King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:6 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:6 in the King James Version says “And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch fo...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 24:6 · KJV

Context

4

And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. Saul's: Heb. the robe which was Saul's

5

And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

6

And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

7

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. stayed: Heb. cut off

8

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

Read 1 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

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.

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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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽאֲנָשָׁ֜יו2 of 20

“unto his men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

חָלִ֧ילָה3 of 20

“forbid”

H2486

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לִּ֣י4 of 20
H0
יְהוָ֖ה5 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אִם6 of 20
H518

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

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה֩7 of 20

“that I should do”

H6213

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

אֶת8 of 20
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֨ר9 of 20

“this thing”

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֤ה10 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַֽאדֹנִי֙11 of 20

“unto my master”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

מְשִׁ֥יחַ12 of 20

“against him seeing he is the anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

לִשְׁלֹ֥חַ14 of 20

“to stretch forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָדִ֖י15 of 20

“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

בּ֑וֹ16 of 20
H0
כִּֽי17 of 20
H3588

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

מְשִׁ֥יחַ18 of 20

“against him seeing he is the anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

הֽוּא׃20 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 1:14Job 31:29-30Romans 12:14-13:21 Samuel 26:9-11Matthew 5:441 Thessalonians 5:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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