KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Your servant knows that I have sinned. So look, I have come first today out of all the people from the northern tribes to go down and meet my lord the king.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is showing someone humbly admitting their wrongdoing and being the first to seek reconciliation with the king.
📚 Historical Context
This is Shimei speaking to King David as David returns to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion is crushed. Earlier, Shimei had cursed and thrown stones at David when he was fleeing the city. Now that David is victorious and returning as king, Shimei rushes to be the first from the northern tribes to meet David and ask forgiveness.
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