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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 19:20 For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/19-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/10_2Sa_19_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 19:20 - Shimei Pardoned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/19-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/19-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm" title="2 Samuel 19:19">◄</a> 2 Samuel 19:20 <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm" title="2 Samuel 19:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/19.htm">New International Version</a> For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> I know how much I sinned. That is why I have come here today, the very first person in all Israel to greet my lord the king.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/19.htm">King James Bible</a> For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/19.htm">New King James Version</a> For I, your servant, know that I have sinned. Therefore here I am, the first to come today of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned; so behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore, behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned. But look! Today I am the first one of the entire house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned. But look! Today I am the first one of the entire house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I know I was wrong. That's why I wanted to be the first one from the northern tribes to meet you." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I know I've sinned. Today I've come as the first of all the house of Joseph to meet you." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> I know, sir, that I have sinned, and this is why I am the first one from the northern tribes to come and meet Your Majesty today." <a href="/isv/2_samuel/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> because your servant knows that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first one from the entire house of Joseph to meet your majesty the king." <a href="/msb/2_samuel/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/19.htm">NET Bible</a> For I, your servant, know that I sinned, and I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king." <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, look, I have come today the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore behold, I have come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. <a href="/web/2_samuel/19.htm">World English Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore behold, I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for your servant has known that I have sinned; and behold, I have come today, first of all the house of Joseph, to go down to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for thy servant hath known that I have sinned; and lo, I have come to-day, first of all the house of Joseph, to go down to meet my lord the king.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For thy servant knew that I sinned: and behold, I came this day the first for all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I thy servant acknowledge my sin: and therefore I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph, and am come down to meet my lord the king. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For as your servant, I acknowledge my sin. And for this reason, today, I arrive as the first from all the house of Joseph, and I descend to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/19.htm">New American Bible</a> For your servant knows that I have done wrong. But I now am the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down today to meet my lord the king.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore, see, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For your servant does know that I have sinned; therefore, behold, I have come this day the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I, your Servant, know that I have sinned and, behold, I have come today, I have preceded all of the house of Yoseph and I came down to meet my Lord the King!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For thy servant doth know that I have sinned; therefore, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For thy servant knows that I have sinned: and, behold, I am come to-day before all Israel and the house of Joseph, to go down and meet my lord the king. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/19-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5747" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Shimei Pardoned</a> …19and said, “My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. 20<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥā·ṭā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">have sinned,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh- (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">so here I am</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today</a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: ri·šō·wn (Adj-ms) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">as the first</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">of Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: lā·re·ḏeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come or go down, descend. ">to come down</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to meet</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king.”</a> 21But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">1 Samuel 26:21</a> Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” <a href="/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51-52</a> It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And 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.” <a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17</a> ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. <a href="/exodus/10-17.htm">Exodus 10:17</a> Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24-25</a> Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. / Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17-19</a> and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. / And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. / When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8-9</a> Keep 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.” <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. <a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21</a> The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22</a> Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! <a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3-4</a> Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For your servant does know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.I am come<a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Psalm 78:34-37</a> When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God… <a href="/jeremiah/22-23.htm">Jeremiah 22:23</a> O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail!<a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">Hosea 5:15</a> I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.Joseph<a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9</a> And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.<a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5</a> And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.<a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14,20</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/1-35.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">Today</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-3.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-2.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/2-44.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-43.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-28.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-26.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-22.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-10.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-48.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-48.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-30.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 19</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/19-1.htm">Joab causes the king to cease his mourning</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back</a> 11. <a href="/2_samuel/19-11.htm">David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah</a> 18. <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Shimei is pardoned</a> 24. <a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">Mephibosheth excused</a> 32. <a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family</a> 41. <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For your servant knows that I have sinned This phrase reflects a confession of wrongdoing, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The acknowledgment of sin is crucial for reconciliation with God and others. In the context of 2 Samuel, this is Shimei speaking, who had previously cursed King David. The act of confessing sin is seen throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51</a>, where David himself confesses his sin with Bathsheba. The recognition of sin is the first step toward repentance and forgiveness, aligning with the biblical principle that God is merciful to those who admit their faults.so here I am today This indicates a present action and willingness to make amends. It shows a sense of urgency and immediacy in seeking forgiveness. The phrase suggests a change of heart and a desire to rectify past wrongs. In biblical narratives, coming forward to make amends is often seen as a sign of genuine repentance, as seen in the story of Zacchaeus in <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a>, who immediately sought to repay those he had wronged.as the first of all the house of Joseph The "house of Joseph" refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. This phrase highlights the significance of Shimei's actions, as he represents a larger group. The tribes of Joseph were significant in Israel's history, often associated with leadership and blessing, as seen in <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Genesis 48:20</a>. Shimei's position as the first to come forward may indicate leadership or influence within his tribe, emphasizing the importance of his gesture of reconciliation.to come down to meet my lord the king. This phrase signifies humility and submission. "To come down" implies leaving one's place of comfort or status to approach someone of higher authority. Meeting "my lord the king" shows respect and acknowledgment of David's rightful position as king. This act of coming down is reminiscent of the humility required to approach God, as seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son in <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Luke 15:18-20</a>, where the son returns to his father in humility. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate submission and reconciliation found in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the King of Kings in the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/shimei.htm">Shimei</a> A member of the house of Saul who previously cursed King David but now seeks forgiveness. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, returning to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. 3. <a href="/topical/h/house_of_joseph.htm">House of Joseph</a> Represents the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, indicating a broader representation of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/a/absalom's_rebellion.htm">Absalom's Rebellion</a> A significant event where David's son Absalom attempted to overthrow his father, leading to David's temporary exile. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jordan_river.htm">Jordan River</a> The location where David is met by Shimei and others as he returns to Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledgment_of_sin.htm">Acknowledgment of Sin</a> Shimei's confession highlights the importance of recognizing and admitting our wrongdoings. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_forgiveness.htm">Seeking Forgiveness</a> Approaching those we have wronged is a crucial step in the process of reconciliation. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mercy.htm">The Role of Mercy</a> David's response to Shimei exemplifies the power of mercy and grace in leadership and personal relationships. <a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_unity.htm">Reconciliation and Unity</a> The return of David and the meeting with Shimei symbolize the restoration of unity within the nation. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_restoration.htm">God's Sovereignty in Restoration</a> Trust in God's plan for restoration and healing, even after significant conflict or sin.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_wise_woman_show_justice.htm">In 2 Samuel 20:16-22, how does the 'wise woman's' negotiation for Sheba's head align with the Bible's broader emphasis on justice and mercy?</a> <a href="/q/was_abijah's_mother_michaiah_or_maachah.htm">What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?</a> <a href="/q/is_1_chronicles_19_4_exaggerated.htm">Is there any historical or cultural precedent to justify the humiliating act of shaving half the beard and cutting garments (1 Chronicles 19:4), or does this detail seem exaggerated?</a> <a href="/q/can_angels_commit_sin.htm">Can angels commit sin?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) The house of Joseph.--Shimei was not strictly of "the house of Joseph," but of Benjamin; and it is plain that Joseph, as the name of the most prominent member, stands for all the tribes outside of Judah. This usage is well recognised at a later time (see <a href="/context/1_chronicles/5-1.htm" title="Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but for as much as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.">1Chronicles 5:1-2</a>; <a href="/amos/5-15.htm" title="Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.">Amos 5:15</a>), and it has hence been argued that it indicates a late date for the composition of the book; but it is also found in <a href="/context/psalms/80-1.htm" title="Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you that lead Joseph like a flock; you that dwell between the cherubim, shine forth.">Psalm 80:1-2</a>; <a href="/psalms/81-5.htm" title="This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.">Psalm 81:5</a> (the date of which it would be rash to attempt to fix), in the reign of Solomon, <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm" title="And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.">1Kings 11:28</a>, and probably very early in <a href="/judges/1-35.htm" title="But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.">Judges 1:35</a>. There is no reason why the expression may not have been used at the earliest date when there began to be a certain separation and distinction between Judah and the other tribes, which was soon after the conquest of Canaan. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - The first.., of all the house of Joseph. Shimei, who was a Benjamite, could not have thus claimed to be the representative of the northern tribes, had he remained on the western bank, where "half the people of Israel" were assembled. Strictly, "the house of Joseph" signified the tribe of Ephraim (<a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Judges 1:22, 35</a>; and comp. <a href="/psalms/78-67.htm">Psalm 78:67</a>), and in this sense Shimei did not belong to it. But Ephraim claimed a supremacy over all Israel; and one cause of the opposition to David certainly was the transference of the leadership to the tribe of Judah. Even the long reign of Solomon failed to weld the tribes together, and as soon as the reins of power fell into the weak hands of Rehobeam, an Ephraimite. Jeroboam, whom Solomon had made "ruler ever all the charge of the house of Joseph" (<a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">1 Kings 11:28</a>), quickly wrested the ten tribes from him. In <a href="/amos/5-6.htm">Amos 5:6</a> "the house of Joseph" signifies all the northern tribes, for the reason given in <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1, 2</a>; and such is its sense here. And Shimei compressed many powerful arguments in the phrase. For as a Benjamite he offered David the allegiance of the tribe which had given Israel its first king; while, as an Israelite, he professed also to represent the leading house of Ephraim, and all the northern tribes which usually followed its bidding. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/19-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction your servant עַבְדְּךָ֔ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant knows יָדַ֣ע (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֖י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I have sinned, חָטָ֑אתִי (ḥā·ṭā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn so here I am וְהִנֵּֽה־ (wə·hin·nêh-) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! today הַיּ֗וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day as the first רִאשׁוֹן֙ (ri·šō·wn) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> First, in place, time, rank of all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Joseph יוֹסֵ֔ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites to come down לָרֶ֕דֶת (lā·re·ḏeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to meet לִקְרַ֖את (liq·raṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way my lord אֲדֹנִ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller the king.” הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 19:20 For your servant does know that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 19:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 19:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 19:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 19:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>