King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:10 in the King James Version says “Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some b... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

1 Samuel 24:10 · KJV


Context

8

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

9

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

10

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

11

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

12

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
הִנֵּה֩1 of 25
H2009

lo!

הַיּ֤וֹם׀2 of 25

Behold 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

הַזֶּ֜ה3 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

רָא֣וּ4 of 25

have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינֶ֗יךָ5 of 25

thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֵ֣ת6 of 25
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר7 of 25
H834

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

נְתָֽנְךָ֩8 of 25

had delivered

H5414

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

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 25

for he is the LORD'S

H3068

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

הַיּ֤וֹם׀10 of 25

Behold 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

יָדִי֙11 of 25

into mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה12 of 25

in the cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וָֽאֹמַ֗ר13 of 25

and some bade

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַהֲרָֽגְךָ֖14 of 25

me kill

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וַתָּ֣חָס15 of 25

thee but mine eye spared

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

עָלֶ֑יךָ16 of 25
H5921

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

וָֽאֹמַ֗ר17 of 25

and some bade

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא18 of 25
H3808

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

אֶשְׁלַ֤ח19 of 25

I will not put forth

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָדִי֙20 of 25

into mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בַּֽאדֹנִ֔י21 of 25

against my lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

כִּֽי22 of 25
H3588

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

מְשִׁ֥יחַ23 of 25

anointed

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יְהוָ֖ה24 of 25

for he is the LORD'S

H3068

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

הֽוּא׃25 of 25
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


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 24:10 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 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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