King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:28 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:28 in the King James Version says “And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.”

1 Samuel 15:28 · KJV

Context

26

And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.

27

And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.

28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

29

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. Strength: or, Eternity, or, Victory

30

Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.

Read 1 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

Samuel interprets the torn garment: 'The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.' Three elements constitute this prophetic oracle: the divine actor ('the LORD hath rent'), the timing ('this day'), and the replacement ('a neighbour... better than thou'). The 'neighbour' is David, though unnamed. 'Better than thou' does not mean sinless but indicates a heart orientation toward God that Saul lacks. The kingdom transfer is presented as accomplished fact, though Saul will reign many more years.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The transfer to David would not be complete for approximately 15 years, yet Samuel announces it as accomplished 'this day.' Prophetic perspective often telescopes future events as present realities. David is described as 'better' because of his heart attitude (13:14), not moral perfection.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's giving the kingdom to one 'better' teach about the basis of divine favor?
  2. How should we understand prophetic 'this day' announcements of events that unfold over years?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 14

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל3 of 14

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

קָרַ֨ע4 of 14

“hath rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

יְהוָ֜ה5 of 14

“unto him The LORD”

H3068

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

אֶֽת6 of 14
H853

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

מַמְלְכ֧וּת7 of 14

“the kingdom”

H4468

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל8 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ9 of 14
H5921

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

הַיּ֑וֹם10 of 14

“from thee this 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

וּנְתָנָ֕הּ11 of 14

“and hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְרֵֽעֲךָ֖12 of 14

“it to a neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

הַטּ֥וֹב13 of 14

“of thine that is better”

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

מִמֶּֽךָּ׃14 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 15:28 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 15:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 28:17-18Acts 13:221 Samuel 2:7-8Daniel 4:171 Samuel 13:141 Samuel 16:12

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