King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:23 in the King James Version says “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. witchcraft: Heb. divination”

1 Samuel 15:23 · KJV

Context

21

But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. witchcraft: Heb. divination

24

And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

25

Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Samuel deepens the theological analysis: 'For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.' The Hebrew meri ('rebellion') and patsar ('stubbornness' or 'pushing') describe Saul's attitude. Comparing rebellion to witchcraft (qesem) and stubbornness to idolatry (teraphim) reveals their true nature: rejecting God's authority is functionally equivalent to seeking other gods. The verdict - 'Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king' - applies symmetrical justice: rejection receives rejection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Witchcraft and idolatry were capital offenses in Israel (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 13:6-11). Samuel's comparison elevates Saul's disobedience to the level of these fundamental covenant violations. The teraphim (household idols) represented foreign religious practice Israel was commanded to reject.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rebellion against God's word functionally equal idolatry?
  2. What does symmetrical justice ('you rejected... he rejected') teach about divine response to human choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֤י1 of 14
H3588

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

חַטַּאת2 of 14

“is as the sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

קֶ֙סֶם֙3 of 14

“of witchcraft”

H7081

a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle

מֶ֔רִי4 of 14

“For rebellion”

H4805

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

וְאָ֥וֶן5 of 14

“is as iniquity”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

וּתְרָפִ֖ים6 of 14

“and idolatry”

H8655

teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol

הַפְצַ֑ר7 of 14

“and stubbornness”

H6484

to peck at, i.e., (figuratively) stun or dull

יַ֗עַן8 of 14
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֖9 of 14

“Because thou hast rejected”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

אֶת10 of 14
H853

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

דְּבַ֣ר11 of 14

“the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֖13 of 14

“Because thou hast rejected”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

מִמֶּֽלֶךְ׃14 of 14

“thee from being king”

H4428

a king

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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 28:161 Samuel 13:14Leviticus 20:6Galatians 5:20Jeremiah 29:322 Corinthians 6:16

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