New International VersionShimei answered the king, “What you say is good. Your servant will do as my lord the king has said.” And Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for a long time.
New Living TranslationShimei replied, “Your sentence is fair; I will do whatever my lord the king commands.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
English Standard VersionAnd Shimei said to the king, “What you say is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
Berean Standard Bible“The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
King James BibleAnd Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
New King James VersionAnd Shimei said to the king, “The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
New American Standard BibleShimei then said to the king, “The word is good. Just as my lord the king has spoken, so your servant shall do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for many days.
NASB 1995Shimei then said to the king, “The word is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
NASB 1977Shimei then said to the king, “The word is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
Legacy Standard BibleShimei then said to the king, “The word is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
Amplified BibleShimei said to the king, “The word (ruling) is good. As my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for many days.
Christian Standard BibleShimei said to the king, “The sentence is fair; your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
Holman Christian Standard BibleShimei said to the king, “The sentence is fair; your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
American Standard VersionAnd Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
Contemporary English Version"That's fair, Your Majesty," Shimei answered. "I'll do that." So Shimei lived in Jerusalem from then on.
English Revised VersionAnd Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Very well," Shimei answered. "I'll do just what Your Majesty said." So Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for a long time.
Good News Translation"Very well, Your Majesty," Shimei answered. "I will do what you say." So he lived in Jerusalem a long time.
International Standard VersionShimei replied to the king, "What your majesty has decreed is acceptable to me. I'll do what you've said." So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for quite some time.
NET BibleShimei said to the king, "My master the king's proposal is acceptable. Your servant will do as you say." So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
New Heart English BibleShimei said to the king, "The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so will your servant do." Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Shimei said to the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
World English BibleShimei said to the king, “What you say is good. As my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Shimei says to the king, “The word [is] good; as my lord the king has spoken so your servant does”; and Shimei dwells in Jerusalem many days.
Young's Literal Translation And Shimei saith to the king, 'The word is good; as my lord the king hath spoken so doth thy servant do;' and Shimei dwelleth in Jerusalem many days.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Shimei will say, Good the word: according to what my lord the king spake, thus will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Semei said to the king: The saying is good : as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Semei dwelt in Jerusalem, many days.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Shimei said to the king: “The word is good. Just as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” And so Shimei lived in Jerusalem for many days.
New American BibleShimei answered the king: “I accept. Your servant will do just as my lord the king has said.” So Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for a long time.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd Shimei said to the king, “The sentence is fair; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Shimei said to the king, The saying is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do. So Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Shemei said to the King: “The word that you have spoken is good, my Lord King, so your Servant shall do.” And Shemei dwelt in Jerusalem for many days OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Shimei said unto the king: 'The saying is good; as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do.' And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Semei said to the king, Good is the word that thou hast spoken, my lord O king: thus will thy servant do. And Semei dwelt in Jerusalem three years.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Execution of Shimei… 37On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” 38“The sentenceis fair,”Shimeireplied.“Your servantwill doasmy lordthe kinghas spoken.”And Shimeilivedin Jerusalemfor a longtime.39After three years, however, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.”…
Cross References 2 Samuel 15:21But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!”
1 Kings 2:36-37Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.”
1 Kings 2:42-43the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’ / So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?”
2 Samuel 19:23So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.
1 Kings 1:52And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”
2 Samuel 16:5-13As 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. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! ...
2 Samuel 19:16-18Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, / along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king / and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king
1 Kings 2:8-9Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’ / Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”
2 Samuel 3:39And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!”
2 Samuel 19:21-22But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?”
Matthew 5:37Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.
James 5:12Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.
Matthew 26:35Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.
John 13:37“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”
Acts 5:29But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Treasury of Scripture And Shimei said to the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do. And Shimei dwelled in Jerusalem many days. The saying 1 Kings 20:4 And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, Iam thine, and all that I have. 2 Kings 20:19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Goodis the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said,Is it notgood, if peace and truth be in my days? Jump to Previous DwellethDweltGoodJerusalemServantShimeiShim'e-ITimeWordJump to Next DwellethDweltGoodJerusalemServantShimeiShim'e-ITimeWord1 Kings 2 1.David, having given a charge to Solomon3.of Reverence5.of Joab7.of Barzillai8.of Shimei10.Solomon succeeds12.Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag,13.is put to death26.Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood28.Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain35.Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's36.Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death."The sentence is fair,"In this phrase, Shimei acknowledges the justice of King Solomon's decree. This reflects the biblical principle of submission to authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, where believers are instructed to be subject to governing authorities. Shimei's acceptance of the sentence also highlights the importance of recognizing the righteousness of God's appointed leaders, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Shimei replied.
Shimei's response is significant because it shows his willingness to verbally submit to Solomon's authority. Historically, Shimei was a member of the tribe of Benjamin and had previously cursed King David (2 Samuel 16:5-13). His reply here indicates a shift from his earlier rebellious behavior, possibly out of fear or genuine repentance. This moment can be seen as a turning point in Shimei's relationship with the Davidic line. "Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken."
This phrase underscores the hierarchical relationship between Shimei and Solomon. The use of "your servant" indicates humility and submission, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, where individuals recognize their position before God and His anointed leaders. This mirrors the attitude of believers who are called to serve Christ, the ultimate King, as seen inPhilippians 2:5-8, where Jesus is described as taking the form of a servant. And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
Shimei's residence in Jerusalem is significant both geographically and theologically. Jerusalem, the city of David, represents the center of Israel's religious and political life. By living there, Shimei is under the direct oversight of Solomon, ensuring his compliance with the king's command. This situation reflects the broader biblical theme of living under God's watchful eye, as seen inPsalm 121:4, which speaks of God's constant vigilance over His people. Additionally, Shimei's extended stay in Jerusalem can be seen as a period of grace, allowing him time to demonstrate his loyalty and repentance. Persons / Places / Events 1. ShimeiA member of the tribe of Benjamin who had previously cursed King David. He is now under the command of King Solomon to remain in Jerusalem as a condition for his life. 2. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel at this time. He is known for his wisdom and is establishing his rule by consolidating power and dealing with potential threats. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where the temple and the king's palace are located. It is a place of central importance in the religious and political life of Israel. 4. The CommandSolomon's directive to Shimei to stay in Jerusalem, which is a test of Shimei's obedience and loyalty to the king. 5. The CovenantAn implicit agreement between Solomon and Shimei, where Shimei's life is spared as long as he adheres to the king's command. Teaching Points Obedience to AuthorityShimei's agreement to Solomon's command highlights the importance of obedience to God-given authority. As Christians, we are called to respect and submit to those in leadership, as long as it does not contradict God's commands. Consequences of Past ActionsShimei's situation is a reminder that our past actions can have lasting consequences. It is important to seek forgiveness and make amends where possible. The Importance of Keeping PromisesShimei's promise to Solomon is a lesson in the importance of keeping our word. As believers, our integrity should reflect our commitment to truth and faithfulness. God's Justice and MercySolomon's treatment of Shimei reflects a balance of justice and mercy. God, in His wisdom, knows when to extend grace and when to enforce justice. Living in CommunityShimei's requirement to stay in Jerusalem underscores the importance of living within the boundaries set by God and community leaders for our protection and growth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:38?
2.How does Shimei's response in 1 Kings 2:38 reflect obedience to authority?
3.What can we learn about the importance of keeping promises from this verse?
4.How does 1 Kings 2:38 connect to honoring commitments in Matthew 5:37?
5.In what ways can we apply Shimei's initial obedience to our daily lives?
6.What consequences might arise from failing to uphold commitments, as seen in 1 Kings 2?
7.What does 1 Kings 2:38 reveal about obedience to authority in biblical times?
8.How does Shimei's response in 1 Kings 2:38 reflect human nature?
9.What historical context is essential for understanding 1 Kings 2:38?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2?
11.How can 2 Samuel 19:18-23 reconcile David's promise to spare Shimei with later biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 2:8-9) commanding his execution?
12.In 2 Kings 25:8, the city falls on the seventh day of the fifth month, while Jeremiah 52:12 reports the tenth day--how can these differing dates be reconciled?
13.Isaiah 39:8: Why does Hezekiah seem untroubled by the future judgment pronounced on his descendants, and what does this imply about his character or leadership?
14.Did David commit rape against Bathsheba?What Does 1 Kings 2:38 Mean “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied.• Shimei immediately acknowledges the justice of Solomon’s decree (1 Kings 2:36-37). • By admitting the sentence is “fair,” he concedes that the king’s conditions are reasonable—mirroring how believers should confess that God’s statutes are righteous (Psalm 19:9;Romans 7:12). • Shimei’s response also reflects a recognition of delegated authority. Solomon sits on David’s throne by divine appointment (1 Chronicles 28:5;Romans 13:1-2), so to call the sentence fair is to affirm God’s order. • The moment recalls Shimei’s earlier mercy: David spared him after he cursed the king (2 Samuel 16:5-13; 19:18-23). Now, justice and mercy meet: Solomon gives a conditional reprieve, and Shimei agrees it is deserved.
“Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.”• Shimei pledges obedience. His words echo Israel’s promise at Sinai—“All that the LORD has spoken we will do” (Exodus 24:7). • True obedience requires: – Submission of will (James 4:7). – Prompt compliance (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). – Integrity over time (Matthew 21:28-31). • The title “servant” underscores humility. By choosing servanthood rather than rebellion, Shimei models the posture believers owe the Lord (Luke 17:10). • Yet words alone are insufficient (James 2:17). The coming verses test whether his confession aligns with enduring faithfulness (1 Kings 2:39-40).
And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.• For years Shimei remains within the boundaries Solomon set, illustrating: – God’s patience that allows time for repentance or faithfulness (2 Peter 3:9). – The blessing found in staying inside God-ordained limits (Psalm 91:1;Proverbs 18:10). • However, longevity is not immunity. When Shimei later leaves Jerusalem to chase runaway slaves (1 Kings 2:39), he breaks the covenant he affirmed, and judgment falls (1 Kings 2:46). • His extended compliance followed by failure warns that: – Partial or temporary obedience is ultimately disobedience (Galatians 5:7-9). – Delayed consequences do not negate certainty of divine justice (Ecclesiastes 8:11;Numbers 32:23).
summaryShimei judged Solomon’s conditions to be fair, pledged loyal obedience, and lived within those rules for many years. The verse teaches that God’s judgments are just, our verbal commitments must be matched by sustained obedience, and apparent delay in judgment should lead us to deeper faithfulness rather than complacency. Verse 38. - And Shimei said to the king, The saying [or thing, matter, דָּבָר, like λόγος῞ ῤῆμα, in Greek (cf. Sache, in Germ., from sagen) means (1) word and (2) deed]isgood [Shimei cannot complain of the condition,remembering what he had done (2 Samuel 15:5-7) and that Solomon was not bound by his father's oath (2 Samuel 19:23)]as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimeidwelt [in obedience to this behest]in Jerusalem many days.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “The sentenceהַדָּבָ֔ר(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeis fair,”ט֣וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodShimeiשִׁמְעִ֤י(šim·‘î)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8096:Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelitesreplied.וַיֹּ֨אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Your servantעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ(‘aḇ·de·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantwill doיַעֲשֶׂ֣ה(ya·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeasכַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatmy lordאֲדֹנִ֣י(’ă·ḏō·nî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controllerthe kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kinghas spoken.”דִּבֶּר֙(dib·ber)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueAnd Shimeiשִׁמְעִ֛י(šim·‘î)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8096:Shimei -- the name of a number of Israeliteslivedוַיֵּ֧שֶׁב(way·yê·šeḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם(bî·rū·šā·lim)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israelfor a longרַבִּֽים׃(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greattime.יָמִ֥ים(yā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day
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OT History: 1 Kings 2:38 Shimei said to the king The saying (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
