1 Kings 2:44
The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;
Original Language Analysis
יָדַע֙
Thou knowest
H3045
יָדַע֙
Thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
רָעָֽתְךָ֖
all the wickedness
H7451
רָעָֽתְךָ֖
all the wickedness
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
9 of 21
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָדַע֙
Thou knowest
H3045
יָדַע֙
Thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
לְבָ֣בְךָ֔
which thine heart
H3824
לְבָ֣בְךָ֔
which thine heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
12 of 21
the heart (as the most interior organ)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֖יתָ
that thou didst
H6213
עָשִׂ֖יתָ
that thou didst
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אָבִ֑י
my father
H1
אָבִ֑י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
16 of 21
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְהֵשִׁ֧יב
shall return
H7725
וְהֵשִׁ֧יב
shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
17 of 21
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְהוָ֛ה
therefore the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
therefore the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 7:16His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.Ezekiel 17:19Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.1 Samuel 25:39And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.Proverbs 5:22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.1 John 3:20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.Romans 2:15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)John 8:9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.Hosea 4:9And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.