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1 Kings 2:6

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1 Kings 2:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

King James Version KJV

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.

American Standard Version ASV

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to Sheol in peace.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So be guided by your wisdom, and let not his white head go down to the underworld in peace.

Free Bible Version FBV

Do what you think is right, but don't let his gray head go down peacefully into the grave.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Doe therefore according to thy wisdome, and let thou not his hoare head go downe to the graue in peace.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and thou hast done according to thy wisdom, and dost not let his old age go down in peace to Sheol.

World English Bible WEB

Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don’t let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoary head go down to the grave in peace.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoary head go down to hell in peace.

Translation for Translators T4T

Because you are wise, do to him what you think is best for you to do, but do not allow him to become old [MTY] and then die [IDM] peacefully.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:6

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עָשִׂ֖יתָ כְּ/חָכְמָתֶ֑/ךָ וְ/לֹֽא תוֹרֵ֧ד שֵׂיבָת֛/וֹ בְּ/שָׁלֹ֖ם שְׁאֹֽל
וְ/עָשִׂ֖יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-2ms
כְּ/חָכְמָתֶ֑/ךָ chokmâh H2451 wisdom Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
תוֹרֵ֧ד yârad H3381 to go down V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
שֵׂיבָת֛/וֹ sêybâh H7872 greyheaded N-fs | Suff
בְּ/שָׁלֹ֖ם shâlôwm H7965 Peace Prep | N-ms
שְׁאֹֽל shᵉʼôwl H7585 hell N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:6

וְ/עָשִׂ֖יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כְּ/חָכְמָתֶ֑/ךָ chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" Prep | N-fs | Suff
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תוֹרֵ֧ד yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
שֵׂיבָת֛/וֹ sêybâh H7872 "greyheaded" N-fs | Suff
This word describes old age, gray hair, or a long life. In the Bible, it is used to signify wisdom and experience, and is translated as gray or old age in the KJV.
Definition: 1) age, gray hair, hoary head, old age 1a) gray hair, hoary head 1b) old age
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (be) gray (grey hoar,-y) hairs (head,-ed), old age. See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 2:6; Psalms 71:18.
בְּ/שָׁלֹ֖ם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
שְׁאֹֽל shᵉʼôwl H7585 "hell" N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 2:9 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 Isaiah 57:21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
3 Psalms 37:37 Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace.
4 Ecclesiastes 8:11 When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.
5 Proverbs 20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
6 Proverbs 28:17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
7 Isaiah 48:22 “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”
8 Isaiah 57:2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death.
9 Numbers 35:33 Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.
10 Genesis 42:38 But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.”

1 Kings 2:6 Summary

This verse means that Solomon should use his wisdom to decide what to do with Joab, who had done some very bad things in the past. It's like when someone has done something wrong and needs to be held accountable, but it's also important to show kindness and mercy to those who deserve it, as seen in 1 Kings 2:7. Solomon needs to be careful and thoughtful in his decision, considering what is just and right, as guided by Proverbs 2:6. By doing so, he will be following God's principles of justice and mercy, as found in Micah 6:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for someone's gray head to go down to Sheol in peace?

This phrase refers to allowing someone to die peacefully in old age, without punishment or judgment, as seen in the context of 1 Kings 2:6, where David instructs Solomon to deal with Joab according to his wisdom, implying that Joab's past actions may warrant punishment before his death, as also warned in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19.

Why is David instructing Solomon to deal with Joab in this way?

David is instructing Solomon to deal with Joab because of Joab's past actions, specifically his murders of Abner and Amasa, as mentioned in 1 Kings 2:5, which were unjust and deserving of punishment, as noted in Exodus 21:12 and Numbers 35:31.

What does it mean to act according to one's wisdom in this context?

Acting according to one's wisdom in this context means to make a decision based on careful consideration and discernment, taking into account the circumstances and the principles of justice and righteousness, as guided by Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5.

How does this verse relate to the concept of justice and mercy?

This verse highlights the balance between justice and mercy, as David instructs Solomon to deal with Joab according to his wisdom, implying that punishment may be necessary for Joab's past actions, while also showing mercy to others, such as the sons of Barzillai, as seen in 1 Kings 2:7, reflecting the principles of justice and mercy found in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 5:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to act according to wisdom, considering the consequences of my actions?
  2. How can I balance justice and mercy in my relationships and decision-making, as seen in this verse and other scriptures like Matthew 5:7?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate loving devotion to those who have stood by me, as David instructs Solomon to do with the sons of Barzillai?
  4. How can I trust God's sovereignty and justice, even when I don't understand the circumstances, as seen in David's instruction to Solomon to let God handle the punishment of Joab?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:6

Do therefore according to thy wisdom,.... Which though young began to appear in him, even in the life of his father; he therefore exhorts him to use the wisdom he had, and take the first and fittest

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:6

Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. Do therefore according to thy wisdom.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:6

According to thy wisdom, i.e. what in reason and justice thou seest fit. For though I was forced to forbear him when it was in a manner out of my power to punish him, yet I never forgave him; and therefore do thou wisely and severely examine all his actions, and particularly this last rebellion, and punish him according to his demerits. Let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace; though he be old, having been the general of the army forty years, yet do not suffer him to die a natural death, but cut him off by the sword of justice.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:6

1 Kings 2:6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.Ver. 6. Do therefore according to thy wisdom,] q.d., He is of a turbulent spirit, and will be apt enough to give thee just occasion to fall upon him. See that it be thoroughly done, for it lieth upon my conscience, that he hath hitherto passed unpunished. Of his adultery and murder we hear not a word, because he had made a thorough peace with God for those sins in his lifetime; he had compounded with his judge, &c.: but the cases of Joab and Shimei troubled him on his death bed. And let not his hoar head, &c.] Let him be well punished, though he is now old, and hath done great exploits.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:6

Verse 6. Let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.] It would have been an insult to justice not to have taken the life of Joab. David was culpable in delaying it so long; but probably the circumstances of his government would not admit of his doing it sooner. According to the law of God, Joab, having murdered Abner and Amasa, should die. And had not David commanded Solomon to perform this act of justice, he could not have died in the approbation of his Maker.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:6

6. Do therefore according to thy wisdom] Compare 1 Kings 2:9. The wisdom to which David in both cases alludes is a politic method of bringing these men to do something for which they might be put to death. Such men were specially dangerous in the court of a young king. his hoar head] Most likely Joab was already an old man not much younger than David himself. This may account for some of the freedom of his speech to the king. go down to the grave in peace] The advice is put in a more direct form in 1 Kings 2:9, concerning Shimei, ‘Bring his hoar head down to the grave with blood.’ The Hebrew construction (the jussive after ìà not àì) seems to imply a suggestion rather than a direct command. ‘I recommend you not to let,’ &c.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:6

His hoar head - Joab, though the nephew of David, was probably not very greatly his junior, David being the youngest of the family, and Zeruiah, as is most likely, one of the eldest.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:6

6. His hoar head — Gray hairs are venerable, but the hoary headed sinner is not to be saved by his whitened locks. Joab was doubtless younger than David, but still far gone in years.

Sermons on 1 Kings 2:6

SermonDescription
J. Sidlow Baxter Doctrine of the Lamb - Part 2 by J. Sidlow Baxter In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of Isaiah 53 and the role of the Lamb in the redemption of humanity. He highlights seven key points from the scripture: the
Milton Green (The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape
Dwight Pentecost Blessed Are the Peacemaker by Dwight Pentecost In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the body of believers. He refers to a parable in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus speaks of a shepher
J. Sidlow Baxter The Centrality of the Lamb - Part 2 by J. Sidlow Baxter In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sinful nature of humanity and the need for a savior. He notes that there is a growing interest in the Bibl
Harry Ironside Studies in Isaiah - Part 10 by Harry Ironside In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last three verses of Isaiah chapter 52. He begins by discussing the image of beautiful feet upon a mountain, representing the remnant co
Robert Murray M'Cheyne The Saviour's Tears Over the Lost by Robert Murray M'Cheyne Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the deep compassion of Christ, who weeps over the lost, just as He did for Jerusalem. He highlights that the gospel is essential for peace, offeri
J.C. Ryle Justified! by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound significance of being justified by faith, which grants true peace with God through Jesus Christ. He outlines four key points: the privilege of pea
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