King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:11 in the King James Version says “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 ki... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 24:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 30 words
וְאָבִ֣י1 of 30

Moreover my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּרְאֵה֙2 of 30

see

H7200

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

גַּ֗ם3 of 30
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

וּרְאֵה֙4 of 30

see

H7200

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

אֶת5 of 30
H853

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

כְּנַ֨ף6 of 30

the skirt

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

מְעִֽילְךָ֜7 of 30

of thy robe

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

בְּיָדִ֜י8 of 30

in 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

כִּ֡י9 of 30
H3588

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

בְּכָרְתִי֩10 of 30

for in that I cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת11 of 30
H853

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

כְּנַ֨ף12 of 30

the skirt

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

מְעִֽילְךָ֜13 of 30

of thy robe

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וְלֹ֣א14 of 30
H3808

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

הֲרַגְתִּ֗יךָ15 of 30

and killed

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

דַּ֤ע16 of 30

thee not know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וּרְאֵה֙17 of 30

see

H7200

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

כִּי֩18 of 30
H3588

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

אֵ֨ין19 of 30
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בְּיָדִ֜י20 of 30

in 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

רָעָ֤ה21 of 30

that there is neither evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וָפֶ֙שַׁע֙22 of 30

nor transgression

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וְלֹֽא23 of 30
H3808

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

חָטָ֣אתִי24 of 30

and I have not sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לָ֔ךְ25 of 30
H0
וְאַתָּ֛ה26 of 30
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

צֹדֶ֥ה27 of 30

against thee yet thou huntest

H6658

to chase; by implication, to desolate

אֶת28 of 30
H853

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

נַפְשִׁ֖י29 of 30

my soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לְקַחְתָּֽהּ׃30 of 30

to take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)


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 24:11 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 24:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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