King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:12 in the King James Version says “And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

1 Samuel 18:12 · KJV


Context

10

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

11

And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

12

And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

13

Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

14

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. behaved: or, prospered


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

Saul's fear of David arose precisely 'because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.' The Hebrew syntax emphasizes the contrast: divine presence with David, divine absence from Saul. Fear of those God empowers often indicates awareness of one's own spiritual poverty. Saul's condition had become tragically clear: unable to destroy David, unable to ignore his own rejection, unable to repent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings typically claimed divine favor as legitimization of their rule. Saul's recognition of God's presence with David implicitly acknowledged his own loss of divine sanction. This awareness made David's success threatening rather than encouraging.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does fearing Spirit-filled people reveal about one's own spiritual condition?
  2. How does Saul's sad awareness contrast with those who recognize God's work and rejoice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּרָ֥א1 of 11

was afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

שָׁא֖וּל2 of 11

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מִלִּפְנֵ֣י3 of 11

of

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

דָוִ֑ד4 of 11

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּֽי5 of 11
H3588

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

הָיָ֤ה6 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְהוָה֙7 of 11

because the LORD

H3068

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

עִמּ֔וֹ8 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וּמֵעִ֥ם9 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׁא֖וּל10 of 11

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

סָֽר׃11 of 11

was with him and was departed

H5493

to turn off (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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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