1 Kings 2:44

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thy heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore Jehovah shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head.

Bible in Basic English

And the king said to Shimei, You have knowledge of all the evil which you did to David my father; and now the Lord has sent back your evil on yourself.

Free Bible Version

The king also told Shimei, “Deep down you know all the evil things you did to my father David. That's why the Lord will repay you for your evil.

Geneva Bible 1599

The King sayde also to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickednes whereunto thine heart is priuie, that thou diddest to Dauid my father: the Lord therefore shall bring thy wickednesse vpon thine owne head.

King James (Authorized) Version

The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;

Translation for Translators

The king also said to Shimei, “You know all the evil things that you did to my father David. So Yahweh will now punish you for the evil things that you did.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wickedness that you did to my father David. Therefore Yahweh will return your wickedness on your own head.

Noah Webster Bible

The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thy heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD will return thy wickedness upon thy own head;

World English Bible

The king said moreover to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wickedness that you did to David my father. Therefore Yahweh will return your wickedness on your own head.

Young's Literal Translation

And the king saith unto Shimei, 'Thou hast known all the evil that thy heart hath known, which thou didst to David my father, and Jehovah hath turned back thine evil on thy head,

Context

The Execution of Shimei

⁴³So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?”⁴⁴The 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.⁴⁵But King Solomon will be blessed and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.”

Summary

In this verse, King Solomon is addressing Joab, who had committed treacherous acts against both David and Solomon. Solomon accuses Joab of shedding innocent blood and seeks justice for the crimes he has committed. By commanding Joab's execution, Solomon is establishing his authority as the new king and ensuring that justice is served according to God's law. This verse reflects the importance of upholding righteousness and accountability, even among those in positions of power.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And King Solomon shall be blessed,.... With a long and peaceable reign, and large dominions, notwithstanding all the attempts to make him unhappy: and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever; the kingdom of David over Judah for a long time, in his natural line; and the kingdom of Israel, spiritual Israel, for ever in his son the Messiah; and that in the presence of the Lord, he observing, ordering, and succeeding all things to that purpose.