2 Samuel 16:12

Verse

Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”

American Standard Version (1901)

It may be that Jehovah will look on the wrong done unto me, and that Jehovah will requite me good for his cursing of me this day.

Bible in Basic English

It may be that the Lord will take note of my wrongs, and give me back good in answer to his cursing of me today.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Perhaps the Lord may look upon my affliction, and the Lord may render me good for the cursing of this day.

Free Bible Version

Perhaps the Lord will see how I'm suffering and will pay me back with good for his curses today.”

Geneva Bible 1599

It may be that the Lord will looke on mine affliction, and doe me good for his cursing this day.

King James (Authorized) Version

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

Translation for Translators

Perhaps Yahweh will see that I am having all this trouble, and some day he will repay me by ◄blessing/doing good things for► me in return for this man cursing me today.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Perhaps Yahweh will look at the misery unleashed on me, and repay me with good for his cursing me today.”

Noah Webster Bible

It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

World English Bible

It may be that Yahweh will look on the wrong done to me, and that Yahweh will repay me good for the cursing of me today.”

Young's Literal Translation

it may be Jehovah doth look on mine affliction, and Jehovah hath turned back to me good for his reviling this day.'

Context

Shimei Curses David

¹¹Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.¹²Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”

Summary

In this verse, King David is facing a difficult situation where he is being cursed and insulted by Shimei, a member of Saul's family. Despite being the rightful king, David chooses not to retaliate or seek revenge against Shimei, recognizing that this may be a consequence of his own past sins. David displays humility and trust in God's sovereignty, acknowledging that God may be using this situation to discipline him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, forgiveness, and trusting in God's plan even in the face of adversity.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction,.... Through the rebellion of his son, and now aggravated by the cursing of Shimei; that is, with an eye of pity and commiseration, and deliver him out of it: or "look upon my eye" (x); for there is a various reading; the tear of mine eye, as the Targum; so Jarchi and R. Isaiah; the tears in it, which fell plentifully from it, on account of his troubles, and particularly the curses and reproaches of Shimei: and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day; he does not speak with assurance, yet with hope; he knew his sins deserved such treatment, but also that God was gracious and merciful, and pitied his children, and resented all ill usage of them; and therefore hoped he would favour him with such intimations of his love as would support him, comfort, refresh him, and do him good, see Rom 8:28. (x) "in oculum meum", Montanus; "oculum meum lachrymantem", Munster.