And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

2 SAMUEL 16:10KJV
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2 Samuel 16:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 16:10 mean?

2 Samuel 16:10 shows King David stopping his men from attacking Shimei, who is cursing him, by saying that the LORD has allowed Shimei to curse David, so no one should question it. David sees the insults as something permitted by God and refuses to retaliate, telling the sons of Zeruiah to let it happen.

In this scene, David is fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom’s rebellion. Shimei, from Saul’s family, is cursing and throwing stones at David. David’s men, specifically the sons of Zeruiah (Joab and Abishai), want to punish Shimei, but David tells them not to interfere. David interprets Shimei’s actions as possibly coming from God, showing humility and acceptance of his situation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 16:10

  • "curse" (קָלַל, qālal): This word means to treat lightly, insult, or curse. David’s use of it highlights that he sees Shimei’s words as more than just personal offense—they might be part of God’s plan.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): David refers to the LORD as the one who has allowed or even commanded Shimei to curse. This shows David’s belief that God is ultimately in control, even over painful or humiliating events.
  • "sons" (בֵּן, ben) and "Zeruiah" (צְרוּיָה, Tseruyah): The sons of Zeruiah are David’s relatives and fierce warriors. David’s question to them (“What have I to do with you?”) suggests a difference in attitude—he chooses restraint, while they want revenge.

Why 2 Samuel 16:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David does not see every attack against him as something to be avenged; he is willing to accept hardship as possibly coming from God.
  • It highlights a key moment of humility in David’s life, showing his willingness to submit to God’s will even when it is painful or humiliating.
  • The verse sets a tone for the surrounding story, contrasting David’s restraint with the aggressive instincts of his followers, and showing a different kind of leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Zeruiah” Hebrew H6870 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 18:2 And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
  • 1 Kings 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

“curse” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.