Menu

2 Samuel 16:12

2 Samuel 16:12 in Multiple Translations

Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

It may be that Jehovah will look on the wrong done unto me, and that Jehovah will requite me good for his cursing of me this day.

It may be that the Lord will take note of my wrongs, and give me back good in answer to his cursing of me today.

Perhaps the Lord will see how I'm suffering and will pay me back with good for his curses today.”

It may be that the Lord will looke on mine affliction, and doe me good for his cursing this day.

it may be Jehovah doth look on mine affliction, and Jehovah hath turned back to me good for his reviling this day.'

It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me good for the cursing of me today.”

It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

Perhaps the Lord may look upon my affliction, and the Lord may render me good for the cursing of this day.

Perhaps Yahweh will see that I am having all this trouble, and some day he will repay me by ◄blessing/doing good things for► me in return for this man cursing me today.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:12

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 16:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אוּלַ֛י יִרְאֶ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה ב/עונ/י בְּ/עֵינִ֑/י וְ/הֵשִׁ֨יב יְהוָ֥ה לִ/י֙ טוֹבָ֔ה תַּ֥חַת קִלְלָת֖/וֹ הַ/יּ֥וֹם הַ/זֶּֽה
אוּלַ֛י ʼûwlay H194 perhaps Adv
יִרְאֶ֥ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
ב/עונ/י ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity Prep | N-cs | Suff
בְּ/עֵינִ֑/י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/הֵשִׁ֨יב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לִ/י֙ Prep | Suff
טוֹבָ֔ה ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
תַּ֥חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep
קִלְלָת֖/וֹ qᵉlâlâh H7045 curse N-fs | Suff
הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:12

אוּלַ֛י ʼûwlay H194 "perhaps" Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יִרְאֶ֥ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
ב/עונ/י ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
בְּ/עֵינִ֑/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/הֵשִׁ֨יב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לִ/י֙ "" Prep | Suff
טוֹבָ֔ה ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
תַּ֥חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
קִלְלָת֖/וֹ qᵉlâlâh H7045 "curse" N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a curse, which is a wish for harm or evil to come to someone. It is used in many places, including the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Curses were taken seriously in biblical times.
Definition: curse, vilification, execration
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -ing). See also: Genesis 27:12; 1 Kings 2:8; Psalms 109:17.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּֽה 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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 23:5 Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.
2 Hebrews 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.
3 Psalms 25:18 Consider my affliction and trouble, and take away all my sins.
4 Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
5 Exodus 2:24–25 So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the Israelites and took notice.
6 Matthew 5:11–12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
7 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels
8 Genesis 29:32–33 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon.
9 1 Samuel 1:11 And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.”
10 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.

2 Samuel 16:12 Summary

[This verse shows that David is trusting God to take care of him, even when people are being mean to him. He believes that God will see his hardships and respond with goodness, as seen in Psalm 34:17-20. David is choosing to wait on God and trust in His sovereignty, rather than taking matters into his own hands. This is a great example for us to follow when we face difficult situations, and we can trust that God will work all things together for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does David mean by 'my affliction' in this verse?

David is referring to the hardships and suffering he is experiencing, including the cursing by Shimei, as a result of his son Absalom's rebellion, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:14 and 2 Samuel 16:5-14. He is trusting that God will see his situation and respond with goodness.

Is David seeking revenge against Shimei for cursing him?

No, David is not seeking revenge, but rather trusting that the Lord will repay him with good for the evil he is receiving, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:12. This is in line with the teachings of the Bible, such as in Matthew 5:38-42, where Jesus instructs his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.

How can we apply David's attitude in this verse to our own lives?

We can apply David's attitude by trusting that God is sovereign over our circumstances and will work all things together for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28. When we face difficulties or hardships, we can choose to trust God and wait on Him, rather than seeking revenge or taking matters into our own hands.

What does this verse reveal about David's relationship with God?

This verse reveals that David has a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Psalm 37:3-7. He believes that God is aware of his situation and will respond in a way that is best for him, which demonstrates a strong faith and confidence in God's character.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can trust God in the midst of my own afflictions and hardships, just like David did?
  2. How can I choose to respond to those who wrong me or speak evil against me, in a way that honors God?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and goodness, rather than trying to take control or seek revenge?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's character and promises, like David did, in order to face challenges with confidence and faith?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:12

It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction,.... Through the rebellion of his son, and now aggravated by the cursing of Shimei; that is, with an eye of pity and commiseration, and deliver

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:12

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:12

It may be; he speaks doubtfully, because he was conscious that by his sins he had forfeited all his claim to God’ s promises. The Lord will look on mine affliction with an eye of commiseration.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:12

2 Samuel 16:12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.Ver. 12. It may be the Lord will look on mine affliction.] Heb., On mine eye, or tears; for Iisdem quibus videmus oculis flemus; et lachrymas angustiae exprimit Crux. And that the Lord will requite good for his cursing.] Restore me to my kingdom, or some way else reward my patience, of his free grace, and according to his usual dealing with his poor afflicted. Howsoever, if he bring not down his will to theirs, he will bring up their will to his: which will make infinite amends for all their patience.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:12

(12) Look on mine affliction.—The English here follows the LXX. and Vulg. The Hebrew margin has mine eye, but the text has my iniquity, which is probably the true sense. David expresses the hope that God will mercifully look upon his sin, of which he has repented, and for which he is now bearing punishment: a part of this punishment is the cursing of Shimei, and God may be well pleased that it should be patiently borne.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:12

12. mine affliction] This reading is supported by the Sept. and Vulg. and is probably right. Cp. Psalms 25:18. The Qrî has mine eye, which is explained to mean my grief, but the expression is unparalleled. The Kthîbh gives mine iniquity, meaning, ‘perhaps the Lord will look graciously upon my guilt and pardon it,’ but this does not suit the following clause so well. will requite me good] Cp. Psalms 109:26-28. for his cursing] The E. V. follows the Qrî. The Kthîbh has my cursing, i.e. the curse invoked upon me.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 16:12

His cursing - Another reading has “my curse,” i. e., the curse that has fallen upon me. David recognizes in every word and action that he was receiving the due reward of his sin, and that which Nathan had foretold.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:12

SermonDescription
Mike Avery A Catechism on Christian Attire by Mike Avery In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical principles when it comes to dressing. He mentions that while preaching on standards is necessary, tea
Bakht Singh Trials and Afflictions by Bakht Singh In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in faithfulness during trials and afflictions. He refers to 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-14, which encourages bel
Zac Poonen The Tenth Commandment by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking reality in his faith and how God has led him in India. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency i
Bakht Singh (Pdf Book) Fullness of God by Bakht Singh Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, thro
Don McClure Hebrews 12:3-11 by Don McClure In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in our lives. He explains that when God instructs us to do something, we should obey and not continue to indulge
Thomas Watson The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson expounds on 'The Lord's Prayer,' particularly the petition 'Deliver us from evil,' emphasizing the need for divine protection from the evils of the world, our own hea
Miles J. Stanford My Father's Choice by Miles J. Stanford Miles J. Stanford preaches about the purpose of God's processing and trials in our lives, emphasizing that even when we do not understand His ways, we should trust that He knows wh

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate