King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:8 in the King James Version says “David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul look... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 24:8 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

10

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיָּ֨קָם1 of 21

also arose

H6965

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

דָּוִ֥ד2 of 21

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו3 of 21

after

H310

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

כֵ֗ן4 of 21
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיֵּצֵא֙5 of 21

afterward and went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵֽן6 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמְּעָרָ֔ה7 of 21

of the cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

וַיִּקְרָ֧א8 of 21

and cried

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו9 of 21

after

H310

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

שָׁאוּל֙10 of 21

And when Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לֵאמֹ֖ר11 of 21

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנִ֣י12 of 21

My lord

H113

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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ13 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

וַיַּבֵּ֤ט14 of 21

looked

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

שָׁאוּל֙15 of 21

And when Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו16 of 21

after

H310

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

וַיִּקֹּ֨ד17 of 21

stooped

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

דָּוִ֥ד18 of 21

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אַפַּ֛יִם19 of 21

with his face

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אַ֖רְצָה20 of 21

to the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃21 of 21

and bowed

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)


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 24:8 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 24:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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