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2 Samuel 16:7

2 Samuel 16:7 in Multiple Translations

And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed!

And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Begone, begone, thou man of blood, and base fellow:

And Shimei said, with curses, Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, you good-for-nothing:

“Get out of here, just get out, you murderer, you wicked man!” Shimei said as he cursed.

And thus sayde Shimei when hee cursed, Come forth, come foorth thou murtherer, and wicked man.

And thus said Shimei in his reviling, 'Go out, go out, O man of blood, and man of worthlessness!

Shimei said when he cursed, “Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and wicked fellow!

And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

And thus said Semei when he cursed the king: Come out, come out, thou man of blood, and thou man of Belial.

Shimei cursed David and said to him, “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!

And he cursed David like this, “You are a no good trouble maker. You are a cheeky one, a murderer. You are boss for nothing. Go away.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:7

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.

2 Samuel 16:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כֹֽה אָמַ֥ר שִׁמְעִ֖י בְּ/קַֽלְל֑/וֹ צֵ֥א צֵ֛א אִ֥ישׁ הַ/דָּמִ֖ים וְ/אִ֥ישׁ הַ/בְּלִיָּֽעַל
וְ/כֹֽה kôh H3541 thus Conj | Adv
אָמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שִׁמְעִ֖י Shimʻîy H8096 Shimei N-proper
בְּ/קַֽלְל֑/וֹ qâlal H7043 to lighten Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
צֵ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Impv-2ms
צֵ֛א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
הַ/דָּמִ֖ים dâm H1818 blood Art | N-mp
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms
הַ/בְּלִיָּֽעַל bᵉlîyaʻal H1100 Belial Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:7

וְ/כֹֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שִׁמְעִ֖י Shimʻîy H8096 "Shimei" 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.
בְּ/קַֽלְל֑/וֹ qâlal H7043 "to lighten" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
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.
צֵ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
צֵ֛א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
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.
הַ/דָּמִ֖ים dâm H1818 "blood" Art | N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms
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.
הַ/בְּלִיָּֽעַל bᵉlîyaʻal H1100 "Belial" Art | N-ms
Belial refers to something or someone worthless or wicked, often translated as evil or ungodly. It describes people or actions that are good for nothing and lead to destruction.
Definition: : worthless 1) worthlessness 1a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base fellow 1b) wicked 1c) ruin, destruction (construct) Also means: be.liy.ya.al (בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ": destruction" H1100H)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. See also: Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 18:5.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 13:13 that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known),
2 1 Samuel 25:17 Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”
3 1 Kings 21:10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”
4 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD
5 2 Samuel 11:15–17 In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” So as Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he saw the strongest enemy soldiers. And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died.
6 Psalms 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.
7 Psalms 5:6 You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
8 2 Samuel 3:37 So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.
9 1 Kings 21:13 And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.
10 2 Samuel 12:9 Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.

2 Samuel 16:7 Summary

In 2 Samuel 16:7, Shimei yells curses at King David, calling him a 'worthless man of bloodshed' because he believes David is responsible for the downfall of the house of Saul. This means that Shimei thinks David has been involved in violent or bloody acts, similar to what is written in Psalm 51:14. We can learn from this verse that our words have power, and we should be careful not to speak against or curse others, as seen in Exodus 22:28 and Luke 6:27-28. Instead, we should trust God and remain humble, even in the face of opposition or criticism, just like David did in this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Shimei yelling curses at King David?

Shimei was yelling curses at King David because he believed David was responsible for the downfall of the house of Saul, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:8, and he thought the LORD had paid David back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place David had reigned, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 32:35.

What does it mean to be a 'man of bloodshed'?

To be a 'man of bloodshed' means to be someone who has been involved in violent or bloody acts, as Shimei accused David of being in 2 Samuel 16:7-8, which is also seen in the context of Psalm 51:14 where David acknowledges his sin of bloodshed.

Is it ever right to curse a leader like Shimei did to King David?

No, it is not right to curse a leader, as seen in Exodus 22:28, where it is written that we should not curse God or a ruler of your people, and in Acts 23:5, where Paul says that he did not know that the high priest was a ruler when he spoke against him.

How should we respond to people who speak against us like Shimei spoke against David?

We should respond with humility and silence, as David did in 2 Samuel 16:10-12, where he said that the LORD had told Shimei to curse him, and we should also consider the example of Jesus in Luke 6:27-28, where He taught us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have spoken against or cursed others, and how can I make amends and seek forgiveness?
  2. How do I respond when people speak against me or curse me, and what can I learn from David's example in this situation?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be guilty of 'bloodshed' or harming others, and how can I seek forgiveness and make things right?
  4. How can I balance the desire to defend myself with the need to trust God and remain humble in the face of opposition or criticism, as seen in Proverbs 26:4-5?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:7

And thus said Shimei, when he cursed, come out, come out,.... Or rather, "go out, go out" (t); that is, out of the nation, where he deserved not to live, as he judged, and out of the kingdom, which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:7

And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:7

Or rather, go out, as the word properly signifies. Be gone out of thy kingdom, as thou deservest.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:7

2 Samuel 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:Ver. 7. Come out, come out, &c.] Prima semper irarum tela maledicta aunt: et quod non possumus imbecilli, optamus irati. Calvin maketh mention of an insolent heretic, who, though he had as fair language given him as was possible, yet would never vouchsafe to speak better to that most worthy man than if he had had to deal with a dog. Thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial.] Facundia plane canina. With what eagerness barketh this dead dog, no otherwise than if he had fetched every word as far as hell! Such a rabiosus canis was Porphyrie, Genebrard, Scioppius, &c. Sallust. Epist. ad Farell.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:7

(7) Come out, come out.—Rather, Go out, go out. It is doubtful whether by the words, “thou bloody man,” Shimei meant anything more than that he considered David responsible for “the blood of the house of Saul”, (2 Samuel 16:8), especially in the case of Ishbosheth and of Abner, and the execution of Saul’s seven descendants at the demand of the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1-9). Yet he may have known of the crime in regard to Uriah, and have wished to point his curse with the charge of shedding that innocent blood.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:7

7. Come out, come out] Out! out! from the land and from thy kingdom into exile. thou bloody man] Thou man of blood, thou murderer. Shimei seems to have supplied Cromwell’s army with the terms of its resolution “to call Charles Stuart, that man of blood, to account for the blood he has shed and the mischief he has done to the utmost against the Lord’s cause and people in this poor nation.” Green’s Short History, p. 552. thou man of Belial] Thou wicked man. See note on 1 Samuel 1:16.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 16:7

Come out - Rather, “Go out,” namely, of the land, into banishment. Compare Jeremiah 29:16. Thou bloody man - See the margin.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:7

7. Come out, come out — Rather, Go! go! That is, Away with thee!Bloody man — So called for the reason given in the following verse.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:7

SermonDescription
George Fox Epistle 214 by George Fox George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns again
David Guzik (1 Samuel) Blessed Sons and Wicked Sons by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Hannah and her dedication of her son Samuel to the Lord. He emphasizes the joy and praise that Hannah expresses in her prayer to
Samuel Logan Brengle Sins Against Chastity by Samuel Logan Brengle Samuel Logan Brengle addresses the serious nature of sins against chastity, contrasting the actions of Eli's sons with those of Samuel's sons. He argues that Eli's failure to restr
John Daniel Jones Speaking With the Authority of God by John Daniel Jones John Daniel Jones emphasizes the importance of character in wielding moral authority, highlighting that true power for God comes from being a person of God. He stresses that withou
Art Katz Righteousness in the Old Testament by Art Katz Art Katz explores the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about fulfilling the demands of relationships, particularly with God and t
Richard E. Bieber A Burning Heart, a Burning Tongue by Richard E. Bieber Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of Christians being in touch with the anguish of the world to avoid becoming stale or sterile. He challenges believers to speak words of
J.C. Philpot Filth and Blood Purged by the Spirit Judgment and the Spirit of Burning by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the cleansing work of the Lord in purging the filth of the daughters of Zion and the blood of Jerusalem through the spirit of judgment and burning. He e

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