King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:24 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:24 in the King James Version says “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth a... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

1 Samuel 14:24 · KJV


Context

22

Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.

23

So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.

24

And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

25

And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.

26

And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

Saul's oath - 'Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies' - represents characteristic overreach. The phrase 'that I may be avenged' reveals self-centered motivation: victory serves Saul's vengeance, not God's glory. This rash vow creates multiple problems: weakening his troops ('the men of Israel were distressed'), endangering his son who was absent when pronounced, and eventually causing the people to sin (verse 32). Poor leadership produces cascading harm.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Military fasting oaths were known in ancient Near Eastern warfare, sometimes seeking divine favor through sacrifice. Saul's oath, however, appears more about demonstrating intensity and control than genuine piety. Such binding oaths, once pronounced, were considered irrevocable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do rash vows made from wrong motives produce unintended harm?
  2. What does Saul's focus on 'my enemies' rather than 'God's enemies' reveal about his heart?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
הָ֠אִישׁ1 of 24

And the men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל2 of 24

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נִגַּ֖שׂ3 of 24

were distressed

H5065

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

בַּיּ֣וֹם4 of 24

that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא5 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֹּאֶל֩6 of 24

had adjured

H422

properly, to adjure, i.e., (usually in a bad sense) imprecate

שָׁא֨וּל7 of 24

for Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶת8 of 24
H853

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

הָעָ֖ם9 of 24

So none of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹ֗ר10 of 24

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָר֣וּר11 of 24

Cursed

H779

to execrate

הָ֠אִישׁ12 of 24

And the men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר13 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֹ֨אכַל14 of 24

that eateth

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לָֽחֶם׃15 of 24

any food

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

עַד16 of 24
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעֶ֗רֶב17 of 24

until evening

H6153

dusk

וְנִקַּמְתִּי֙18 of 24

that I may be avenged

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

מֵאֹ֣יְבַ֔י19 of 24

on mine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

וְלֹֽא20 of 24
H3808

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

טָעַ֥ם21 of 24

tasted

H2938

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

כָּל22 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֖ם23 of 24

So none of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לָֽחֶם׃24 of 24

any food

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)


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 14:24 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 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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