King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:31 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:31 in the King James Version says “So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.

1 Samuel 15:31 · KJV


Context

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.

31

So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.

32

Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

33

And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.

Samuel's reversal - 'So Samuel turned again after Saul' - surprises after his firm refusal in verse 26. The text provides no explanation, though his return enables the execution of Agag that follows. Perhaps Samuel responds to Saul's plea for public dignity, or perhaps completing the charam requires his presence. 'Saul worshipped the LORD' - Saul's worship proceeds, though its meaning is transformed by context. Worship continues even as relationship is broken; religious form persists without spiritual substance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Samuel's return has puzzled interpreters. His change may reflect compassion for Saul's public position or recognition that Agag's execution required prophetic action. The worship at Gilgal proceeded, though under the shadow of rejection.

Reflection Questions

  1. What explains Samuel's willingness to return despite his earlier refusal?
  2. How can worship continue even when fundamental relationship with God is broken?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיָּ֥שָׁב1 of 7

turned again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל2 of 7

So Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י3 of 7

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שָׁא֖וּל4 of 7

Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ5 of 7

worshipped

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

שָׁא֖וּל6 of 7

Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לַֽיהוָֽה׃7 of 7

the LORD

H3068

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


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 15:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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