Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. New Living Translation As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. English Standard Version When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And King David came to Bahurim, and behold, a man from there was going out from the family of the house of Saul, and his name was Shimei son of Gera. And he came out, coming out cursing continuously. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now when King David came to Bahurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, coming from there. He came out, cursing continuously as he came. New American Standard Bible When King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man was coming out from there from the family of the house of Saul, and his name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he was coming out, cursing as he came. NASB 1995 When King David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out cursing continually as he came. NASB 1977 When King David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out cursing continually as he came. Legacy Standard Bible And King David came to Bahurim, and behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out cursing continually as he came. Amplified Bible When King David came to Bahurim, a man named Shimei, the son of Gera, came out from there. He was of the family of Saul’s household and he was cursing continually as he came out. Berean Annotated Bible As King David (beloved) approached Bahurim (young men's village), a man from the family of the house of Saul (desired) was just coming out. His name was Shimei (renowned) son of Gera (a grain), and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. Christian Standard Bible When King David got to Bahurim, a man belonging to the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he was yelling curses as he approached. Holman Christian Standard Bible When King David got to Bahurim, a man belonging to the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he was yelling curses as he approached. American Standard Version And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out, and cursed still as he came. Contemporary English Version David was near the town of Bahurim when a man came out and started cursing him. The man was Shimei the son of Gera, and he was one of Saul's distant relatives. English Revised Version And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came out, and cursed still as he came. GOD'S WORD® Translation When King David came to Bahurim, a man who was a distant cousin of Saul came out cursing. His name was Shimei, son of Gera. Good News Translation When King David arrived at Bahurim, one of Saul's relatives, Shimei son of Gera, came out to meet him, cursing him as he came. International Standard Version Later on, as King David approached Bahurim, Gera's son Shimei, who was related to the family of Saul's household, went out to meet David, cursing continually as he approached. NET Bible Then King David reached Bahurim. There a man from Saul's extended family named Shimei son of Gera came out, yelling curses as he approached. New Heart English Bible And when king David reached Bahurim, now look, a man of the family of the house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera. He came out and cursed continuously as he approached. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs 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. World English Bible When King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of Saul’s house came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out and cursed as he came. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd King David has come to Bahurim, and behold, a man there is coming out, of the family of the house of Saul, and his name [is] Shimei, son of Gera, he comes out, coming out and reviling; Berean Literal Bible And King David came to Bahurim, and behold, a man from there was going out from the family of the house of Saul, and his name was Shimei son of Gera. And he came out, coming out cursing continuously. Young's Literal Translation And king David hath come in unto Bahurim, and lo, thence a man is coming out, of the family of the house of Saul, and his name is Shimei, son of Gera, he cometh out, coming out and reviling; Smith's Literal Translation And king David went to Bahurim, and behold, from thence a man will come forth from the family of the house of Saul, and his name Shimei, son of Gera: he came forth, coming forth and cursing. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd king David came as far as Bahurim: and behold there came out from thence a man of the kindred of the house of Saul named Semei, the son of Gera, and coming out he cursed as he went on, Catholic Public Domain Version Then king David went as far as Bahurim. And behold, a man from the kindred of the house of Saul, named Shimei, the son of Gera, went out from there. And going out, he continued on, and he was cursing, New American Bible As King David was approaching Bahurim, there was a man coming out; he was of the same clan as the house of Saul, and his name was Shimei, son of Gera. He kept cursing as he came out, New Revised Standard Version When King David came to Bahurim, a man of the family of the house of Saul came out whose name was Shimei son of Gera; he came out cursing. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when King David came to Beth-hurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came forth and cursed David; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And King David came unto Bayth Khorim, and one man from the family of the house of Shaul went out from there, and his name was Shemi, son of Gera. He went out and insulted David OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out, and kept on cursing as he came. Brenton Septuagint Translation And king David came to Baurim; and, behold, there came out from thence a man of the family of the house of Saul, and his name was Semei the son of Gera. He came forth and cursed as he went, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Shimei Curses David5As 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. 6He 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.… Cross References As King David approached Bahurim, 2 Samuel 17:18 But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. 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 3:16 Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home. a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. 2 Samuel 9:1 Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 21:1 During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” His name was Shimei son of Gera, 2 Samuel 19:16 Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, 2 Samuel 19:18 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 2:44 The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. 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 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. Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. 1 Samuel 24:14 Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 1 Samuel 26:19 Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 2 Samuel 3:8 Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! 2 Samuel 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” Treasury of Scripture And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there 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. 2 Samuel 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. 1 Chronicles 6:60 And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities. 2 Samuel 16:14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there. whose name 2 Samuel 19:16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David. 1 Kings 2:8,9,36-44 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword… he came, etc. Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Psalm 69:26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. Jump to Previous Approached Bahurim Bahu'rim Clan Continually Cursed Cursing David Family Forth Gera House Kept Saul Saul's Shimei Shim'e-I ThenceJump to Next Approached Bahurim Bahu'rim Clan Continually Cursed Cursing David Family Forth Gera House Kept Saul Saul's Shimei Shim'e-I Thence2 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 As King David approached Bahurim Bahurim was a village in the territory of Benjamin, near the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. It was a place David passed through during his flight from Absalom. This context highlights David's vulnerability and the tension of his escape. The geographical setting underscores the proximity to Jerusalem, emphasizing the immediacy of the threat from Absalom's rebellion. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is fleeing from his son Absalom during a time of rebellion. 2. Bahurim A village in the territory of Benjamin, near Jerusalem, where the event takes place. 3. Shimei son of Gera A member of Saul's family who harbors resentment against David and expresses it through cursing and throwing stones. 4. Absalom's Rebellion The backdrop of this event, where David's son Absalom has declared himself king, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. 5. Saul’s Family The previous royal family of Israel, from which Shimei descends, providing context for his animosity towards David. Teaching Points Responding to Persecution with GraceDavid's response to Shimei's curses is a model of restraint and grace. Instead of retaliating, David trusts in God's justice. Understanding God's Sovereignty David acknowledges that God may have allowed Shimei's cursing for a purpose, demonstrating a deep trust in God's sovereign plan. Forgiveness and Reconciliation The later reconciliation between David and Shimei shows the power of forgiveness and the importance of seeking peace. The Danger of Bitterness Shimei's actions are fueled by longstanding bitterness, serving as a warning against allowing resentment to take root in our hearts. Humility in Leadership David's humility in accepting criticism, even when unjust, is a powerful example for leaders in any context. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:5?2. How does Shimei's cursing reflect attitudes toward God's anointed in 2 Samuel 16:5? 3. What can we learn about humility from David's reaction in 2 Samuel 16:5? 4. How does 2 Samuel 16:5 connect to Jesus' teaching on loving enemies? 5. In what ways can we respond to criticism with grace, like David did? 6. How does David's experience in 2 Samuel 16:5 encourage us during unjust persecution? 7. Why did Shimei curse David in 2 Samuel 16:5? 8. How does David's response to Shimei reflect his faith? 9. What historical context explains Shimei's actions in 2 Samuel 16:5? 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. Who was Shimei in the Bible? 13. How can 2 Samuel 19:18–23 reconcile David’s promise to spare Shimei with later biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 2:8–9) commanding his execution? 14. How do we verify the historical identity of “Cush the Benjamite” mentioned in Psalm 7:1, given the lack of archaeological or biblical record? What Does 2 Samuel 16:5 Mean As King David approached Bahurim• David is fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15:14). This humiliating retreat sets the emotional background for the encounter. • Bahurim lies on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, the last suburb before the wilderness. Previously, it was where Michal’s husband Paltiel followed her weeping (2 Samuel 3:16), a reminder that pain often surfaces at this location. • David’s journey pictures the believer’s walk through seasons of discipline and testing (Psalm 3:1–3). The Lord allows opposition to refine attitudes of humility and dependence (Hebrews 12:5–6). a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out • The narrative highlights lingering tensions between the old regime and the new. Saul’s relatives still feel the sting of losing power (1 Samuel 15:26–28). • God had formally transferred the kingdom to David (2 Samuel 3:9–10), yet not everyone surrendered to that reality—just as some hearts resist Christ’s rightful rule (John 1:11). • David, for his part, shows no desire to crush the remnant of Saul’s line; he earlier spared Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:7). The contrast underlines grace in the face of resentment (Ephesians 4:32). His name was Shimei son of Gera • Shimei appears only here and in the accounts of his later apology (2 Samuel 19:18–23) and his eventual execution for renewed disobedience (1 Kings 2:36–46). • His Benjaminite heritage explains his loyalty to Saul, but his heart posture exposes personal bitterness rather than principled loyalty (James 3:14–16). • The Spirit records his name to show that God sees and weighs every individual response to His anointed (Numbers 16:30–35). and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses • Shimei curses continuously, hurling both words and stones (2 Samuel 16:6). Scripture warns, “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people” (Exodus 22:28). • David’s measured reaction—“Let him curse, for the LORD has told him” (2 Samuel 16:11)—displays faith in God’s sovereignty (Romans 12:19). • This scene foreshadows Christ, who “when He was reviled, did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23). The true King absorbs hostility, entrusting Himself to the Father. • God later vindicates David; Shimei repents publicly (2 Samuel 19:20), proving that patience under insult often exposes the foolishness of the accuser (Proverbs 15:1). summary 2 Samuel 16:5 shows David, God’s chosen king, encountering hostile opposition from Shimei, a bitter relative of Saul, while passing through Bahurim. The verse exposes simmering resentment against God’s ordained leadership, highlights the testing of a humble king in exile, and sets the stage for divine vindication. In every age, the passage warns against cursing whom God has installed and encourages trusting His justice when mistreated. (5) Bahurim.--See Note on 2Samuel 3:16.Of the family of the house of Saul.--That is, "of the family," in the larger sense of tribe. Many of the Benjamites naturally felt aggrieved when the royal house passed away from their tribe; and, although under restraint while David's government was strong, were ever ready to show their opposition and hatred when opportunity offered, as now with Shimei, and a little later with Sheba, the son of Bichri (2Samuel 20:1-2). Verse 5. - Bahurim. The exact site of this place is unknown (see note on 2 Samuel 3:16). Lieut. Conder, following a Jewish tradition, identifies it with Almit, a village about four miles northeast of Jerusalem. If so it lay, not on the direct road to the fords, but on a side route. A man of the family of the house of Saul. The words do not mean that he was a near relative of Saul, but that he was a member of the mishpachah, the larger division of the tribe of Benjamin, to which the house of Saul, a much smaller subdivision of the family, belonged (see note on 2 Samuel 14:7). But he was a strong partisan, and so fanatical as to care little for his life, if only he could annoy the usurper. For besides "all the people," David had with him "the mighty men," a few of whom could easily have punished him.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew As Kingהַמֶּ֥לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king David דָּוִ֖ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse approached וּבָ֛א (ū·ḇā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go Bahurim, בַּֽחוּרִ֑ים (ba·ḥū·rîm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 980: Bahurim -- 'young men's village', a city in Benjamin a man אִ֨ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person from the family מִמִּשְׁפַּ֣חַת (mim·miš·pa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people of the house בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was just וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! coming out. יוֹצֵ֜א (yō·w·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim His name וּשְׁמוֹ֙ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8034: A name was Shimei שִׁמְעִ֣י (šim·‘î) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8096: Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Gera, גֵּרָ֔א (gê·rā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1617: Gera -- the name of several Israelites, also a Benjamite family and as he approached, יֹצֵ֥א (yō·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim he kept yelling out curses. וּמְקַלֵּֽל׃ (ū·mə·qal·lêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling Links 2 Samuel 16:5 NIV2 Samuel 16:5 NLT 2 Samuel 16:5 ESV 2 Samuel 16:5 NASB 2 Samuel 16:5 KJV 2 Samuel 16:5 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 16:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 16:5 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 16:5 French Bible 2 Samuel 16:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 16:5 When king David came to Bahurim behold (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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