2 Samuel 16:9
2 Samuel 16:9 in Multiple Translations
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!”
¶ Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said to the king, Is this dead dog to go on cursing my lord the king? let me go over and take off his head.
Abishai, son of Zeruiah, asked the king, “Why should this dead dog curse Your Majesty? Let me go and cut off his head!”
Then saide Abishai the sonne of Zeruiah vnto the King, Why doeth this dead dog curse my lord the King? let me goe, I pray thee, and take away his head.
And Abishai son of Zeruiah saith unto the king, 'Why doth this dead dog revile my lord the king? let me pass over, I pray thee, and I turn aside his head.'
Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.”
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
And Abisai the son of Sarvia said to the king: Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? I will go, and cut off his head.
Then Abishai said to the king, “Your Majesty, this man is as worthless as [MET] a dead dog! ◄Why should he be allowed to curse you?/He should not be allowed to curse you.► [RHQ] Allow me to go over there and cut off his head!”
One of David’s boss soldiers was Abishai. He was the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister. He said, “Boss. That man is no good. He can’t swear at you like that. Let me cut off his head.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:9
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 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אֲבִישַׁ֤י
בֶּן
צְרוּיָה֙
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
לָ֣/מָּה
יְקַלֵּ֞ל
הַ/כֶּ֤לֶב
הַ/מֵּת֙
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
אֶת
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
אֶעְבְּרָה
נָּ֖א
וְ/אָסִ֥ירָה
אֶת
רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִישַׁ֤י
ʼĂbîyshay
H52
Abishai
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
צְרוּיָה֙
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
Zeruiah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יְקַלֵּ֞ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
הַ/כֶּ֤לֶב
keleb
H3611
dog
Art | N-ms
הַ/מֵּת֙
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶעְבְּרָה
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-1cs
נָּ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
וְ/אָסִ֥ירָה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:9
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
אֲבִישַׁ֤י
ʼĂbîyshay
H52
"Abishai"
N-proper
Abishai was an Israelite and nephew of King David, first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6, his name means my father is Jesse or my father is a gift. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel. Abishai played a significant role in the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6 and Zeruiah (H6870); brother of: Joab (H3097) and Asahel (H6214) § Abishai = "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift" grandson of Jesse, nephew of David via his sister Zeruiah, brother of Joab
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Abishai. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 19:15.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
צְרוּיָה֙
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
"Zeruiah"
N-proper
Zeruiah was an Israelite woman, sister of David, and mother of three leading heroes in his army. Her name means balsam and she is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6. Zeruiah was the daughter of Jesse and Nahash.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; daughter of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); sister of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J), Shimeah (H8093) § Zeruiah = "balsam" sister of David and mother of the 3 leading heroes of David's army-Abishai, Joab, and Asahel
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Zeruiah. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 21:17; 1 Chronicles 27:24.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יְקַלֵּ֞ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Piel-Imperf-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.
הַ/כֶּ֤לֶב
keleb
H3611
"dog"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
הַ/מֵּת֙
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶעְבְּרָה
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-1cs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
נָּ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
וְ/אָסִ֥ירָה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:9
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- 2 Samuel 16:9 Summary
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- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:9
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- Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:9
Context — Shimei Curses David
7And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed!
8The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!”
9Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!”
10But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:28 | You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 9:8 | Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 24:14 | Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 3:8 | Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 26:6–11 | And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 40:13–16 | Meanwhile, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 3:30 | (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:17 | Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
| 9 | Acts 23:5 | “Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ” |
| 10 | Luke 9:54 | When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” |
2 Samuel 16:9 Summary
In 2 Samuel 16:9, Abishai wants to hurt Shimei for cursing King David, but this verse teaches us that sometimes we need to trust in God's plan, even when people are mean to us or our leaders. As it says in Psalms 37:7-8, we should 'be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him' and 'refrain from anger and turn from wrath', rather than taking matters into our own hands. This verse also shows us that loyalty is important, but it must be balanced with wisdom and a willingness to listen to God's voice, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abishai want to cut off Shimei's head?
Abishai wanted to cut off Shimei's head because he was deeply offended by Shimei's curses against King David, and he saw it as a personal attack on his lord, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:9. He believed that no one should be allowed to curse the king and get away with it.
What does the phrase 'dead dog' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'dead dog' is a metaphor used by Abishai to express his contempt for Shimei, implying that Shimei is worthless and deserving of death, similar to how the Psalmist uses strong language to describe his enemies in Psalms 22:20.
Is Abishai's reaction to Shimei's curses justified?
While Abishai's loyalty to King David is admirable, his reaction to Shimei's curses is not entirely justified, as King David later explains that Shimei's curses may be a form of divine judgment, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:10-11.
What can we learn from Abishai's zeal for King David?
We can learn from Abishai's zeal that loyalty and dedication to our leaders are important, but they must be balanced with wisdom and a willingness to listen to God's voice, as seen in Proverbs 19:2 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when people speak against me or my leaders, and what can I learn from Abishai's reaction in this verse?
- In what ways can I demonstrate loyalty to my leaders, while also seeking to understand God's perspective on a situation?
- What are some times when I have felt like 'cutting off the head' of someone who has wronged me, and how can I apply the principles of 2 Samuel 16:9-11 to those situations?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as King David does in this passage?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:9
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king,.... A sister's son of his, and a general in the army, who could not bear to hear the king abused in this manner: why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:9
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.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:9
2 Samuel 16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.Ver. 9. Why should this dead dog curse my lord?] Abishai was no less zealous for David his kinsman than Shimei was for his, and would fain have been doing with him; his fingers even itched to take off his head, ut maledicire simul et vivere desineret. David is no less earnest with God to take an order with such dead dogs as blasphemed him and his truths. This was true zeal in David; but revenge - ζηλοςπικρος - in Abishai and Shimei.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:9
9. Then said Abishai] Consistently with his character on the former occasion when he wished to slay Saul (1 Samuel 26:8), and on the later occasion, when he was for refusing Shimei’s suit for pardon (ch. 2 Samuel 19:21). His fiery zeal reminds us of the Sons of Thunder (Luke 9:54), and David’s answer recalls Christ’s answer to Peter (John 18:10-11). this dead dog] See ch. 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 3:8, and notes there.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 16:9
This dead dog - See the marginal reference and 2 Samuel 9:8 note. Go over - The ravine, possibly with a stream of water 2 Samuel 17:20, which lay between them and Shimei.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:9
9. Dead dog — See note on 2 Samuel 9:8. Curse… the king — This was transgression, for the law said, “Thou shalt not curse the ruler of thy people.” Exodus 22:28.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 121 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to extraordinary messages from God. He uses the example of David going through a valley of humiliation and choos |
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(Spiritual Dangers) Being Under God's Authority by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking for the good in others and recognizing our own flaws. He encourages appealing to authority with scripture and sound |
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Acts 22_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the previous week's events where Paul had caused another riot while preaching. The speaker emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all |
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2 Peter 2:10 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:10, emphasizing the dangers of those who walk after the flesh, particularly in the context of immoral practices that defy both natural law and divin |
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Studies in Jonah 01 a Worshipping Prophet by James R. Cochrane | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and highlights the concept of being alive yet spiritually dead. He explains that the Hebrews used the words "life" and "d |
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |
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Five Rules for Holy Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fi |