Overview
The Bible addresses cursing across 4 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Shimei, Reviling and Reproaching and Railing. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David, Saul, Shimei and Absalom.
Key Bible verses about cursing
Old Testament
2 Samuel
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. he came forth: or, he still came forth and cursed
And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: bloody: Heb. man of blood
The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. behold: Heb. behold thee in thy evil
People in the Bible and cursing
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying cursing for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 16:5, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of David, Saul and Shimei and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Shimei, Reviling and Reproaching and Railing.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about cursing?
The Bible addresses cursing across 4 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Shimei, Reviling and Reproaching and Railing. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David, Saul, Shimei and Absalom.
How many Bible verses are about cursing?
The Bible references cursing in 4 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention cursing?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Samuel 16:5: “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. he came forth: or, he still came forth and cursed”
Which people in the Bible are associated with cursing?
David, Saul, Shimei and Absalom.
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