King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 10:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 10:4 in the King James Version says “Then said Saul to his armourbearer , Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and ... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said Saul to his armourbearer , Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. abuse me: or, mock me

1 Chronicles 10:4 · KJV


Context

2

And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. Abinadab: also called, Ishui.I.Sam.14.49.

3

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. and the archers: Heb. and the shooters with bows hit: Heb. found

4

Then said Saul to his armourbearer , Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. abuse me: or, mock me

5

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.

6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Divine judgment on disobedience. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Contrast between failed human kingship and Christ's perfect reign.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Saul's death and divine judgment occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Divine judgment on disobedience challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Contrast between failed human kingship and Christ's perfect reign teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 28 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 28

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁאוּל֙2 of 28

Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל3 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נֹשֵׂ֣א4 of 28

me But his armourbearer

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כֵלָ֜יו5 of 28
H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

שְׁלֹ֥ף6 of 28

Draw

H8025

to pull out, up or off

הַחֶ֔רֶב7 of 28

a sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְדָקְרֵ֣נִי8 of 28

and thrust

H1856

to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile

בָ֗הּ9 of 28
H0
פֶּן10 of 28
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יָבֹ֜אוּ11 of 28

come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָֽעֲרֵלִ֤ים12 of 28

me through therewith lest these uncircumcised

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙13 of 28
H428

these or those

וְהִתְעַלְּלוּ14 of 28

and abuse

H5953

to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)

בִ֔י15 of 28
H0
וְלֹ֤א16 of 28
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָה֙17 of 28

would

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

נֹשֵׂ֣א18 of 28

me But his armourbearer

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כֵלָ֔יו19 of 28
H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

כִּ֥י20 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרֵ֖א21 of 28

afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מְאֹ֑ד22 of 28

not for he was sore

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיִּקַּ֤ח23 of 28

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שָׁאוּל֙24 of 28

Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶת25 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֶ֔רֶב26 of 28

a sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַיִּפֹּ֖ל27 of 28

and fell

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עָלֶֽיהָ׃28 of 28
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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