King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:18 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:18 in the King James Version says “And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into th... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 24:18 · KJV


Context

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

19

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

20

And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul correctly interprets David's restraint as divine test passed. The Hebrew 'higadta' (you have declared/shown) suggests David's actions spoke louder than words. Saul's acknowledgment that 'the LORD had delivered me into thine hand' admits divine providence favored David—a stunning concession from a king pursuing supposed conspiracy. The phrase 'thou killedst me not' (velo heragattani) states the obvious but significant: David had opportunity and motive yet chose mercy. Saul's reasoning demonstrates that even spiritually blind persons can sometimes recognize God's hand in circumstances, though recognition alone does not produce transformation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern succession often involved assassination of rivals. David's restraint was culturally remarkable—most pretenders to a throne would have seized such an opportunity. Saul's recognition of this demonstrated understanding of what David's action cost him.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has God 'delivered' someone into your power, and how did you respond?
  2. What does Saul's accurate perception of providence teach about knowledge without obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאַתָּ1 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הִגַּ֣דְתָּ2 of 15

And thou hast shewed

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הַיּ֔וֹם3 of 15

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

אֵ֛ת4 of 15
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834

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

עָשִׂ֥יתָה6 of 15

how that thou hast dealt

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אִתִּ֖י7 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

טוֹבָ֑ה8 of 15

well

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֵת֩9 of 15
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 15
H834

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

סִגְּרַ֧נִי11 of 15

had delivered

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

יְהוָ֛ה12 of 15

with me forasmuch as when the LORD

H3068

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

בְּיָֽדְךָ֖13 of 15

me into thine 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

וְלֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

הֲרַגְתָּֽנִי׃15 of 15

thou killedst

H2026

to smite with deadly intent


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 24:18 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 24:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study