But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?

2 SAMUEL 19:21KJV
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2 Samuel 19:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:21 mean?

2 Samuel 19:21 shows Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, suggesting that Shimei should be put to death because he cursed King David, who is called "the LORD'S anointed." Abishai is arguing that Shimei’s offense against David deserves the death penalty, since cursing the king was seen as a serious crime.

In this verse, Abishai is speaking to David after David’s return to Jerusalem, following Absalom’s rebellion. Shimei had previously cursed David when David was fleeing the city, but now Shimei is seeking forgiveness. Abishai’s reaction highlights the tension between justice and mercy in the aftermath of a civil conflict, and it shows how seriously offenses against the king were taken in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:21

  • "Cursed" (קָלַל, qalal): This word means to treat with contempt or to lightly esteem. In this context, it refers to Shimei’s public insults and disrespect toward David, which were considered not just personal attacks but offenses against God’s chosen king.
  • "The LORD'S" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that David’s kingship is divinely appointed. Abishai’s argument is that cursing David is not just an insult to a man, but to God’s chosen representative.
  • "Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This word means "anointed one" and refers to someone set apart by God for a special role, especially the king. By calling David "the LORD’S anointed," Abishai is underscoring the sacredness of David’s position.

Why 2 Samuel 19:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies how seriously ancient Israel viewed offenses against the king, especially when the king was seen as chosen by God.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between Abishai’s call for strict justice and David’s later decision to show mercy, which is a key theme in this part of the story.
  • Understanding the original words for "cursed" and "anointed" helps readers see that the issue is not just personal disrespect, but a challenge to God’s authority and order.

Where else these words appear

“Abishai” Hebrew H52 · used in 24 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 10:10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
  • 2 Samuel 20:10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

“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 17:25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
  • 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.

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • Psalms 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

“Shimei” Hebrew H8096 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 6:17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
  • 1 Kings 2:39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:21 And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;