King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:16 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:16 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

1 Samuel 24:16 · KJV


Context

14

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

15

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. deliver: Heb. judge

16

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

17

And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

18

And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. delivered: Heb. shut up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

Saul's emotional response reveals a soul momentarily pierced by conscience. The Hebrew interrogative 'haqolekha zeh' (is this thy voice) suggests disbelief—Saul cannot comprehend the mercy shown him. The address 'my son David' (beni David) uses familial language that acknowledges the relationship Saul's madness had denied. His weeping (Hebrew 'vayisa qolo vayyevk') involves 'lifting his voice,' indicating loud, convulsive sobbing. This public breakdown before his army reveals how completely David's restraint overwhelmed Saul's defenses. Yet tears of emotion differ from tears of repentance—Saul wept at David's goodness without truly repenting of his own evil.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture valued honor and shame. Saul's public weeping before his troops represented significant loss of composure. David's speech was delivered from a safe distance, and Saul's question suggests David was far enough that recognition required confirmation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes emotional response to conviction from genuine repentance?
  2. How do you respond when someone shows you mercy you don't deserve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 19
H1961

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

כְּכַלּ֣וֹת2 of 19

had made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

דָוִ֑ד3 of 19

And it came to pass when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְדַבֵּ֞ר4 of 19

of speaking

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶת5 of 19
H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֤ים6 of 19

these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙7 of 19
H428

these or those

אֶל8 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֛וּל9 of 19

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר10 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֛וּל11 of 19

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

קֹל֖וֹ12 of 19

Is this thy voice

H6963

a voice or sound

זֶ֖ה13 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בְּנִ֣י14 of 19

my son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דָוִ֑ד15 of 19

And it came to pass when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א16 of 19

lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

שָׁא֛וּל17 of 19

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

קֹל֖וֹ18 of 19

Is this thy voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃19 of 19

and wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan


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 24:16 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 24:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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