1 Kings 2:37 Meaning and Explanation
“For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Solomon warns that the day Shimei crosses the Kidron and leaves the city, he will surely die, by his own fault.
What Does 1 Kings 2:37 Mean?
Solomon makes the consequence explicit. The day Shimei crosses the brook Kidron and leaves Jerusalem, 'thou shalt surely die,' and the guilt will rest on Shimei himself: 'thy blood shall be upon thine own head.' The terms could not be clearer.
The warning places life and death squarely in Shimei's own hands. He is told plainly what obedience and disobedience will bring, and the choice is his to make. The verse echoes the pattern of covenant throughout Scripture, where blessing and judgment are set before a person with full clarity, so that whatever follows is the fruit of his own decision before God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 2:37
What does 1 Kings 2:37 mean?
Solomon warns that the day Shimei crosses the Kidron and leaves the city, he will surely die, by his own fault.