1 Kings 2:37

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For it shall be, that on the day {H3117} thou goest out {H3318}, and passest over {H5674} the brook {H5158} Kidron {H6939}, thou shalt know {H3045} for certain {H3045} that thou shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}: thy blood {H1818} shall be upon thine own head {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Know for a fact that on the day you go out and cross Vadi Kidron, you will certainly die; your blood will be on your own head."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

For on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, know thou for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's pronouncement serves as a definitive declaration of the non-negotiable consequences for Shimei's potential disobedience. It unequivocally states that should Shimei cross the geographical boundary of the Kidron Valley, he will incur the certain penalty of death, with the full responsibility for this outcome resting squarely upon himself. This verse powerfully underscores the absolute authority of the newly established monarchy and the severe, self-inflicted nature of judgment for violating a clear, understood royal decree, setting a critical precedent for Solomon's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the critical opening chapters of Solomon's reign, immediately following the death of King David and Solomon's ascension to the throne. The preceding narrative in [1 Kings 2](/1-kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon Consolidates His Kingdom") details David's final instructions to his son, including specific directives regarding individuals who had either supported or opposed David during his lifetime. Solomon's initial actions involve consolidating his power by systematically dealing with potential threats to his nascent kingdom. In [1 Kings 2:36](/1-kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36 - Solomon Confines Shimei to Jerusalem"), Solomon had already confined Shimei to Jerusalem, explicitly warning him of the fatal consequence should he cross the Kidron Valley. Verse [1 Kings 2:37](/1-kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - Solomon's Warning to Shimei") reiterates and reinforces this warning with emphatic certainty and personal accountability, thereby setting the stage for Shimei's eventual transgression and execution, as recounted in [1 Kings 2:40-46](/1-kings/2-40-46 "1 Kings 2:40-46 - Shimei's Disobedience and Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shimei, a Benjaminite from Bahurim, had previously cursed and thrown stones at King David during Absalom's rebellion, an act of profound disrespect and treason against the anointed king (as detailed in [2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2-samuel/16-5-13 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David")). While David had sworn not to kill Shimei at that specific moment, he later instructed Solomon to handle the matter with wisdom, implying that justice for Shimei's past actions was still warranted ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1-kings/2-8-9 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Final Charge Regarding Shimei")). The "brook Kidron" (or Kidron Valley) was a significant geographical feature located to the east of Jerusalem, serving as a natural boundary and often holding symbolic significance, sometimes associated with defilement or judgment (e.g., [2 Samuel 15:23](/2-samuel/15-23 "2 Samuel 15:23 - David Crosses the Kidron Valley")). Solomon's decree and the explicit warning reflect the absolute authority of a Near Eastern monarch and the severe penalties for violating royal commands, which were often viewed as divine decrees. The phrase "thy blood shall be upon thine own head" was a common legal idiom, signifying that the individual was solely responsible for their own demise.
* **Key Themes:** The verse vividly illustrates the theme of **consequences of disobedience**, presenting a direct and inevitable outcome when a clear, sovereign command is violated. Shimei's impending death is portrayed not as an arbitrary act by Solomon, but as a direct result of his own knowing choice to transgress the established boundary. This ties into the overarching theme of **justice and accountability**, as Solomon is depicted establishing a firm and righteous rule, holding individuals responsible for both their past actions and their present adherence to his decrees. Such firm governance was crucial for the stability and security of his nascent kingdom. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the **solemnity of oaths and agreements**, as Shimei had explicitly agreed to Solomon's terms in [1 Kings 2:38](/1-kings/2-38 "1 Kings 2:38 - Shimei's Agreement"), making his subsequent transgression a deliberate breach of his sworn word. Finally, Solomon's decisive actions against those who had opposed David or posed a threat to his new reign are integral to the broader theme of the **divine establishment and consolidation of kingship**, showcasing God's work in securing Solomon's rule over Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kidron (Hebrew, _Qidrôwn'_):** (H6939) Refers to the Nahal Kidron, a wadi (seasonal riverbed) situated east of Jerusalem, which geographically separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. This location served as a natural and well-known boundary. Biblically, the Kidron Valley was sometimes associated with rites of purification or judgment, and was used for disposing of cultic impurities (e.g., [1 Kings 15:13](/1-kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Asa Removes Maacah's Idol") and [2 Chronicles 29:16](/2-chronicles/29-16 "2 Chronicles 29:16 - Hezekiah's Priests Cleanse the Temple")). Its specific mention here underscores a clear, tangible, and unambiguous demarcation.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** (H4191) The root word for "die" in this emphatic phrase. The Hebrew construction "מוֹת תָּמוּת" (mot tamut) is an infinitive absolute, a powerful grammatical device that intensifies the verb, conveying absolute certainty and inevitability. It means "you will *surely* die" or "you will *certainly* die," leaving no ambiguity about the finality of the consequence. This emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Solomon's decree.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) Refers to the life-fluid, often associated with life itself and, when shed, with death. In the idiom "thy blood shall be upon thine own head," it signifies the culpability for one's own demise or misfortune, indicating that the individual is the sole cause of their own destruction.
* **Head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** (H7218) Literally the highest part of the body, but figuratively used to denote leadership, origin, or, in this idiom, the seat of responsibility. The phrase "upon thine own head" powerfully conveys that the responsibility and consequence for one's actions fall directly and solely on the individual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it shall be, [that] on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron,"**: This initial clause precisely establishes the condition and trigger for the severe penalty. It defines the specific prohibited action—"going out" of Jerusalem and "passing over" the brook Kidron—and the exact timing of its occurrence ("on the day"). The explicit mention of the "brook Kidron" highlights a well-known, unmistakable geographical boundary, ensuring that Shimei's subsequent violation would be entirely deliberate and without excuse.
* **"thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die:"**: This segment of the verse emphatically underscores the absolute certainty and inevitability of the consequence. The phrase "know for certain" (derived from the repeated Hebrew root יָדַע, _yadaʻ_) signifies that Shimei is fully cognizant of the terms and the gravity of the warning, thereby eliminating any claim of ignorance. The emphatic "surely die" (as explained in the Key Word Analysis) reinforces the non-negotiable and irreversible nature of the royal decree.
* **"thy blood shall be upon thine own head."**: This concluding idiom serves as a powerful legal declaration, assigning full and undeniable responsibility for the impending death directly to Shimei himself. It proclaims that his demise will be a direct and self-inflicted consequence of his own actions, rather than an arbitrary act of royal tyranny. This legitimizes Solomon's future enforcement of the sentence, absolving him of blame and emphasizing Shimei's complete culpability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary techniques to amplify its impact and convey its message with undeniable force. The most prominent is the **Idiom** "thy blood shall be upon thine own head," a powerful and ancient Near Eastern legal phrase. This idiom functions to transfer complete culpability to Shimei, thereby absolving Solomon of any moral blame for the future execution and emphasizing Shimei's self-inflicted judgment. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy** in Solomon's declaration; his words are not merely a warning but a definitive pronouncement of Shimei's inescapable fate should he transgress. The use of the Hebrew infinitive absolute, translated as "surely die," functions as a device of **Emphasis**, stressing the absolute certainty and inevitability of the stated consequence. This emphatic language, coupled with the precise geographical boundary, creates a clear, unambiguous, and legally binding declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning issued to Shimei in [1 Kings 2:37](/1-kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - Solomon's Warning to Shimei") resonates deeply with broader biblical themes of divine justice, human accountability, and the consequences of violating established commands. Just as God sets clear boundaries for humanity—whether in the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil")) or through the Mosaic Law—earthly rulers, especially those established by God, also issue decrees that demand obedience. Shimei's fate serves as a stark reminder that deliberate disobedience, particularly when a clear warning has been issued and understood, inevitably leads to severe repercussions. It highlights the timeless principle that actions have consequences, and that individuals are ultimately responsible for the choices they make. This principle is not limited to legal decrees but extends profoundly to the moral and spiritual boundaries set by God, where transgression brings its own inherent penalty.

* [Leviticus 20:9](/leviticus/20-9 "Leviticus 20:9 - Consequences of Cursing Parents")
* [Ezekiel 33:4](/ezekiel/33-4 "Ezekiel 33:4 - Accountability for Warning the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 13:13](/proverbs/13-13 "Proverbs 13:13 - Consequences of Disregarding Instruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Shimei's ultimate demise, powerfully foreshadowed in [1 Kings 2:37](/1-kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - Solomon's Warning to Shimei"), offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to soberly consider the boundaries—both divine and human—that wisely govern our lives and the profound gravity of our choices. Just as Shimei was given a clear command and understood its dire consequences, we too are given explicit instructions in God's Word regarding how to live a life that honors Him. Disregarding these divine boundaries, whether out of convenience, defiance, or a misguided sense of impunity, inevitably leads to undesirable outcomes, often resulting in self-inflicted harm and spiritual distress. This verse calls us to embrace radical personal responsibility for our actions and their far-reaching ripple effects, reminding us that true freedom is found not in boundless license, but in living within the wise, loving, and protective parameters set by our Creator. It challenges us to reflect deeply on the integrity of our own commitments and the seriousness with which we treat the warnings, wisdom, and precepts found in Holy Scripture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Kidron Valleys"—clear boundaries, warnings, or moral lines—has God established in my life or in His Word that I might be tempted to cross?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to take greater personal responsibility for my choices and their spiritual, relational, or practical consequences?**
* **How seriously do I treat the warnings and instructions found in Scripture, understanding that "my blood will be upon my own head" if I deliberately disregard them?**
* **What does Shimei's story teach me about the importance of integrity, faithfulness to commitments, and keeping my word, even when circumstances or personal desires change?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon's punishment of Shimei just, given David's earlier promise?**

Answer: Solomon's action is presented as just within the biblical narrative, fulfilling David's final instructions and consolidating his own reign. While King David had indeed sworn not to kill Shimei at the time of Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 19:23](/2-samuel/19-23 "2 Samuel 19:23 - David Spares Shimei")), he later advised Solomon to deal with Shimei wisely, implying that Shimei's past treachery should not go unaddressed ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1-kings/2-8-9 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Shimei")). Solomon's decree was not an immediate execution for past offenses, but a conditional punishment based on a new, explicit royal command that Shimei willingly accepted and swore to obey ([1 Kings 2:38](/1-kings/2-38 "1 Kings 2:38 - Shimei Agrees to Solomon's Terms")). Shimei's death was a direct consequence of his own knowing violation of this clear, agreed-upon boundary, making his "blood upon his own head." This act solidified Solomon's reign and demonstrated his commitment to justice, order, and the non-negotiable nature of royal authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 2:37](/1-kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - Solomon's Warning to Shimei") starkly illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience under the Old Covenant, it ultimately points with profound depth to the redemptive and substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. Shimei's fate—his "blood upon his own head"—represents the universal human condition under the Law: sin inevitably brings death, and the responsibility for that death lies squarely with the sinner ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). Humanity, in its rebellion, continually crosses divine boundaries, incurring a debt of "blood" that it is utterly incapable of paying. However, Jesus, the Greater Solomon, did not come to exact judgment for our self-inflicted wounds but to bear them Himself. He, the innocent Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly took the "blood upon His own head" at Calvary, though He was entirely without sin. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross absorbed the full penalty that was rightfully ours, effectively removing the curse of "blood upon our own head" for all who believe ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt")). Through His atoning work, the ultimate consequence of our disobedience is transformed from certain death to eternal life, offering a new covenant of grace where our past transgressions are no longer counted against us, but are covered and cleansed by His precious blood ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 1:16

And David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

2 Samuel 15:23

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

Joshua 2:19

And it shall be, [that] whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood [shall be] upon his head, and we [will be] guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood [shall be] on our head, if [any] hand be upon him.

Ezekiel 18:13

Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

Leviticus 20:9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him.

2 Kings 23:6

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.