King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:21 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 24:21 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul's request reveals his true concern—dynastic survival rather than personal life. The Hebrew 'lo tachrit et-zar'i acharai' (you will not cut off my seed after me) asks protection for descendants. Ancient Near Eastern succession often involved eliminating rival claimants—Saul feared David would practice what he himself would have done. The phrase 'destroy my name' (tashmid shemi) concerns legacy obliteration, the worst fate imaginable in honor-shame cultures. Saul's request for oath 'by the LORD' seeks divine guarantee. Having failed to kill David, he now negotiates for his family's survival, acknowledging David's eventual power over life and death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dynastic elimination was common practice—new kings often killed previous royal families to prevent rival claims. Saul's request acknowledged David would have power to destroy his house. The oath 'by the LORD' invoked divine witness and curse for violation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Saul's focus on family survival reveal about his priorities?
  2. How should those in power treat the families of former rivals?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה2 of 15

Swear

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לִּי֙3 of 15
H0
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה4 of 15

now therefore unto me by the LORD

H3068

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

וְאִם5 of 15

that thou wilt not

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּכְרִ֥ית6 of 15

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

אֶת7 of 15
H853

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

זַרְעִ֖י8 of 15

my seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אַֽחֲרָ֑י9 of 15

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְאִם10 of 15

that thou wilt not

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּשְׁמִ֥יד11 of 15

me and that thou wilt not destroy

H8045

to desolate

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

שְׁמִ֖י13 of 15

my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מִבֵּ֥ית14 of 15

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִֽי׃15 of 15

out of my father's

H1

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


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 24:21 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 24:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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