King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 12:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 12:23 in the King James Version says “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the g... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: in: Heb. from

1 Samuel 12:23 · KJV


Context

21

And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

22

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: in: Heb. from

24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. how: or, what a great thing

25

But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

Samuel makes an astonishing statement: failure to pray for Israel would be sin 'against the LORD.' Intercessory prayer is not optional ministry but moral obligation for spiritual leaders. The parallel commitment to 'teach you the good and the right way' pairs prayer with instruction as the prophet's dual responsibility. Samuel models the Reformed understanding that Word and prayer together constitute the minister's essential calling. Neither pastoral care through intercession nor prophetic teaching through proclamation can be neglected.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Samuel's commitment to continued intercession and instruction established the prophetic vocation as distinct from kingship. Prophets would serve as conscience to kings, praying for the nation while speaking God's truth regardless of royal approval.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you consider failure to pray for those in your care as sin against God?
  2. How are prayer and teaching connected in faithful spiritual leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
גַּ֣ם1 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אָֽנֹכִ֗י2 of 14

Moreover as for me

H595

i

חָלִ֤ילָה3 of 14

God forbid

H2486

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לִּי֙4 of 14
H0
מֵֽחֲטֹ֣א5 of 14

that I should sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לַֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 14

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵֽחֲדֹ֖ל7 of 14

in ceasing

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל8 of 14

to pray

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

בַּֽעַדְכֶ֑ם9 of 14
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֣י10 of 14

for you but I will teach

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

אֶתְכֶ֔ם11 of 14
H853

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

בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ12 of 14

way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַטּוֹבָ֖ה13 of 14

you the good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְהַיְשָׁרָֽה׃14 of 14

and the right

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 12:23 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 Samuel 12:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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