King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:12 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 26:12 · KJV

Context

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:

14

And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?

Read 1 Samuel 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The narrative reveals divine intervention through the 'deep sleep from the LORD' (Hebrew: 'tardemah') that fell upon Saul's camp. This same word describes Adam's sleep during Eve's creation and Abram's during the covenant vision. God's sovereign control ensures David's protection through supernatural means while preserving David's moral integrity. The phrase 'no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked' emphasizes the completeness of divine protection that allowed David to accomplish his mission without bloodshed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew 'tardemah' describes a divinely induced unconsciousness that appears at crucial moments in Israel's history. This supernatural sleep prevented any possibility of David being detected, demonstrating that God Himself orchestrated both the opportunity and the protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God's supernatural protection in dangerous circumstances?
  2. What does this account teach about the relationship between human action and divine sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיִּקַּח֩1 of 25

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

דָּוִ֨ד2 of 25

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶֽת3 of 25
H853

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

הַחֲנִ֜ית4 of 25

“the spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

וְאֶת5 of 25
H853

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

צַפַּ֤חַת6 of 25

“and the cruse”

H6835

a saucer (as flat)

הַמַּ֙יִם֙7 of 25

“of water”

H4325

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

מֵרַֽאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י8 of 25

“bolster”

H7226

a pillow (being for the head)

שָׁא֔וּל9 of 25

“from Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ10 of 25
H1980

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

לָהֶ֑ם11 of 25
H0
וְאֵ֣ין12 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

רֹאֶה֩13 of 25

“and no man saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְאֵ֨ין14 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹדֵ֜עַ15 of 25

“it nor knew”

H3045

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

וְאֵ֣ין16 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מֵקִ֗יץ17 of 25

“it neither awaked”

H6974

to awake (literally or figuratively)

כִּ֤י18 of 25
H3588

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

כֻלָּם֙19 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְשֵׁנִ֔ים20 of 25

“for they were all asleep”

H3463

sleepy

כִּ֚י21 of 25
H3588

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

תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת22 of 25

“because a deep sleep”

H8639

a lethargy or (by implication) trance

יְהוָ֔ה23 of 25

“from the LORD”

H3068

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

נָֽפְלָ֖ה24 of 25

“was fallen”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃25 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 26:12 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 26:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 2:21Genesis 15:12Isaiah 29:101 Samuel 26:7Esther 6:11 Samuel 24:4

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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