20:6 He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” 2 Samuel 14:24 But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of 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.” 2 Samuel 16:5-13 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! … 2 Samuel 19:16-23 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 … Treasury of Scripture And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, Build you an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth there any where. Shimei 2 Kings 2:8,9 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground… 2 Samuel 16:5-9 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… Proverbs 20:8,26 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes… 1 Kings 1:53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house. 2 Samuel 14:24,28 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face… Jump to Previous Abide Anywhere Build Dwell Dwelt Forth House Jerusalem Live Shimei Shim'e-I Summoned Thence Whatever WhitherJump to Next Abide Anywhere Build Dwell Dwelt Forth House Jerusalem Live Shimei Shim'e-I Summoned Thence Whatever Whither1 Kings 2 1. David, having given a charge to Solomon3. of Reverence 5. of Joab 7. of Barzillai 8. of Shimei 10. Solomon succeeds 12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag, 13. is put to death 26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood 28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain 35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's 36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death. Then the king summoned Shimei Solomon addressed Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who had publicly cursed David during Absalom’s rebellion. David had spared Shimei after his repentance, yet he charged Solomon to deal wisely with a man whose loyalty had proved unstable. 1Ki 22:9 So the king of Israel called one of his officials… and said to him, Solomon personally established the terms under which Shimei could remain alive, joining mercy with a clear safeguard for the security of David’s kingdom. 1Ki 22:15 When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him,… “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem Jerusalem placed Shimei within the royal city, under the king’s oversight and away from Benjamin, where family loyalties and old resentments might be stirred. Solomon did not immediately execute him but gave him a settled place and an opportunity to live peaceably. 2Sa 5:11 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David… and live there, A permanent home required Shimei to accept the new order established under Solomon. Jerusalem, the city of David and the center of Israel’s worship, became the place where his obedience would be tested. 1Ki 17:9 Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there.… but do not go anywhere else. Shimei’s freedom depended upon honoring the boundary Solomon set. The restriction guarded the kingdom from a man who had once dishonored the Lord’s anointed, while also giving him time to demonstrate faithful submission. His later departure to Gath would reveal that he had not truly learned obedience. Num 35:26-28 But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits… Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel at this time. He is known for his wisdom and is in the process of consolidating his kingdom by dealing with potential threats. 2. Shimei A member of the tribe of Benjamin, Shimei had previously cursed King David during Absalom's rebellion. Solomon is now dealing with him to ensure his loyalty and prevent any future rebellion. 3. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel and the political and spiritual center of the nation. It is significant as the place where Shimei is commanded to stay, symbolizing both protection and restriction. 4. The Command Solomon's directive to Shimei to build a house and remain in Jerusalem is both a test of loyalty and a means of keeping a potential adversary under surveillance. 5. The Context This event occurs during the early reign of Solomon as he establishes his rule and addresses unfinished business from his father David's reign. Teaching Points Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon's handling of Shimei demonstrates the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership. Leaders must balance justice with mercy and be vigilant against potential threats. Consequences of Past Actions Shimei's situation is a reminder that our past actions can have long-lasting consequences. It is important to seek forgiveness and make amends where possible. Obedience and Boundaries Shimei's command to stay in Jerusalem illustrates the importance of obedience and respecting boundaries set by authority. This can be applied to our spiritual lives as we adhere to God's commands. Testing of Character Solomon's directive serves as a test of Shimei's character and loyalty. Similarly, our faith and character are often tested in various ways. The Role of Justice Solomon's actions reflect the biblical principle of justice. It is crucial to uphold justice in our personal lives and communities, ensuring that wrongs are addressed appropriately. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:36?2. How does Solomon's command to Shimei reflect God's justice in 1 Kings 2:36? 3. What does Shimei's restriction to Jerusalem teach about obedience and consequences? 4. How can we apply Solomon's wisdom in dealing with disobedience today? 5. What other biblical examples show the importance of keeping one's word? 6. How does 1 Kings 2:36 illustrate God's sovereignty in leadership and governance? 7. Why did Solomon command Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem in 1 Kings 2:36? 8. What is the significance of Shimei's confinement to Jerusalem in 1 Kings 2:36? 9. How does 1 Kings 2:36 reflect Solomon's approach to justice and mercy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2? What Does 1 Kings 2:36 Mean Then the king summoned Shimei• Solomon obeys his father’s final instructions (1 Kings 2:8-9) by making Shimei answer for past rebellion (2 Samuel 16:5-13). • The word “summoned” highlights royal authority; Shimei cannot refuse (Esther 4:11; Romans 13:1). • Mercy is still possible—Shimei is given audience rather than immediate death (Psalm 101:8; Proverbs 20:28). and said to him • Solomon speaks directly, establishing a personal covenant-like arrangement (Genesis 31:44). • No intermediaries are used, underscoring accountability (1 Kings 1:52; Matthew 18:15). • A spoken command from the king carries legal weight equal to written law (Daniel 6:12). “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem” • Shimei may settle, signaling conditional clemency (Joshua 20:4; 2 Samuel 19:23). • Jerusalem—seat of the throne and temple—keeps him under constant royal oversight (1 Kings 11:36; Psalm 48:1-2). • “Build” implies permanence; Shimei is not on parole but under house-arrest-in-place (Numbers 35:26-27). “and live there” • He is permitted ordinary life: family, commerce, worship (Jeremiah 29:5-7). • Remaining in the king’s city removes him from tribal allies in Benjamin who could foster revolt (2 Samuel 20:1-2). • Continuous residence tests long-term obedience, reflecting Proverbs 29:1. “but do not go anywhere else” • A clear boundary: leaving equals death (1 Kings 2:37,42-46). • Similar to the city-of-refuge rule—safety within limits, judgment outside (Numbers 35:26-28). • The restriction exposes the rebellious heart; three years later Shimei breaks it (1 Kings 2:39-40), fulfilling David’s prophecy of justice (1 Kings 2:9,44). summary 1 Kings 2:36 shows Solomon extending measured mercy to a proven enemy while upholding David’s call for justice. Shimei receives life and freedom within Jerusalem but must demonstrate submission by staying put. The verse teaches that true repentance submits to rightful authority and that God-ordained rulers may set wise boundaries to restrain evil (Romans 13:4; Psalm 18:25-26). (36) Called for Shimei.—The command given to Shimei is in itself a reasonable precaution against treason, in one already powerful and of doubtful fidelity; and the reference to crossing the Kedron shows that it was designed to prevent his resorting to his native place, Bahurim. But it is difficult, in face of David’s charge, to doubt that it was in some degree intended as a snare; and this view is confirmed by Solomon’s words in 1Kings 2:44, which refer back to the old offence of Shimei against David. The narrative gives no hint that Shimei’s expedition to Gath was not made in good faith, simply to regain his slaves; and a command, which had its justification in the danger likely to result from his residence in Bahurim, among his own people, could hardly be disobeyed in spirit by a temporary journey to a foreign country. Legally the execution was justifiable, and it may have been politic; but it cannot stand examination on the ground of equity or generosity. It is here probably related by anticipation.Verse 36. - And the king sent and called for Shimei [probably from Bahurim. But see on ver. 8] [Not necessarily as "a guarantee for his residence there" (Wordsworth). Jewish law would make a purchase difficult. Leviticus 25:23. Cf. 1 Kings 21:3] an house in Jerusalem and dwell there [where he would be under surveillance and where his sinister influence with the men of Benjamin would be neutralized] and go not forth thence any whither [or, "hither and thither." Weder dahin noch dorthin. Bahr.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king summoned וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out Shimei לְשִׁמְעִ֔י (lə·šim·‘î) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8096: Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites and said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to him, ל֗וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew “Build בְּֽנֵה־ (bə·nêh-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build a house בַ֙יִת֙ (ḇa·yiṯ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house for yourself לְךָ֥ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew in Jerusalem בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel and live וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֖ (wə·yā·šaḇ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry there, שָׁ֑ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither but do not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go תֵצֵ֥א (ṯê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim anywhere else. אָ֥נֶה (’ā·neh) Adverb Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither Additonal Resources 1 Kings 2:36 Blue Letter Bible1 Kings 2:36 Bible Gateway 1 Kings 2:36 Bible.com 1 Kings 2:36 NIV |
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