King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:20 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:20 in the King James Version says “And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thin...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 24:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.

22

And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

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Commentary

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

Saul's declaration confirms what Jonathan earlier stated (23:17)—even David's persecutor knew his kingship was inevitable. The Hebrew emphatic construction 'yado'a yadati' (knowing I know/I know well) expresses certainty beyond doubt. The phrase 'shall be established' (Hebrew 'qum') indicates lasting dynasty, not merely David's personal reign. This public acknowledgment before Saul's army effectively conceded the succession dispute. Yet Saul's knowledge did not produce submission—he would resume pursuit despite this confession. His statement fulfilled Samuel's earlier prophecy while demonstrating that theological knowledge without heart transformation produces only more culpable rejection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Saul's public acknowledgment of David's future kingship created significant political implications. His soldiers heard their king admit the succession would not follow normal dynastic patterns. This confession became part of the public record validating David's later reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. What truths do you 'know well' that your behavior contradicts?
  2. How does Saul's knowledge of David's destiny while opposing it illustrate hardened hearts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְעַתָּה֙1 of 10
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִנֵּ֣ה2 of 10
H2009

lo!

יָדַ֔עְתִּי3 of 10

“And now behold I know well”

H3045

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

כִּ֥י4 of 10
H3588

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

תִּמְל֑וֹךְ5 of 10

“be king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תִּמְל֑וֹךְ6 of 10

“be king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְקָ֙מָה֙7 of 10

“shall be established”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔8 of 10

“in 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

מַמְלֶ֖כֶת9 of 10

“and that the kingdom”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃10 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 24:20 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 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 23:172 Samuel 3:17-18Matthew 2:3-6Job 15:25Matthew 2:16Matthew 2:13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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