King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:11 in the King James Version says “The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the s... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

1 Samuel 26:11 · KJV


Context

9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

10

David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.

11

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

12

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

13

Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's command to take Saul's spear and water cruse rather than his life demonstrates both restraint and strategic thinking. The spear represented royal authority and military power; the water cruse symbolized sustenance and life itself. Taking these items without harming Saul would prove David's proximity and power while demonstrating his mercy. The phrase 'the LORD forbid' (Hebrew: 'chalilah li') expresses horror at the very thought of harming God's anointed, revealing David's internalized conviction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The spear of a king was more than a weapon; it served as a scepter and symbol of royal power. Saul is frequently depicted with his spear throughout 1 Samuel. The water cruse (a clay water jar) was essential in the arid wilderness and would have been kept near the king for his personal use.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you demonstrate power through restraint rather than through force?
  2. What symbolic actions might communicate your intentions more effectively than direct confrontation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
חָלִ֤ילָה1 of 19

forbid

H2486

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

לִּי֙2 of 19
H0
יְהוָ֑ה3 of 19

The LORD

H3068

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

מִשְּׁלֹ֥חַ4 of 19

that I should stretch forth

H7971

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

יָדִ֖י5 of 19

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

בִּמְשִׁ֣יחַ6 of 19

anointed

H4899

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

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 19

The LORD

H3068

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

וְ֠עַתָּה8 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

קַח9 of 19

but I pray thee take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

נָ֨א10 of 19
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶֽת11 of 19
H853

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

הַחֲנִ֜ית12 of 19

thou now the spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר13 of 19
H834

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

מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֛ו14 of 19

that is at his bolster

H4763

properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)

וְאֶת15 of 19
H853

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

צַפַּ֥חַת16 of 19

and the cruse

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

הַמַּ֖יִם17 of 19

of water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְנֵֽלְכָה18 of 19
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לָּֽנוּ׃19 of 19
H0

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 26:11 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 26:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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