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2 Samuel 16:13

2 Samuel 16:13 in Multiple Translations

So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David.

And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hill-side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

So David and his men went on their way: and Shimei went by the hillside parallel with them, cursing and sending stones and dust at him.

David and his men continued down the road, with Shimei keeping up with them on the hillside opposite. He went on cursing as he went along, throwing stones and dirt at David.

And as Dauid and his men went by the way, Shimei went by the side of the mountaine ouer against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones against him, and cast dust.

And David goeth with his men in the way, and Shimei is going at the side of the hill over-against him, going on, and he revileth, and stoneth with stones over-against him, and hath dusted with dust.

So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust.

And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

And David and his men with him went by the way. And Semei by the hill’s side went over against him, cursing, and casting stones at him, and scattering earth.

Then David and those who were with him walked along the road, and Shimei continued walking along the hillside near him. While he walked along, he cursed David and threw stones and dirt at him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:13

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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.

2 Samuel 16:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ דָּוִ֛ד וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֖י/ו בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ וְ/שִׁמְעִ֡י הֹלֵךְ֩ בְּ/צֵ֨לַע הָ/הָ֜ר לְ/עֻמָּת֗/וֹ הָלוֹךְ֙ וַ/יְקַלֵּ֔ל וַ/יְסַקֵּ֤ל בָּֽ/אֲבָנִים֙ לְ/עֻמָּת֔/וֹ וְ/עִפַּ֖ר בֶּ/עָפָֽר
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֖י/ו ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-mp | Suff
בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
וְ/שִׁמְעִ֡י Shimʻîy H8096 Shimei Conj | N-proper
הֹלֵךְ֩ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal
בְּ/צֵ֨לַע tsêlâʻ H6763 side Prep | N-cs
הָ/הָ֜ר har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms
לְ/עֻמָּת֗/וֹ ʻummâh H5980 close Prep | N-fs | Suff
הָלוֹךְ֙ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Ptc
וַ/יְקַלֵּ֔ל qâlal H7043 to lighten Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יְסַקֵּ֤ל çâqal H5619 to stone Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּֽ/אֲבָנִים֙ ʼeben H68 stone Prep | N-fp
לְ/עֻמָּת֔/וֹ ʻummâh H5980 close Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/עִפַּ֖ר ʻâphar H6080 to throw Conj | V-Piel-3ms
בֶּ/עָפָֽר ʻâphâr H6083 dust Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:13

וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֖י/ו ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/שִׁמְעִ֡י Shimʻîy H8096 "Shimei" Conj | N-proper
Shimei was a common name among Israelites, with at least 20 people having this name. One notable Shimei was the brother of David and son of Jesse, who lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.16.9; son of: Jesse (H3448); brother of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J); father of: Jonadab (H3122); also called Shimei (KJV: Shimea) at 2Sa.21.21; Shammah at 1Sa.16.9; 17.13; Shimea at 1Ch.2.13; 20.7; Another name of shim.ah (שִׁמְעָה "Shimeah" H8093) § Shimei or Shimhi or Shimi or Shimea = "renowned" 1) a Benjamite, son of Gera of the house of Saul in the time of David 2) a Benjamite, son of Elah and commissariat officer in the time of Solomon 3) the Ramathite in charge of the vineyards of David 4) son of Gershon and grandson of Levi 5) a Levite, son of Jeduthun and chief of the 10th division of singers in the time of David 6) a Levite of the sons of Heman who took part in the purification of the temple in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 7) a Levite, brother of Cononiah in charge of receiving the tithes and offerings in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah 8) a Levite who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) a Judaite, son of Pedaiah and brother of Zerubbabel 10) a Simeonite, son of Zacchur 11) a Reubenite, son of Gog and father of Micah 12) one of the sons of Hashum who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 13) one of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 14) a Benjamite, son of Kish, father of Jair, and grandfather of Mordecai in the time of Esther 15) a Levite, son of Jahath, grandson of Gershon, and great grandson of Levi 16) Benjamite, father of Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. Spelled 'Shimhi'
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi. See also: Exodus 6:17; 1 Chronicles 3:19; Esther 2:5.
הֹלֵךְ֩ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/צֵ֨לַע tsêlâʻ H6763 "side" Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a side or a rib, and it's used to describe parts of the body or objects. It's also used architecturally to describe beams or planks in buildings like the temple.
Definition: 1) side, rib, beam 1a) rib (of man) 1b) rib (of hill, ridge, etc) 1c) side-chambers or cells (of temple structure) 1d) rib, plank, board (of cedar or fir) 1e) leaves (of door) 1f) side (of ark) Aramaic equivalent: a.la (עֲלַע "rib" H5967)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: beam, board, chamber, corner, leaf, plank, rib, side (chamber). See also: Genesis 2:21; Exodus 38:7; Ezekiel 41:26.
הָ/הָ֜ר har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
לְ/עֻמָּת֗/וֹ ʻummâh H5980 "close" Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
הָלוֹךְ֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Ptc
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וַ/יְקַלֵּ֔ל qâlal H7043 "to lighten" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
וַ/יְסַקֵּ֤ל çâqal H5619 "to stone" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to stone someone to death, like in the case of someone who broke the law in the Old Testament. It can also mean to free a place from stones.
Definition: 1) to stone (to death), put to death by stoning 1a) (Qal) to pelt with stones, stone to death 1b) (Niphal) to be stoned to death 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to stone, pelt with stones 1c2) to free from stones (of vineyard, highway) 1d) (Pual) to be stoned to death
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (cast, gather out, throw) stone(-s), [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 8:22; Joshua 7:25; Isaiah 5:2.
בָּֽ/אֲבָנִים֙ ʼeben H68 "stone" Prep | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
לְ/עֻמָּת֔/וֹ ʻummâh H5980 "close" Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
וְ/עִפַּ֖ר ʻâphar H6080 "to throw" Conj | V-Piel-3ms
This word means to cover or sprinkle with dust or powder. It is used in the Bible to describe actions like throwing dust in the air.
Definition: (Piel) to dust, powder
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cast (dust). See also: 2 Samuel 16:13.
בֶּ/עָפָֽר ʻâphâr H6083 "dust" Prep | N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 23:23 Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night.
2 2 Samuel 16:5–6 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.

2 Samuel 16:13 Summary

In this verse, we see David and his men continuing on their journey despite Shimei's curses and provocations. David trusted that God was in control and would take care of the situation, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:12. This teaches us to trust God and not take matters into our own hands, even when others are being hurtful or cruel, and to remember that God can use difficult situations for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28. By choosing not to retaliate, David showed humility and self-control, demonstrating a character that honors God, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:44.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David not stop Shimei from cursing him?

David did not stop Shimei because he believed the Lord had allowed it, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:11, and he trusted that God would repay him with good for the cursing he received, as stated in 2 Samuel 16:12, similar to the principle in Romans 8:28.

What can we learn from David's response to Shimei's actions?

We can learn from David's response that he chose not to retaliate or seek revenge, instead leaving it to God to handle, which is a principle also seen in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19.

How did Shimei's actions affect David and his men?

Shimei's actions did not seem to deter David and his men, as they continued on their journey, and David even took the opportunity to rest and refresh himself, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:14, trusting in God's sovereignty and care.

What does this verse reveal about David's character?

This verse reveals David's humility, trust in God, and self-control, as he chose not to respond to Shimei's curses and provocations, demonstrating a character consistent with the teachings of Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:44.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when others speak evil of me or curse me, and what can I learn from David's example in this situation?
  2. In what ways can I trust God to handle difficult situations and people, just as David did with Shimei?
  3. What are some ways I can choose to bless others instead of cursing them, even when they have wronged me, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:10 and Luke 6:28?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and trust in God's sovereignty, like David did in this situation, and what scriptures can guide me in this pursuit, such as Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:13

And as David and his men went by the way,.... In the high road that led to Bahurim, taking no notice of the cursing of Shimei, which made him bolder and more impudent; here is a large pause in the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:13

And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:13

Not that he could reach him or hurt him with it; but only as an expression of contempt. And the like is to be thought concerning the stones, wherewith he could not think to reach David, when he was encamped with his men on every side.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:13

2 Samuel 16:13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’ s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.Ver. 13. And cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.] Heb., Dusted him with dust: and this he did all along the way, till David came to Bahurim. He bravely contemned all these contumelies and indignities; and by a happy composedness set himself above the flight of the injurious claw, wherein also he became a type of Christ, "who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed his cause to him that judgeth righteously."

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:13

13. on the hill’s side] See note on 2 Samuel 16:6.

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